Skip to main content

Understanding California’s Lemon Law: Protecting Your Rights for Vehicle Repairs

Overview:

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers and businesses who purchase or lease new or used motor vehicles that turn out to be defective and unfixable despite repeated repair attempts.

Key Points:

  • California’s Lemon Law covers various vehicles, including cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and other watercraft.
  • It applies to vehicles under warranty that demonstrate persistent issues despite a reasonable number of repair attempts.
  • If you believe your vehicle qualifies under the Lemon Law, seeking legal advice is essential to navigate the complexities and maximize your chances of success.

Qualifying for Lemon Law Relief:

While individual cases require professional assessment, here’s a general overview of typical Lemon Law qualifying factors:

  • Vehicle covered: Ensure your vehicle type falls under the law’s protections.
  • Warranty coverage: Your vehicle must be under warranty during the repair attempts.
  • Number of repair attempts: The specific number of attempts varies depending on the severity of the issue. For example, safety-related problems require fewer attempts than non-safety concerns. However, generally, several documented attempts within a reasonable timeframe are necessary.
  • Nature of the defect: The defect must be substantial and significantly impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
  • Timeframe: Repairs within a reasonable time frame are crucial. Consult an attorney to understand specific time limits applicable to your case.

Seeking Legal Guidance:

A qualified Lemon Law attorney at can:

  • Assess your case: They will evaluate the details of your situation, including vehicle type, warranty information, repair history, and defect severity, to determine your eligibility for Lemon Law relief.
  • Understand the process: Navigating Lemon Law claims involves specific procedures and deadlines. An attorney can guide you through the essential steps, filing requirements, and potential outcomes.
  • Maximize your claim: Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to a vehicle replacement, repurchase, or financial compensation. Legal expertise can help you pursue the most suitable remedy.

Remember:

  • Each case is unique, and professional legal advice is crucial for navigating the complexities of Lemon Law and protecting your rights effectively.
  • Seeking prompt legal guidance is important, as time limits may apply for filing claims.
  • By understanding the basics of California’s Lemon Law and seeking qualified legal guidance, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome if your vehicle qualifies for protection under this law.
  • Contact an experienced Lemon Law Lawyer of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274).

Understanding Key Requirements for a Lemon Law Claim in California

Overview:

  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: To invoke California’s Lemon Law, your vehicle must have been accompanied by a manufacturer’s warranty at the time of purchase (new or used).
  • Substantial Defect: Your vehicle must exhibit a persistent defect that significantly diminishes its:
    • Use: Does the issue restrict how you can utilize the vehicle as intended?
    • Value: Has the defect lowered the vehicle’s worth compared to similar models without the issue?
    • Safety: Does the defect create a risk to your safety or others on the road?

Examples:

  • Use: An irreparable transmission problem rendering the vehicle unreliable.
  • Value: A faulty sunroof causing water leaks, decreasing the car’s market value.
  • Safety: A vehicle prone to stalling, posing a significant safety hazard.

Remember:

  • Each case is unique, and consulting a qualified Lemon Law attorney is essential for assessing your individual situation and eligibility.
  • Seeking prompt legal guidance is important, as time limits may apply for filing claims.
  • By understanding the basics of California’s Lemon Law and seeking qualified legal guidance, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome if your vehicle qualifies for protection under this law.
  • Contact an experienced Lemon Law Lawyer of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274).

Demonstrating Repair Attempts and Potential Remedies in Lemon Law Claims

  • After experiencing a qualifying defect, your vehicle must undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized agent before a Lemon Law claim can be pursued.
  • The number of attempts considered reasonable depends on the defect’s severity. Safety-related issues typically require fewer attempts than non-safety concerns.
  • If repairs fail to resolve the defect, you may be entitled to legal remedies such as:
    • Full refund: This includes the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and finance charges.
    • Replacement vehicle: You may receive a defect-free replacement of the same or comparable model.
    • Additional compensation: You may be eligible for reimbursement of related expenses like towing, repairs, and rentals.
    • Civil penalty: In some cases, you may be awarded additional damages as a penalty against the manufacturer.

Important Notes:

  • Each case is unique, and consulting a qualified Lemon Law attorney is essential for assessing the reasonableness of repair attempts and your eligibility for specific remedies.
  • Time limits may apply for filing claims, so seeking prompt legal guidance is crucial.
  • By understanding the basics of California’s Lemon Law and seeking qualified legal guidance, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome if your vehicle qualifies for protection under this law.
  • Contact an experienced Lemon Law Lawyer of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274).

Results Matter:

Our commitment to our clients success has produced > 99% success rate !  Recent successful results achieved for our clients:

  • Toyota Tundra:       $86,000.00
  • Audi SUV:                 $42,000.00
  • VW SUV:                   $35,000.00
  • Hyundai Sedan:      $25,000.00
  • Genesis Sedan:        **Full Lemon Law Buyback**
  • Chevrolet SUV:        $47,000.00
  • Cadillac SUV:           $110,000.00
  • Cadillac SUV:           $100,000.00
  • Hybrid/EV:               *** $$$  “Cash & Keep” Settlement ***

In the event a manufacturer or the dealer is unable (or unwilling) to make our client whole, we do not hesitate to file suit and pursue the matter to trial to achieve the success of our clients.

If you have any questions, concerns, or have a vehicle that you think might be a lemon, contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney of the Markarian Law Firm at 877-MARKARIAN (877-627-5274)