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A recall is basically a safety notice. It occurs when an automaker or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies a problem with a vehicle that fails to meet safety standards or poses a safety risk. Problems include: faulty airbags and brake failures to engine defects – anything that might cause accidents or injuries if not corrected. Even high-end brands aren’t immune to recalls;

Recalls exist to protect you. Federal law gives NHTSA the power to ensure automakers address serious defects. Manufacturers are legally required to notify NHTSA and vehicle owners about safety defects and provide a free remedy to consumers. In other words, if your car is part of a recall, the manufacturer must fix the issue at no charge to you. Typically, you’ll receive an official recall notice in the mail or via email, explaining the defect, the risks, and instructions on getting it repaired. In rare cases, if the defect is so severe that it can’t be repaired safely, the manufacturer might offer you a replacement vehicle or a refund to take the car off the road. If you do find a recall on your car, don’t ignore it. The repair will cost you nothing and could prevent accidents or injuries. In fact, addressing a recall promptly is not just about avoiding inconvenience – it’s about preventing potential crashes and staying safe on the road.
State lemon laws (like California’s Lemon Law, formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) is another layer of consumer protection. A recall by itself is a broad safety action, but a “lemon” is a specific vehicle that has chronic issues. For instance, California’s Lemon Law protects you if your car has a substantial defect that the manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts. In such cases, you could be entitled to a buyback or replacement vehicle.
When a recall repair isn’t enough, lemon law attorneys step in to help you get a replacement or refund for your defective vehicle. So, what are your options if a recall repair doesn’t solve the problem? Most recall issues are resolved with a single free fix. But sometimes, owners find themselves going back to the dealer again and again, or dealing with related problems that just won’t go away. If you suspect your car is a “lemon” – meaning it has a defect that remains unfixed after reasonable repair attempts – you may be entitled to more than just another repair. Lemon laws (which vary by state, with California’s being one of the strongest) provide for compensation or other remedies to make sure you’re not stuck with an unsafe, unreliable vehicle. Here are the typical outcomes a lemon law attorney can help you pursue if your vehicle qualifies:
The exact compensation you’re entitled to will depend on your state’s law and your specific case. For example, California’s Lemon Law not only covers the refund or replacement, but may also require the manufacturer to pay off your loan balance and even cover your attorney’s fees and costs if you win the case. Other states have similar provisions to protect consumers.
Navigating this process can feel overwhelming – that’s where our experienced lemon law attorney comes in. Manufacturers have legal teams working to minimize what they pay, so having your own legal advocate levels the playing field. If your vehicle’s recall has turned into a recurring nightmare of repairs, you don’t have to just accept it.

Our list of recalled vehicles (below) includes specific makes and models that have known recall issues. We update it regularly to reflect the latest safety notices. It’s a quick way to see if a car like yours has faced frequent problems. We encourage you to check if your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls. If you spot your car on the list (or you’re experiencing similar issues), it’s important to take action: get any open recalls fixed promptly, and contact our firm if you suspect your vehicle might be a lemon.
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