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.
If your 2025 Subaru Impreza keeps visiting the service bay for the same problems, you’re not alone—and you’re right to start asking about California’s lemon law. This guide breaks down how the law generally works for California consumers, what “reasonable repair attempts” means, and practical steps you can take right now to protect your rights. It’s educational, plain-English information to help you get oriented, not legal advice.
2025 Subaru Impreza Lemon Law: California Guide
California’s lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) can apply to new and used vehicles sold or leased in California that are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. In simple terms, a vehicle may qualify as a “lemon” when a defect that arose during the warranty period substantially impairs the car’s use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer, through its authorized dealerships, can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. This framework can include a 2025 Subaru Impreza purchased or leased in California, as long as the eligibility elements are met.
What’s a “reasonable number” of repair attempts? California has a helpful guideline (often called the “lemon law presumption”) that applies during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Generally, the presumption may be triggered if: there are two or more attempts to repair a defect likely to cause serious injury or death; or four or more attempts to repair the same non-safety defect; or the vehicle is out of service for repair for a total of 30 or more days. Even if you’re outside that 18 months/18,000 miles window, you may still have a claim—the presumption just makes things easier to prove, but it’s not the only way to show your car qualifies.
If your Impreza meets the law’s requirements, possible outcomes can include a manufacturer repurchase (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement (sometimes called “cash-and-keep”). Repurchase typically includes your down payment, monthly payments, taxes and fees, and certain incidental costs like towing or rental cars, minus a mileage offset for your use before the first repair attempt. Every case is fact-specific. Keep thorough records, understand your warranty, and consider speaking with a professional so you can evaluate your options.
What to Do if Repairs Keep Failing on Your Impreza
Start by documenting everything. Each time you visit the dealer, ask for a printed repair order that lists your complaint in your own words (“vehicle hesitates on acceleration,” “infotainment screen freezes and reboots,” “airbag warning light stays on”), the technician’s findings, and what was done. Keep a folder with dates, mileage, photos or videos of the symptoms, and any communications with the service advisor or Subaru customer care. If problems continue, open a case with Subaru’s manufacturer hotline and write down the case number.
Watch for patterns and safety issues. For example, if you’re experiencing recurring transmission shudder or hesitation, repeated check-engine lights, battery drains, brake pulsation, power steering warnings, water leaks, or persistent infotainment malfunctions that affect visibility or controls, note how often they happen and how long the car stays at the shop. Count total days out of service (including days waiting for parts). Avoid modifications or aftermarket tuning that could complicate warranty coverage, and keep up with scheduled maintenance per the owner’s manual.
If repeated repairs aren’t resolving the issue, it may be time to explore your rights. You can ask about voluntary arbitration programs, but you don’t have to go that route. Deadlines may apply to lemon law and warranty claims, and the rules can be nuanced. A California lemon law attorney can review your records, help you assess whether your situation might meet legal standards, and discuss potential remedies like buyback, replacement, or compensation. Many lemon law statutes include fee-shifting provisions, meaning if you prevail the manufacturer may pay your reasonable attorney’s fees. For guidance tailored to your situation, schedule a consultation.
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.