If you’re a California owner or lessee of a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander dealing with repeat repairs, warning lights, or time-consuming service visits, you may be wondering whether your SUV could qualify as a “lemon.” California’s Lemon Law offers important protections when a new vehicle has substantial defects that the manufacturer can’t fix within a reasonable number of attempts. Below, we explain how the law generally works and the practical steps you can take now to protect your potential claim.
Does Your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Qualify as a Lemon?
California’s Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally applies to new vehicles purchased or leased in California that are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. A vehicle may qualify as a lemon when it has a defect or “nonconformity” that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or its authorized dealership can’t repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. This can include issues that are intermittent, as long as they are documented and persist despite repair efforts.
California also has a helpful “presumption” that may apply during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). The presumption can be triggered if: (1) the dealer attempted to repair the same issue at least four times; (2) the dealer attempted to repair a safety-related defect at least two times; or (3) the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days. You can still have a claim even if you’re outside these early milestones—the presumption just makes certain proofs easier.
Examples that can point to a potential lemon include recurring check-engine lights, repeated hybrid system warnings, brake or steering problems, transmission or acceleration hesitation, persistent wind or water leaks, A/C that won’t cool, electrical or infotainment failures (such as a freezing screen or a malfunctioning backup camera), and vibration or alignment issues that return after repairs. It’s not about a single hiccup—what matters is a continuing problem that affects use, value, or safety, and a clear record that the manufacturer had a fair chance to fix it.
California Lemon Law Steps to Protect Your Case
Start documenting from day one. Keep every repair order and invoice, note dates and mileage, and describe the symptoms you experienced in plain language. Ask the service advisor to include your complaint on the repair order—even if the dealer says “could not duplicate” or “operating as designed.” Photos and short videos of warning lights, noises, or leaks can help. Store everything together, including tow receipts, rental car bills, and any emails or texts with the dealer or Toyota.
Bring the vehicle back promptly when the problem returns and always use an authorized Toyota dealership. Give the dealer a reasonable number of opportunities to fix the issue. If repairs drag on, politely escalate: ask to speak with the service manager, open a case with Toyota corporate, and check your warranty booklet for any manufacturer-run dispute programs (such as arbitration). Arbitration can be optional in California—you don’t have to go through it to have rights under the Lemon Law—but it’s one tool some owners consider. Be mindful that legal deadlines apply; many lemon claims must be brought within a set time, so don’t wait to learn your options.
Before agreeing to a trade-in, signing a goodwill release, or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with a lemon law attorney to understand your rights and potential remedies. In California, successful outcomes can include a repurchase (buyback), replacement, or payment for incidental damages like towing and rental costs, subject to a mileage offset. Every case is unique and fact-specific, so a consultation is the best way to assess your situation and avoid missteps. ZapLemon can review your repair history and help you plan next steps.
This article is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If you believe your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon for a confidential consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. Attorney advertising.