Common Lemon Law Disputes in California and How to Resolve Them (2025)

As a California consumer, you might have questions about common Lemon Law disputes in California and how to resolve them. In California, some common Lemon Law disputes traditionally have included disagreements about qualifying a vehicle as a ‘lemon,’ whether the repair attempts were reasonable, and whether ample opportunity to repair was given. Lemon Law disputes can typically be resolved through negotiation, arbitration, or legal action.

California passed the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, usually called the California “Lemon Law” Act. The Act is designed to protect consumers in California who might have purchased a defective vehicle where the repetitive vehicle issues impact the safety, use, or value of their vehicle.

What Is Considered A ‘Lemon’ In California?

A vehicle is deemed a ‘lemon’ when it has experienced substantial defects that impact its safety, use, or value, and the manufacturer (when given the opportunity) has made a reasonable number of attempts to try to repair the vehicle unsuccessfully.

What Common California Disputes Involve Lemon Law Vehicles?

In California, some common disputes involving lemons have emerged. These common disputes include:

• Issues over the severity of the defect. Often, parties disagree about whether a vehicle’s defect is severe enough to qualify as a lemon.
• The number of repair attempts. Sometimes, disputes occur about whether the manufacturer (or car dealership) had plenty of opportunities to resolve the vehicle defect.
• The time frame for repairs. Disputes arise about whether the actual repair attempts occurred within a reasonable period of time.
• The responsibility of the manufacturer (and/or car dealership). Arguments arise over whether the manufacturer or vehicle dealership is legally responsible for the defect or whether the issues arose because of owner abuse, neglect, or aftermarket modifications.

Since disputes have often involved common factors, the methods to resolve a Lemon Law claim are extensive in California.

How Should I Resolve My California Lemon Law Claim?

In California, there are multiple ways to resolve issues you may have experienced with a vehicle as a consumer. These resolution methods include:

• Negotiating directly with a manufacturer or dealership. Either you or a trusted attorney can negotiate directly by contacting the vehicle’s manufacturer or the car dealership to discuss all potential repair options or even a vehicle buyback.
• Buyback or vehicle replacement. Under California Ley del Limón, you are typically entitled to the buyback or replacement of your lemon.
• The outcome is typically binding and the parties agree to the arbitrator, who is typically selected based on their experience resolving prior Lemon Law claims.
• This is a confidential and informal process where parties can resolve disputes by hiring a neutral third party (the mediator) to help the parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
• Contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles in California. You can reach out to the DMV to report ongoing issues or complaints regarding your vehicle or dealership interactions.
• Extended warranty. As part of an overall settlement agreement, you can discuss an extended warranty period to resolve the vehicle’s issues.
• Legal action. If all other resolution methods fail, an attorney with experience handling Lemon Law claims can assist with a vehicle replacement, refund, or financial recovery.

There are multiple ways to resolve a California Lemon Law claim. Generally, consulting a local Lemon Law attorney can help improve your likelihood of successfully resolving your vehicle issues.

How Can I Strengthen My California Lemon Law Claim?

In California, it’s crucial to document everything related to your vehicle and to keep copies of all communications with the vehicle manufacturer and/or car dealership. You should keep open communication with the parties involved in resolving the issues with your vehicle.

Contact A Lemon Law Attorney

It’s crucial to consult a trusted Lemon Law attorney with experience resolving claims just like yours since they can help explain your legal rights, answer your legal questions, and help throughout the entire legal process.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: What Are the Options to Resolve a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: If you have a lemon vehicle, you can resolve your claim in California through:

• Arbitration
• Refund
• Vehicle replacement
• Financial compensation
• Extended warranty as part of the agreement to settle
• Mediation
• Filing with the California DMV

An experienced local Lemon Law attorney can help explore your options and can potentially help increase your settlement.

Q: What Formula Is Used for Lemon Law Buyback in California?

A: In California, the formula used to calculate a Lemon Law buyback is:

(Miles driven/120,000) x (purchase price of the vehicle) = mileage offset

Then the mileage offset is subtracted from the purchase price to determine the buyback payout. Sometimes, the buyback amount includes supplemental damages like rental car fees, repair costs, or towing fees. Also, the manufacturer might deduct a ‘usage fee.’

An experienced attorney can help additionally explain the buyback calculation and whether your vehicle qualifies for Lemon Law buyback.

Q: What Damages Could Be Recovered in California if a Lemon Law Claim Is Successful?

A: In California, if a Lemon Law claim is successful, you could recover:

• The full vehicle purchase price (including registration fees, sales tax, finance charges, etc.)
• Reimbursement for incidental expenses (rental car fees, towing fees, etc.)
• Reasonable attorney fees and costs

Essentially, you can recover compensation for the problems with the vehicle because of its defects. An attorney can advise you and fully explore all possible recovery for a California Lemon Law claim.

Q: How Successful Are Lemon Law Cases in California?

A: It’s often hard to win a Lemon Law case in California because the law requires considerable documentation in order to prove the defects of the vehicle and the reasonable number of attempts made to remedy the issues. While it’s not impossible to win a Lemon Law claim, it’s important to think about consulting an attorney to help with this complicated area of California law and also to improve the likelihood that you win your case.

Consult A Trusted California Lemon Law Attorney Today – Statewide Representation

An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can help explain common disputes and further discuss how to comprehensively resolve them to maximize your recovery. A trusted attorney can listen to your unique situation and then help tailor their advice to your individual vehicle’s history of repairs.

The California Lemon Law legal team at Ley del Limón Pro can help right away. We offer free consultations and do not charge any attorney fees to clients. Contact our office today to speak with an experienced California attorney familiar with Lemon Law matters.