If your car has been in the shop over and over for the same problem, you’re not alone—and you may have rights under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, often called the California Lemon Law. This law sets ground rules for what manufacturers must do when a vehicle under warranty can’t be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. Below, we explain the basics in plain language and outline practical steps you can take if your vehicle keeps acting up.
Song-Beverly Act: California Lemon Law Basics
At its core, the Song-Beverly Act requires vehicle manufacturers to stand behind their written warranties. If a new or used car (or a leased vehicle) sold in California has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the company must repair it within a reasonable number of attempts. When they can’t, the law may require the manufacturer to offer a replacement or a repurchase (often called a “buyback”). Common issues include engine stalling, transmission slipping, brake or steering failures, recurring check-engine lights, electrical glitches, infotainment or backup camera failures, HVAC problems, or EV battery and range defects.
California also has a “Lemon Law Presumption” that can help consumers. In general terms, if problems happen within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles—whichever comes first—the law presumes your vehicle is a lemon if: (1) the same issue was repaired 4 or more times, (2) a serious safety issue likely to cause injury or death was repaired 2 or more times, or (3) the car was out of service for repairs for a total of 30 or more days. This presumption isn’t the only path forward; vehicles outside those mile/month thresholds, or with a mix of different defects, may still be covered depending on the facts and the warranty.
If a manufacturer must repurchase, the refund generally includes the price you paid (including certain taxes and fees) minus a usage offset tied to the miles you drove before the first repair attempt for the defect. A replacement vehicle is another potential remedy, if both sides agree. The law can also allow reimbursement for certain incidental costs like towing or rental cars connected to the warranty repairs. While every case is different and outcomes are not guaranteed, the law is designed to encourage manufacturers to do the right thing—and it provides tools consumers can use when repairs just don’t stick.
Steps to Take if Your Car Has Repeat Defects
Start by documenting everything. Each time you visit an authorized dealership, ask for a detailed repair order that lists your complaint in your own words, the technician’s findings, and what was done. Keep copies of all repair records, warranty booklets, recall notices, and any emails or texts with the dealer or manufacturer. Consider keeping a simple log with dates, mileage, symptoms (for example, “vehicle shudders shifting from 2nd to 3rd,” “battery dropped from 60% to 10% overnight”), and days your car is out of service. Photos or short videos of warning lights or sounds can help, too.
Make sure your concerns are clearly reported and tied to warranty coverage. If the problem returns, bring the car back promptly to an authorized dealer and describe the same symptoms again—consistency helps show repeat defects. If the issue affects safety (for example, brake fade, steering pull, loss of power, sudden stalling), tell the service advisor that it’s a safety concern. You can also contact the manufacturer’s customer care line to open a case number and ask for assistance. Avoid aftermarket modifications that could complicate warranty coverage, and don’t stop making your loan or lease payments while the issue is being evaluated.
If the defects continue after multiple repair attempts or the vehicle spends many days in the shop, consider speaking with a California lemon law attorney for a consultation. Arbitration programs may be available but are not always required; a consultation can help you understand your options and timelines. Before you call, gather your purchase or lease agreement, registration, warranty documents, and all repair orders. At ZapLemon, we help consumers understand the process and what documents matter so they can make informed decisions—always based on their unique situation and after a proper consultation.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this blog or contacting ZapLemon through this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is different, and no outcome is guaranteed. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon at [phone number] or visit [website] to request a consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and next steps.