California’s Lemon Law gives consumers powerful tools when a new or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle spends too much time in the shop or a defect won’t get fixed. You may have heard of AB 1755 in conversations about repair attempts and time limits. Below, ZapLemon explains how these concepts work in plain English, and shares practical steps you can take right now to protect your rights—without giving legal advice or making any promises about outcomes.
AB 1755 Explained: Repair Attempts and Time Limits
AB 1755 is often mentioned alongside California’s Lemon Law because it focuses attention on how many repair attempts and how much downtime can trigger consumer remedies. The core protections still come from the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (often called the California Lemon Law) and the Tanner Consumer Protection Act, which together require manufacturers to fix warranty-covered defects within a reasonable number of attempts. If they can’t, they may be required to repurchase or replace the vehicle. In everyday terms: if your car keeps going back to the dealership for the same problem and it’s not getting fixed, the law may offer relief.
Under California’s “lemon law presumption,” certain numbers act as guideposts during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first): typically 2 repair attempts for a defect that could cause death or serious injury, 4 or more attempts for a non-safety defect, or 30+ cumulative days out of service for any combination of issues. These numbers are not absolute requirements—many valid cases exist outside these thresholds, and cases can also exist beyond the 18-month/18,000-mile window. Think of the presumption as a shortcut that can make a claim easier to prove, not as the only way to qualify. Because legislation can shift details over time, including bills like AB 1755, it’s smart to verify current rules with a professional.
Time limits matter too. While specifics can depend on your situation, California claims are typically governed by a statute of limitations measured in years, and the clock can be tied to when you knew (or should have known) the defect wasn’t being fixed under warranty. The manufacturer usually must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair, and some warranties encourage or require you to contact the manufacturer directly or consider an arbitration program before filing a lawsuit. If you’re approaching a deadline or unsure about the timing, get a consultation so you can make informed decisions based on up-to-date law.
California Strategy: Records, Warranties, Next Steps
Start with meticulous records. Each time you visit the dealership, ask for a detailed repair order that lists your complaint in your own words, the technician’s findings, the parts replaced, and the dates in and out. Track mileage and the total number of days your vehicle is unavailable. If the issue is intermittent—like a transmission shudder or an electrical glitch—describe when it happens (speed, temperature, road conditions) and insist that the service advisor write those details down. Save emails, texts, and call logs with the dealer or manufacturer.
Know your warranties. Many vehicles come with multiple layers of coverage: bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, emissions, hybrid/EV components, corrosion, and sometimes extended service contracts. Read the warranty booklet and check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls that match your symptoms. Follow the maintenance schedule and avoid modifications that could complicate coverage. If a dealer says “no problem found,” schedule a ride-along to reproduce the issue, and consider returning promptly if the issue recurs—this creates a clear repair history.
Plan your next steps. If repeated repairs aren’t fixing the problem, escalate to the manufacturer and keep written confirmation of your complaint. Some brands participate in arbitration programs that can be quicker than court, though participation may be optional. A practical approach is to build a simple timeline (dates, mileage, defect, repair attempt, days out of service), review your warranty, and then speak with a California lemon law team about your options. For an informational review of your situation, contact ZapLemon at 844-ZAP-LEMON or visit www.zaplemon.com. A consultation is the best way to understand the current law, including any updates associated with AB 1755, and how it might apply to your facts.
Persistent defects, repeated repair attempts, and mounting days out of service can be overwhelming, but California’s Lemon Law gives you a path forward. While AB 1755 has sparked discussion about repair attempts and time limits, the practical steps—document issues, confirm warranty coverage, and get timely guidance—remain the same. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon at 844-ZAP-LEMON or visit www.zaplemon.com to schedule a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with ZapLemon, and no such relationship is formed unless and until a written engagement agreement is signed. Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. For advice about your specific situation, please contact ZapLemon directly.