Electric vehicles represent the future of driving, but they're not without problems. From battery degradation to software failures, EVs can develop defects just like traditional vehicles. California Lemon Law fully covers electric vehicles, and The Lemon Pros has extensive experience with EV claims.
Key Takeaways
California Lemon Law covers electric vehicles under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. If your EV has a substantial defect the manufacturer cannot fix within a reasonable number of attempts while it is under warranty, you may be owed a buyback, a replacement, or a cash settlement.
owners and lessees of new or used EVs still covered by a manufacturer's warranty, including Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and plug-in hybrids.
generally four or more repair attempts for the same defect, two or more for a serious safety defect, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service.
a buyback (purchase price refund minus a mileage offset), a comparable replacement vehicle, or cash to keep the car.
nothing out of pocket. The Act's fee-shifting provision makes the manufacturer pay your attorney fees when you win.
the high-voltage battery and drivetrain often carry an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, giving you a longer window to raise a battery or drive-unit defect. Note that after the 2024 Rodriguez v. FCA decision, a used EV carrying only the balance of a factory warranty generally no longer qualifies for a buyback or replacement, though a certified pre-owned EV with its own new warranty may, and damages and fees can still be on the table.
Battery degradation and range loss
Charging system failures
Electric motor problems
Software and OTA update issues
Autopilot/ADAS malfunctions
Touchscreen and infotainment failures
Build quality issues (panel gaps paint)
Suspension and drivetrain noises
It does. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act applies to EVs and plug-in hybrids just like gas vehicles, Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and every EV from a legacy automaker included. EV-specific components like the high-voltage battery, drive units, and onboard software are all covered when they fail under the manufacturer's warranty.
The defect must substantially affect the vehicle's use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer must have had a reasonable number of repair attempts, or the car must have been out of service for 30+ cumulative days. Many EV batteries carry an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, which gives you a long window to assert your rights.
Electric vehicles trade some old problems for new ones. These are the defects that most often support a Lemon Law claim.
Rapid range degradation, cells that won't hold a charge, thermal-management faults, and battery defects that trigger recalls or stop-drive warnings.
Vehicles that won't accept a charge, onboard-charger faults, charge-port failures, and DC fast-charging that cuts out or never completes.
Buggy over-the-air updates, frozen touchscreens that disable controls, phantom braking, and drive-unit or motor failures that sap power.
If your EV has been back for the same issue more than once or sat waiting on parts, keep your records and get a free case review, we'll take it from there.
Common questions about California Lemon Law for Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and other EVs. For a full breakdown, see our used-car Lemon Law guide or estimate your claim with the buyback calculator.
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a month ago
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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.
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