If your car keeps heading back to the shop for the same issues, you’re probably searching for answers about the California Lemon Law and seeing references to “AB 1755.” In plain terms, California’s lemon protections live in the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, and bill numbers like AB 1755 refer to legislative activity that may clarify or update how those protections work. The day-to-day steps consumers take to make a claim, however, follow a familiar path: document the problem, give the manufacturer a fair chance to fix it, and escalate if the defect isn’t resolved.
AB 1755 Explained: California Lemon Law Basics
You’ll often see “AB 1755” mentioned in online discussions of California lemon law, but your core rights come from the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the Tanner Consumer Protection Act. Those laws cover new vehicles—and many used or leased vehicles—so long as they’re still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If a substantial defect impairs use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer (through its authorized dealer) can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a repurchase (buyback) or replacement, plus certain incidental costs.
What counts as a “reasonable number” depends on the facts. California’s lemon law includes a helpful presumption within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: generally, four or more repair attempts for the same issue, two or more for a defect that could cause serious injury or death, or 30 or more total days out of service may trigger the presumption. Common examples include transmission shudder or failure, power steering loss, brake defects, repeated check-engine warnings, electrical faults, or high-voltage battery and charging issues in EVs. Even if you fall outside the presumption window, you may still have a claim based on the overall repair history.
If you came here specifically for “AB 1755,” know that bill numbers can refer to proposed or enacted tweaks to existing rules. The big picture remains the same: your rights flow from the warranty and California’s consumer protection framework. Because legislation evolves, it’s smart to verify the current status of any bill that may affect procedure or remedies and to consult a lawyer about how any change could apply to your situation. ZapLemon can walk you through the latest developments while focusing on the practical steps that move your claim forward.
Step-by-Step Process for California Lemon Claims
Start by confirming warranty coverage and documenting everything. Read your warranty booklet to understand coverage periods and what counts as an authorized repair. Each time you visit the dealer, describe the symptom the same way, request a detailed repair order showing dates, mileage in and out, your complaint, the technician’s findings, and parts replaced, and keep copies. If your car is undrivable, note tow receipts and rental or rideshare costs; these can matter later for incidental expenses.
Give the manufacturer a fair chance to fix the problem. Schedule repairs with an authorized dealer, and don’t skip visits just because a dashboard light goes off temporarily—intermittent issues still count if documented. If the same defect keeps returning or your vehicle is accumulating days out of service, ask the service advisor to escalate with the manufacturer’s technical line. Serious safety defects may require fewer attempts, but the key is a clear paper trail showing the defect and the efforts to repair it.
If the problem persists, formally notify the manufacturer and request a repurchase or replacement. Many consumers send a written demand with copies of repair orders, a timeline of visits and days out of service, and a clear statement of the defect. Some brands run voluntary arbitration programs you can try before or instead of filing suit; these can be faster but are not always required, and outcomes vary. If your claim proceeds, potential remedies can include a buyback with a mileage offset for the use you received before the first repair attempt, a replacement vehicle, and certain incidental expenses. Next steps and strategy depend on your facts, so a consultation is important to understand options and timelines.
This article is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and their interpretations change, and results depend on specific facts. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (844) 927-5366 or visit https://zaplemon.com. We can review your repair history, explain your options, and help you decide on next steps.