Repeated breakdowns that end with your vehicle on a tow truck are more than a headache—they may be a sign your car, truck, or SUV qualifies as a “lemon” under California law. If you’re stuck in a cycle of stall, tow, repair, repeat, you’re not alone. This article explains how the California Lemon Law views repeated towing and how to document your situation so you can talk with a professional about your options.
Repeated Towing? California Lemon Law Basics
California’s Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects buyers and lessees of new and certain used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. In plain terms, if a warrantied vehicle has substantial defects that the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts, the owner may be entitled to a refund or replacement. “Substantial” generally means the defect affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety—not just minor inconveniences.
Repeated towing due to breakdowns can be a strong indicator that a defect is substantial. Each tow often corresponds to a failure that leaves the vehicle inoperable, a safety concern, or a loss of confidence in the car. These events also tend to add up to significant “days out of service,” which California law considers when evaluating whether the reasonable repair threshold has been met. While every case is fact-specific, frequent tows tied to the same or related problems are a red flag.
California law doesn’t set a single, rigid formula that applies to every situation, but there are common guideposts. For example, multiple repair attempts for the same issue, or 30 or more cumulative days in the shop, may weigh in favor of lemon law coverage. Safety-related defects sometimes require fewer attempts. Keep in mind: this is general information, not legal advice. A consultation is necessary to assess whether your pattern of breakdowns and towing fits the law’s requirements.
How to Document Tows, Repairs, and Warranty Claims
Start a simple paper or digital file for your vehicle. Keep every tow receipt, roadside assistance case number, and invoice, even if the tow was “no-charge” through the manufacturer. Note the date, mileage, weather, dashboard warnings (like check engine or battery lights), and what the car did (stalled, wouldn’t start, lost power). Photos or short videos of warning lights can help preserve what happened between the breakdown and the tow.
Ask the dealership or authorized repair center for detailed repair orders every time, including the “customer states” description, technician notes, diagnostic codes, and parts replaced. If a repair attempt is “no problem found,” request that this be documented in writing. Keep records of loaner vehicles or rental cars, as well as any out-of-pocket costs for towing, rentals, or rideshares—these may be considered incidental expenses under the law.
Review your warranty booklet so you know which repairs must be performed at an authorized facility and how to escalate concerns to the manufacturer. Track cumulative days the vehicle is unavailable due to breakdowns and repairs. If the same issue keeps recurring, politely point out the repair history at each visit so it’s reflected in the paperwork. These objective records can help a lemon law attorney evaluate your case and communicate effectively with the manufacturer.
If you’re dealing with repeated breakdowns and towing, you don’t have to navigate the California Lemon Law alone. The right documentation can make a difference, and a focused review of your repairs, warranty, and downtime can help determine next steps. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon at (310) 489-3017 or https://zaplemon.com.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results depend on the specific facts of each case; no guarantees are made. For guidance about your situation, please contact ZapLemon to request a consultation.