Start with the records. Repair orders, warranty documents, mileage, and days out of service are more useful than general assumptions about whether a vehicle qualifies.
Shopping for a 2025 Nissan Murano in California? Before you sign anything, it’s smart to understand how California’s lemon law works and what your warranty actually covers. The goal is not to scare you off the showroom floor, but to help you make an informed purchase and know what to do if problems crop up later. At ZapLemon, we educate drivers about their rights so they can act with confidence when a new car doesn’t perform as promised.
2025 Nissan Murano Lemon Law Basics for Californians
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (often called the California lemon law) protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles that turn out to have significant defects covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If your 2025 Murano has a defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts—the law may entitle you to a refund or replacement. “Substantial” doesn’t just mean a car that won’t start; repeated electrical faults, braking concerns, steering issues, persistent infotainment failures, HVAC problems, or warnings related to advanced driver-assistance systems may also matter, depending on the facts.
California also has a helpful “presumption” that can make claims more straightforward within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. The presumption may apply if, for example, the vehicle is out of service for repairs for a total of 30 days, there are 4 or more unsuccessful repair attempts for the same problem, or there are 2 or more attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death. These are guidelines, not hard ceilings—cases outside the presumption window can still qualify, but the proof may be different. The key is to report problems promptly and give the manufacturer a fair chance to fix them.
If your vehicle qualifies, potential remedies under California law can include a buyback (repurchase) or a replacement, plus reimbursement for certain incidental expenses like towing or rental cars. In a repurchase, the manufacturer generally gets a “mileage offset” for the use you had before the first repair attempt, often calculated using a formula that considers your purchase price and the mileage at the first qualifying repair. California law can also provide for the manufacturer to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees if you prevail. Every case turns on its facts, so documenting issues and repairs from day one is critical.
Before You Sign: Nissan Murano Warranty Checklist
Before you drive off in a new 2025 Murano, ask the dealer to show you the full warranty booklet and go over it line by line. Look for the basic (often called “bumper-to-bumper”) coverage period, the powertrain warranty, emissions warranties, corrosion coverage, and any separate coverage for safety restraint systems or hybrid/EV components if applicable. Warranties vary by model year and manufacturer, so don’t rely on assumptions or past vehicles—confirm the exact terms, what’s covered, what’s excluded, and when coverage starts (the “in-service” date).
Ask how Nissan handles software updates, calibrations for ADAS features, and battery testing for accessories or auxiliary systems, since many modern issues are software or sensor related. Clarify whether repairs must be done at authorized dealerships and how to schedule service quickly if a warning light appears. Review any dispute resolution language—some manufacturers reference arbitration or informal programs. In California, you generally can’t waive your lemon law rights in advance, but it’s still important to know what steps you may be asked to try before a claim moves forward.
Finally, protect yourself with clean documentation from day one. At delivery, note anything that seems off—unusual noises, infotainment freezes, vibration, alignment pull—and ask the dealer to write it on a “due bill” or repair order, even if they plan to correct it immediately. Keep copies of every repair order showing complaint, diagnosis, and work performed, and save receipts for towing or rental costs. If a dashboard light comes on or a feature fails, take photos or short videos and record the date and mileage. Good records can help you get faster warranty help—and, if necessary, support your lemon law rights later.
Need a case-specific review?
Use the case-review form to share the warranty, repair orders, dates, mileage, and supporting facts an attorney would need to evaluate, or call (877) 492-8282.
Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.