California Lemon Law provides strong protections for car owners. If your new or leased vehicle has a substantial defect that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a full buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
Key Takeaways
If the manufacturer cannot fix a covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be owed a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, at no cost to you.
Owners and lessees of new, leased, or certified pre-owned cars bought for personal use, while the manufacturer warranty is active.
Four or more attempts at the same defect, two for a serious-safety defect, or 30+ cumulative days out of service.
A buyback refunding your payments, a comparable replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement where you keep the car.
Nothing up front and no fee unless you win. The Song-Beverly Act shifts your attorney fees to the manufacturer.
The defect must substantially affect the car's use, value, or safety. After the 2024 Rodriguez ruling, used cars with only a remaining factory warranty generally no longer qualify for buyback or replacement.
Engine problems (stalling overheating, misfiring)
Transmission failures
Electrical system malfunctions
Brake and steering issues
Air conditioning/heating failures
Infotainment and software glitches
Paint and body defects
Safety system failures (airbags ABS, stability control)
California's Lemon Law protects consumers who've purchased or leased defective vehicles, whether new, used, or certified pre-owned. These are the main categories that qualify.
Protections extend to new vehicles still under the manufacturer's original warranty, sedans, trucks, SUVs, EVs, and certain business-use cars. If it was bought or leased for personal or household use, it may qualify.
Used cars can fall under Lemon Law too, especially if sold with a certified pre-owned warranty or still carrying the original manufacturer's coverage. Dealership or private seller, it may still qualify.
If you're leasing, you're not left out. Both new and used leased vehicles are protected when the problem arises during the manufacturer's original warranty period, imports and domestic models alike.
Dealing with vehicle manufacturers can be exhausting. From your first free case evaluation to the final settlement, we're with you every step of the way.
We make sure your Lemon Law protections are fully enforced, handling every phone call, form, and frustrating delay so you don't have to, and keeping you informed throughout.
When a dealer or manufacturer uses shady tactics to dodge responsibility, we step in, exposing deceptive behavior and demanding accountability for denied claims and endless delays.
Lemon Laws can be dense and confusing. We translate them into everyday language, from the repair attempts required to your potential outcomes, so you're never left in the dark.
We fight for every penny you deserve: down payment, monthly payments, repair costs, registration fees, and compensation for lost time. We're not done until you get a refund, replacement, or settlement.
The Tanner Consumer Protection Act sets specific requirements. Vehicles bought from private sellers aren't protected. The defect generally must arise within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first), and it must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety. Common qualifying safety issues include:
California's Lemon Law covers real mechanical problems that put you and others at risk, not just inconvenience.
Stalling, gear slipping, excessive oil consumption, overheating, or failure to start. These aren't minor glitches, they affect drivability and safety.
A battery that keeps dying, infotainment failures, dashboard warning lights, or buggy software and navigation can all qualify when they affect safety or function.
Airbag problems, brake grinding, sensor failures, or sudden loss of power steering. If the dealer can't fix them after multiple attempts, you may be driving a lemon.
Act fast: notify the manufacturer as soon as a serious defect appears, allow the legally required repair attempts, and keep detailed records of every service visit and delay. If your car has been out of service for 30+ days or the same issue keeps returning, contact us for a free consultation, we'll take over all communication with the manufacturer and help you choose the best remedy.
Specific answers for car owners under California's Song-Beverly Act. If your situation involves a used car or you want to estimate a refund, try our buyback calculator.
Not sure where your warranty stands? Our car warranty attorneys can review your coverage, and you can run your VIN through the recall check first.
4.7 from 103 Google reviews
a month ago
the folks at lemon pros got me exactly what I asked for plus a bit more for my jeep. they were very honest with the process and kept me up to date constantly. would recommend them without hesitation! worked with Anthony Greco & team :)
a month ago
Though I had to learn the virtue of patience (it took a little time), I had an excellent experience with the Pros, from beginning to end. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping me through my lemon law case. They kept me informed throughout the process, answered my questions promptly, and handled everything with integrity and professionalism. They achieved a successful outcome on my behalf ($27,600). I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and trustworthy lemon law attorney. Thank you for your patience with me and for your outstanding service!
2 months ago
Trust the process. Suzy and Anthony were able to get me a buy back from GM after constant issues with the transmission. Suzy was patient explaining everything and returned my calls/emails/text within 24hrs. She’s the best. Anthony (Tony) was straight forward and did everything he could to get me my money. No BS, or changes at the end. It’s a process but they know what they are doing. Delivered on everything he promised. Thank you for all the help and it was worth the wait. I was able to get a new car because of you guys.
2 months ago
The Lemon pros Worked with me During a time, I’m in my life, where I was going through a lot of transitions. They were professional, and very patient as I was not always disposable or able to find paperwork for my claim. It was not overnight, but when the day came for The Lemon pros to negotiate my settlement, It was a glorious outcome. I Told the Lemon pros get me at least $10,000 and I’ll be Happy, And what did they do? They hit the ball out of the park!!!! and got me a settlement of $17,500!!!! And I got The Check without amount to prove it!!! Thanks, Lemon pros!!!!!
9 months ago
I couldn’t be more grateful for the outstanding team at The Lemon Pros. Their team was fantastic from start to finish, always responsive, professional, and committed to keeping me informed every step of the way. Their follow-through was exceptional and their determination truly made a difference in achieving a positive outcome in my case. I’m so glad I chose them to represent me and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a dedicated and reliable team.
Reviews reflect individual experiences. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Every day you wait is a day the manufacturer wins. Take 60 seconds to find out if your vehicle qualifies, it's free, confidential, and could change everything.
