California Lemon Law for Out-of-State Vehicles (2025 Guide)

If you’re experiencing an issue with a vehicle you’ve recently purchased or leased and it feels like your vehicle has been back-and-forth for the same issue, you may have a vehicle that’s considered a ‘lemon.’ Even if you bought your vehicle out-of-state, you may be protected by California Lemon Law for out-of-state vehicles.

What Happens If I Bought A ‘Lemon’ Out-Of-State?

California enacted the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, typically called the California “Lemon Law” Act. The regulations under the Act are designed to protect California consumers who might have bought a defective vehicle.

California’s Lemon Law applies to out-of-state vehicles – only if the vehicle was bought or leased in California and remains under warranty through the manufacturer as a new-vehicle warranty. Further, Lemon Laws apply to used vehicles that are purchased with a new car warranty.

Generally, California Lemon Laws don’t apply to cars purchased out-of-state. If your vehicle is mostly driven in California and if the vehicle has a warranty from the manufacturer, you might still be protected by Lemon Laws in California. Of note, if you bought a vehicle out of state, you might qualify under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which provides federal Lemon Law protections across state lines.

If considering purchasing an out-of-state vehicle, it’s important to address whether repairs could be covered under warranty at specifically authorized service centers near your home. Also, it’s crucial to discuss with the dealership or the manufacturer whether the warranty might be honored in California. If the warranty promised isn’t going to be valid in California, it’s important to consider negotiating supplemental vehicle warranty coverage.

What Remedies Are Available in California?

Under California Lemon Law (Civ. Code § 1793.22), the vehicle purchaser is typically entitled to a buyback of the vehicle (a full refund), a vehicle replacement, or a settlement. In California, a vehicle can typically qualify for Lemon Law protections and the owner can pursue said remedies if:

• There’s a severe vehicle defect that affects its safety, use, or value that first presented during the warranty period.
• The owner made a reasonable number of attempts to try to repair the defects (through the manufacturer and/or vehicle dealership).
• The defect wasn’t caused by after-market (unauthorized) modifications, owner neglect, or owner abuse.

Documentation is crucial in order to prove the vehicle defects, the attempts at repair, and all steps have been taken to try to repair the defect. However, a California Lemon Law claim typically cannot proceed for vehicles purchased outside of California unless a protection exception applies.

Why Do I Need a Lemon Law Attorney for My Vehicle Purchased Out of State?

Sometimes, it can be complicated to determine whether to pursue a claim for a lemon vehicle when it was purchased outside of California. An experienced local attorney familiar with Lemon Law claims can be invaluable in order to help:

• Determine whether your vehicle can qualify under the Lemon Laws
• Explain the complexities of California Lemon Laws
• Negotiate on your behalf with an auto manufacturer or car dealership as necessary
• Protect your rights and make sure you don’t agree to unfavorable terms
• Get you fair compensation for the defective vehicle you received
• Create an advantage if arguing in court is required
• Help you achieve positive results from your claim and maximize your financial recovery
• Comprehensively support you throughout the process

An attorney can be worthwhile for a Lemon Law case where the purchase was completed out-of-state. Lemon Law matters can become complicated and an experienced attorney who has handled these legal matters can build a strong case on your behalf.

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: What Exceptions to California’s Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars Purchased Out-of-State?

A: California’s Lemon Law protections do not apply to cars purchased out-of-state. Yet, there are some exceptions and Lemon Law protections for:

• Active military members who are stationed in California with vehicles purchased outside of California
• Full-time California residents who bought their vehicle elsewhere
• People using vehicles mostly in California (under manufacturer warranty)

If you have a vehicle purchased outside California, you may still qualify for the federal Lemon Law protections.

Q: What Vehicles Qualify for California Lemon Laws?

A: In California, vehicles usually qualify for protections under California Lemon Laws when:

• There are severe vehicle defects affecting their safety, use, or value that first presented during the warranty period
• The owner made reasonable attempts to repair the defects
• The defects weren’t caused by unauthorized, after-market modifications, owner neglect, or owner abuse

An experienced California attorney can discuss whether your car, truck, RV, SUV, trailer, motorcycle, electric vehicle, or boat is a lemon.

Q: How Hard Is It to Win a Lemon Law Case for an Out-of-State Vehicle in California?

A: It can be quite difficult to win a Lemon Law case in California for a vehicle purchased out-of-state. The Lemon Laws require considerable amounts and types of documentation relevant to the vehicle defects and reasonable attempts to fix the defects. While it’s difficult, a well-informed Lemon Law attorney can further consider your unique case and help maximize the likelihood of recovery for your situation.

Q: What Can Invalidate a California Lemon Law Claim?

A: In California, a Lemon Law claim can be invalidated if:

• The owner’s neglect or abuse of the vehicle actually caused the defect
• Aftermarket parts/modifications resulted in vehicle defects
• The owner didn’t act to have the vehicle fixed (the law requires a reasonable number of attempts)
• The defect is actually minor
• The claim was filed after the deadline to resolve the issue has expired

A skilled California attorney can further discuss pursuing a Lemon Law claim.

Statewide Representation – Contact Experienced California Lemon Law Attorneys Today

For questions regarding vehicles purchased outside California and Lemon Law protections, it’s crucial to contact a trusted attorney familiar with this complex area of law. The Ley del Limón Pro legal team can help discuss your vehicle and address the extensive history of your vehicle.

Our helpful legal team can answer any important questions you might have about California Lemon Laws and consumer protections during a free consultation. Additionally, we do not charge clients any attorney fees if we do take on your case. Contact our office right away to get advice from experienced California Lemon Law attorneys.