ZapLemon – California Lemon Law Firm
Free California lemon law case review

Hate Your “New” Car?
We help California drivers get compensation from their bad vehicles.

In qualifying cases: we typically seek attorney fees from the manufacturer, not you.
Frustrated driver discussing issues with his vehicle

If your car keeps going back to the dealer, stays in the shop for weeks, or never feels truly fixed, we use California lemon law to push back on the manufacturer.

  • We review your repair history and warranty story.
  • We deal directly with the manufacturer or their lawyers.
  • You get a clear plan for buyback, replacement, or cash settlement options.
Cost concern? California lemon law is generally “fee-shifting,” so in a qualifying case we typically pursue attorney fees from the manufacturer instead of billing you by the hour.

We routinely review vehicles from brands sold in California, including:

Acura Alfa Romeo Audi BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge FIAT Ford Genesis GMC Honda Hyundai INFINITI Jaguar Jeep Kia Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Mazda Mercedes-Benz MINI Mitsubishi Nissan Porsche Ram Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Rivian Lucid Polestar Maserati Bentley Ferrari Lamborghini Rolls-Royce Aston Martin McLaren Other domestic & imported brands

Brand names are for identification only. ZapLemon is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any vehicle manufacturer. We evaluate potential claims based on your repair history and California lemon law, not on the brand alone.

Quick reality check: If your “new” or used car has been in repeatedly for the same problem, or stuck at the dealership for long stretches, that’s exactly the kind of situation California lemon law was written for.

Tell Us What’s Going On With Your Car

Share a few details about your vehicle and repair history. We’ll review your situation under California lemon law.

Attorney fees: In qualifying cases, California lemon law is generally fee-shifting, meaning we typically seek attorney fees from the manufacturer rather than billing you by the hour.

Takes about 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation.

    Your information is kept confidential. Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. An attorney–client relationship is formed only after you sign a written retainer agreement.

    What We Do in a Free Case Review

    A short conversation and your repair paperwork are usually enough to see how your situation fits under California’s lemon law and related warranty rules.

    You generally do not pay hourly attorney fees in a qualifying lemon law case. California lemon law is generally fee-shifting, and we typically seek attorney fees from the manufacturer. Results and fee recovery depend on the facts, warranty coverage, and how the case resolves.
    1

    We listen to your vehicle story

    You tell us the basics: year, make, model, mileage, and what keeps going wrong. We’ll ask about how many repair visits you’ve had, how long the car has been in the shop, and whether the dealer has ever said “no fix available” or “this is normal.”

    2

    We review your repair records

    Repair orders often tell a story the dealership doesn’t spell out. We look at concern codes, technician notes, parts replaced, and days out of service to see how your facts line up with California lemon law protections.

    3

    We explain your options in plain English

    If your case fits, we talk through potential outcomes like buyback, replacement, or a cash settlement. You decide whether to move forward—no pressure and no obligation.

    Do I Have a Lemon?

    You don’t have to speak “mechanic” to know something’s wrong. These kinds of problems often signal a lemon law case when they keep coming back.

    Engine stalling, loss of power, or rough running that never really goes away
    Transmission jerking, slipping, or refusing to shift properly
    Persistent check engine, airbag, ABS, or safety warnings
    EV charging issues, sudden range drops, or battery warnings
    Infotainment freezes, black screens, or constant software glitches
    Steering vibration, pulling, or stability warnings that keep returning
    Water leaks, strong odors, or recurring rattles and noises
    Long dealership stays with “no fix available” or “waiting on parts”

    Instead of guessing, send us your repair orders. We’ll look at the pattern and tell you how your facts fit California lemon law.

    Why Drivers Use ZapLemon

    Built around California lemon law and real-world repair histories, not generic one-size-fits-all claims.

    California Focus

    Lemon law is the core, not the side project

    We focus on California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and related warranty laws, so the attention stays on manufacturer defects, warranty language, and what your paperwork actually shows.

    Evidence-Driven

    We speak “dealer” and “manufacturer”

    Warranty codes, repair notes, and service bulletins often tell a story the manufacturer would rather soft-pedal. We use that paper trail to press your claim.

    Fee-Shifting Law

    In qualifying cases, the manufacturer typically pays attorney fees

    California’s lemon law is generally fee-shifting. That means we typically seek attorney fees from the manufacturer when a qualifying case resolves, instead of billing you by the hour.

    Remote-First

    Handle everything from your phone

    From uploads and signatures to meetings, most things can be done by phone, Zoom, and secure electronic forms, so you don’t have to rearrange your life to pursue your rights.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Short answers to the questions most drivers ask before they reach out.

    How much does it cost to see if my car is a lemon?

    The review is free. If we take your case, California lemon law is generally fee-shifting, so we typically seek attorney’s fees from the manufacturer in a qualifying case instead of billing you by the hour.

    Do I pay attorney fees, or does the manufacturer pay?

    In a qualifying case, we typically pursue attorney fees from the manufacturer under California’s fee-shifting lemon law rules. Whether fees are recovered depends on the facts and how the matter resolves.

    Do used or leased vehicles ever qualify?

    Yes, many do. If there’s qualifying warranty coverage and repeated repair attempts or long days out of service, it’s often worth having your paperwork reviewed, even for used or leased cars.

    Is there a magic number of repair visits?

    Not really. California law looks at things like how serious the defect is, how often the car has been in, and how long it’s been out of service. We look at the pattern, not just a single visit.

    Will I lose my car right away if I start a claim?

    Usually no. If your case qualifies, we negotiate for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement. You’ll have a chance to understand the options and timing before any resolution is finalized.

    How quickly will I hear back after submitting the form?

    After you send your information, we review your details and reach out to talk through how your facts fit California lemon law and what the next step could look like.

    Ready to See If Your Car Qualifies?

    Send us your repair history or call. We’ll review your situation under California lemon law. In a qualifying case, we typically seek attorney fees from the manufacturer.