Bought a car that keeps breaking down? You’re not alone—and California has strong consumer protections that may help. The state’s Lemon Law can provide relief when a vehicle under the manufacturer’s warranty has problems that the dealer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Below, we explain what the law covers, how it works, and practical steps you can take to protect your rights.
What California’s Lemon Law Covers and How It Works
California’s Lemon Law—part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—applies to many new and used vehicles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty and are purchased or leased in California. Covered vehicles typically include cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and many electric vehicles, as well as some business-use vehicles that meet certain size or weight limits. The defect must be covered by the warranty and must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Common examples include repeated transmission slipping, stalling, brake problems, electrical or infotainment failures, steering issues, battery or charging faults in EVs, and persistent “check engine” lights.
The law generally requires that the manufacturer (through its authorized dealers) be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the problem. California also has a helpful “Lemon Law presumption” during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). Under that presumption, a vehicle may be presumed a lemon, for example, if it has two or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect, four or more attempts for the same defect, or a total of 30 or more days out of service for warranty repairs. Even if your car falls outside that 18-month/18,000-mile window, you may still have a valid claim—the presumption just makes proof easier in the early period.
If your vehicle qualifies, the main remedies are a repurchase (buyback) or a replacement vehicle. A repurchase typically includes your down payment, monthly payments made, and certain fees and taxes, minus a mileage offset for the miles driven before the first repair attempt for the defect. In some cases, incidental costs like towing or reasonable rental car expenses may be recoverable. Some manufacturers offer informal arbitration, which may be faster, though you are not required to use it before pursuing other options. Every situation is unique, so outcomes can vary and depend on the facts and applicable law.
Steps to Take if Your Car Might Be a California Lemon
Start by gathering and organizing your paperwork. Keep copies of your purchase or lease agreement, warranty booklet, and all repair orders and invoices. Each time you bring the car in, clearly describe the symptoms in your own words and make sure the repair order lists your complaint, the dates, and the mileage. Ask for a copy when you drop off the vehicle and when you pick it up, and note how long the car was in the shop. These records are crucial to show repeated repair attempts or extended time out of service.
Report problems promptly and stick to the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. If the issue continues after several visits, consider notifying the manufacturer directly in writing and ask for a case number from customer care. Avoid modifications that could affect the warranty, and take photos or short videos of the problem when it happens (for example, dashboard warnings, infotainment reboots, or smoke). If a dealer says “no problem found,” but the issue returns, bring it back and ensure each visit is documented.
If you’re approaching multiple unsuccessful repair attempts or 30 or more total days in the shop for warranty repairs, it may be time to talk with a lemon law professional. An attorney can explain your options, evaluate whether your vehicle may qualify, and help you avoid common pitfalls—especially since deadlines can apply. For an information-focused consultation tailored to your situation, reach out to ZapLemon to discuss next steps and what documentation to gather.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship with ZapLemon. Laws can change and results depend on specific facts, so please consult a qualified attorney about your situation. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon at [phone number] or visit [website] to request a consultation.