Riverside Lemon Law Center
"We handle lemon law cases throughout the state of California"
1-888-80-LEMON (1-888-805-3666)


Californians are some of the savviest consumers in the world. When venturing out to purchase or lease a car, van, SUV, or pickup covered by a new vehicle warranty, they are more likely to read the reviews, check the specifications, and find the best deals.  By the time a new vehicle reaches the driveway, there is an expectation that it will both look good and run well.

But what happens when your new purchase seems to be parked at the repair shop more than in your driveway?  You may ask yourself: "Did I get a Lemon?"

If you think you purchased a defective vehicle, then this information about the California Lemon Law is just what you need.  If you read through it now, you will see how it explains California's Lemon Law in simple terms.  The Riverside Lemon Law Center is always standing by to assist you.  If you have any questions about your defective vehicle or the warranty repair experience you have had with your auto dealership in California, call now for a FREE CONULTATION 1-888-805-3666.

Introduction
You may have bought a new vehicle for a number of reasons.  One of the mose common reasons is dependability.  A new vehicle should mean you don't have to worry about breakdowns, mechanical problems or safety.  What if your new vehicle is giving you a headache with repeated visits to the dealer for service?

California's Lemon Law protects buyers and lessens from serious warranty defects that the dealer or manufacturer can't repair.  In some cases, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund for your vehicle.  If you have questions about the California Lemon Law, arbitration process, record-keeping suggestions or general advice, call now for a FREE CONSULTATION 1-888-805-3666.

Questions and Answers about the California Lemon Law
Does the Lemon Law apply to my vehicle?
The Lemon Law covers the following new and used vehicles sold in California that come with a manufacturer's new vehicle warranty:

• Cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUV'S
• Motor homes
• Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators
• Some "business use" vehicles (call us to learn if your vehicle qualifies)

The California Lemon Law DOES NOT apply to:

• After-market parts such as those found in van conversions
• Vehicles not registered under the California Vehicle Code because they are driven off-road
• Vehicles that have been abused

What if the manufacturer or dealer can't fix my vehicle?


If the manufacturer or dealer can't repair a serious warranty defect in your vehicle after a "reasonable" number of attempts, the manufacturer must offer you one of the following:

• Replace the vehicle
• Refund the purchase price

What is a "reasonable" number of repair attempts?  It could be 2 repair attempts or 4 repair attempts, depending on the nature of the defect in your car.  Call 1-888-805-3666 for a FREE CONSULTATION to see which standard applies to your situation

There is no set number.  However, California's Lemon Law Presumption contains these guidelines for determining when a "reasonable" number of repair attempts have been made:

• The dealer hasn't fixed the same problem after four or more attempts; or
• Your vehicle's problems could cause death or serious bodily injury if it is driven and the manufacturer has made at least two unsuccessful repair attempts; or
• The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 days (not necessarily in a row) for repair of any problems covered by its warranty.

One of the biggest myths relating to the California Lemon Law relates to the presumption above.  Our office has received numerous telephone calls from consumers who believe there car does not qualify for a refund under the the California Lemon Law because they were told the Lemon Law requires 4 repair attempts before 18,000 miles or 18 months.

We feel there are many sources of misinformation in regards to the California Lemon Law and this is one area of the law which is being used to discourage people from using the California Lemon Law to get a refund for their defective vehicle.  Although, meeting the specific requirements mentioned above create a useful presumption in California's Lemon Law, i.e., it shall be presumed the consumer gave the manufacturer or dealership enough repair attempts, this feature of the California Lemon Law is not a requirement to have a claim.  As a matter of fact, we have successfully represented hundreds of consumers under the California Lemon Law where their defective vehicle did not have 4 repair attempts prior to 18,000 miles on the odometer or a 18 months from the purchase date. 

Presumption not met, no problem!  There is a more workable standard us to get a refund under the California Lemon Law

If your vehicle's warranty repairs took place after 18,000 miles or 18-months you still may qualify under the California Lemon Law because it covers any vehicle which abs been to the dealership for warranty repairs during the manufacturer's warranty, i.e., 36,000 miles/3-years for most domestic vehicles, and 50,000 miles/4-years for many import vehicles.  Check your Vehicle Warranty Booklet to find out your "window of opportunity" for getting your car in the shop for warranty repairs and, if you find you have been to the shop multiple times (2 or more) for the same defect and your car was not repaired to your satisfaction, call us for a FREE CONSULTATION  1-888-805-3666 to find out if you qualify under the California Lemon Law for a refund or new replacement vehicle.

Common Auto Manufacturer's Arguments for Avoiding the California Lemon Law

• The manufacturer or dealer has not had a "reasonable" number of attempts to repair the problem; or
• The problem does not substantially affect the vehicle's use, value or safety to you: or
• The problem was caused by abuse; or
• The problem has been permanently fixed; or
• The problem never existed; or
• The problem is not covered by the warranty.

Some of these "defenses" may sound familiar to you as manufacturer's and dealership service advisors often use these arguments to discourage people from taking advantage of the California Lemon Law, even in situations where the consumer actually has a strong case for a refund or replacement vehicle.   This common tactic does, in fact, discourage certain people who otherwise would have successfully pursued a refund or repurchase under the California Lemon Law, saving the auto industry millions of dollars every year.  Don't let this happen to you.  Call for a FREE CONSULTATION 1-888-805-3666 to see if you have a case.

Riverside Lemon Law Center
"We handle lemon law cases throughout the state of California"

1-888-80-LEMON (1-888-805-3666)