Lemon Law for Commercial Vehicles in California (2025 Guide)

A commercial vehicle can quickly become a burden rather than a joy to own. Chronic issues with the basic functions of a vehicle can mean weeks out of service and high costs for repairs. Thankfully, state and federal laws protect California consumers against defective commercial vehicles. An experienced attorney can help explain relevant Lemon Law for commercial vehicles in California, explore your vehicle’s unique history, and answer any questions about Lemon Laws.

What Protections Fall Within California Lemon Laws for Commercial Vehicles?

California has enacted the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly known as California Lemon Laws. This Act protects California consumers who have purchased or leased a new vehicle for personal use. Lemon Laws apply to new and used vehicles purchased with a vehicle warranty.

Of note, Lemon Laws also extend coverage to business owners who lease or own no more than five vehicles registered in California primarily being used for business purposes. Consumer protections depend on the vehicle’s weight, which means the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) without people or cargo inside (just the vehicle itself and its actual weight).

California Lemon Law protects commercial vehicles with a GVW not to exceed 10,000 pounds and applies when the vehicle:

• Is used mainly for business reasons
• Was a commercial truck or van bought in California
• Is under the vehicle warranty from the original manufacturer
• Has a defect or has defective auto parts impacting its safety, use, or value
• Is defective not because of driver abuse
• Has been out of commission for a specified period of time

Consequently, if your truck has a substantial defect that’s been unable to be fixed with a reasonable number of tries and within the warranty period, you may be owed a refund, a vehicle replacement, or a financial settlement.

How Do I Know If My Commercial Vehicle Is a Lemon?

Each case is different and a factfinder (usually a court) decides whether your commercial vehicle is in fact a lemon. However, there are some guidelines to help decide whether you should file a claim for a lemon commercial vehicle. You might have a valid claim if:

• Your commercial vehicle has experienced the same major problem.
• You’re worried about the vehicle’s safety, being able to use it, or the value of the vehicle.
• Your vehicle is under warranty and the problems you’re facing should be covered by the vehicle warranty.
• You’ve maintained your truck in an appropriate way and are still experiencing issues.
• You didn’t cause any issues with your vehicle because of alterations or parts added after the purchase.

If you believe you potentially have a lemon vehicle claim, it’s important to speak with an attorney experienced with complicated Lemon Laws in California. They can focus on the details of your specific vehicle’s history and help determine the options available for your recovery.

Why Should I Hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

When your company vehicle is acting like it’s a lemon, consulting a lawyer can help:

• Ensure you file a claim within California’s Lemon Law deadlines
• Decide if your commercial vehicle qualifies for protection
• Explain this complex area of law
• Negotiate on your behalf
• Protect your legal rights
• Get full compensation for your defective commercial vehicle
• Explore available legal options to resolve your vehicle’s issues
• Provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process

An attorney can prove invaluable for a Lemon Law claim. An experienced attorney can help build a strong case to resolve your unique commercial vehicle issues.

FAQs

Q: Does California Lemon Law Cover My Commercial Vehicle?

A: Being able to bring a California commercial vehicle Lemon Law claim depends on the vehicle’s weight, which means the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) without people or cargo inside. California law protects ‘lemon’ commercial vehicles with a GVW under 10,000 pounds and if, after a reasonable number of attempts to repair it, the vehicle defect/issue:

• Is covered by the manufacturer’s new-vehicle warranty,
• Substantially impacts the vehicle’s safety, use, or value, and
• Wasn’t caused by unreasonable/unauthorized use post-purchase

Q: What Can Invalidate a Commercial Vehicle Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: Lemon Laws do not apply to all vehicle defects in California and only actually apply to parts that fall within the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty. Certain actions can invalidate a commercial vehicle’s Lemon Law protection in California, including installing aftermarket parts or general modifications to the vehicle post-purchase.

If you are concerned about any potential invalidation of your commercial vehicle affecting California Lemon Law protections, a knowledgeable attorney can assist you further.

Q: How Challenging Is It to Win a Commercial Vehicle Lemon Law Case in California?

A: It can be quite difficult to win a Lemon Law case involving a commercial vehicle in California. This is true since California law mandates substantial documentation in order to substantiate your vehicle defect complaints and the reasonable attempts taken to correct the defects. While winning a Lemon Law case is tricky, an experienced Lemon Law attorney can assist with these complicated cases, discuss your options, and often increase the potential value of your claim.

Q: Why Do Manufacturers Deny California Commercial Vehicle Lemon Claims?

A: Manufacturers deny many initial Lemon Law claims for commercial vehicles in California for several reasons, including:

• The manufacturer doesn’t comprehend Lemon Laws and they erroneously deny your claim.
• Manufacturers unethically deny claims without justification and hope you might just give up without your refund/replacement/financial recovery.
• The decision-maker doesn’t have all the supporting documentation.

In order to avoid or resolve a claim denial, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Lemon Law attorney.

Contact Trusted California Lemon Law Attorneys for Commercial Vehicle Claims

Avoid wondering if your commercial vehicle is a lemon and getting frustrated that you can’t trust or drive your vehicle. An attorney can help you determine if your commercial truck is in fact a lemon and can help explore whether the manufacturer owes you a refund, replacement, or financial recovery.

At Lemon Law Pro, we are ready to help our clients all over the state get what they’re owed under California law after buying a lemon vehicle. We never charge attorney fees and offer free consultations for all Lemon Law cases. Contact us today to consult an experienced California Lemon Law attorney right away.