If your 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost keeps returning to the service bay for the same problem, you’re not alone—and you may be wondering whether California’s lemon law applies to a high-end vehicle like yours. It does. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act protects buyers and lessees of new and certain used vehicles, regardless of badge or price point. The key is to act promptly, keep strong records, and understand how the law works before the clock runs out.
2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost: CA Lemon Law Essentials
In California, the lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally applies to new vehicles purchased or leased with a factory warranty, including luxury models like the 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost. It can also cover certain certified pre-owned vehicles and demonstrators if they’re sold with a manufacturer’s warranty. The focus is whether a substantial defect arises during the warranty period and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot repair it within a reasonable number of attempts.
What counts as a “substantial defect”? It’s a problem that impairs use, value, or safety. For a Ghost, examples might include recurring electrical issues (battery drain, infotainment or camera failures, driver-assist malfunctions), air suspension warnings or ride-height faults, transmission shudder, brake vibration, steering pull, HVAC failures, coolant or oil leaks, or persistent warning lights that won’t resolve. Software-related glitches and over-the-air update loops can matter too—especially if they affect safety systems or leave the vehicle undrivable.
If a vehicle qualifies, potential outcomes under California law can include a repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement (“cash-and-keep”), depending on the circumstances. Manufacturers are typically allowed a reasonable number of chances to fix the issue, and safety defects may require fewer attempts. Keep in mind there is usually a mileage offset for the time you were able to use the vehicle before the defect first appeared. Every case is fact-specific, so a professional review can help you understand your options.
Act Fast: Time Limits, Records, and Next Steps
Don’t wait too long to act. California’s statute of limitations for lemon law claims is generally four years from when you knew or should have known the vehicle might be a lemon. Issues must arise during the warranty period, so prompt reporting and repair attempts are critical. Extended dealer backlogs, courtesy vehicles, or brand concierge services don’t necessarily pause the legal clock. The sooner you document the problem and seek guidance, the better positioned you are to preserve your rights.
Strong paperwork often makes the difference. Keep copies of every repair order, work invoice, warranty repair line, and diagnosis—whether the fix was successful or “no problem found.” Note dates the Ghost was out of service, including days awaiting parts or software patches, because cumulative downtime can matter. Save emails and texts with the dealer or manufacturer, loaner or rental records, photos or videos of the defect, and your own log describing symptoms (when they occur, dashboard warnings, weather, speed, and how the problem affects driving).
Consider these general next steps: schedule repairs quickly when issues appear; describe the concern clearly and ask the service advisor to record the complaint in detail; verify warranty coverage and any technical service bulletins; and avoid modifications that could complicate warranty claims. If problems persist after multiple attempts, consider speaking with a California lemon law attorney. Before signing any release or accepting a goodwill offer, get a professional review so you understand the trade-offs. ZapLemon can evaluate your situation, walk you through options, and help you plan a practical path forward.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results are not guaranteed, and each matter depends on its specific facts. If you believe your 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost may qualify as a lemon under California law, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. We’re here to answer questions, review your records, and help you understand your next steps.