How Long Can a Dealership Hold Your Car for Repair?

When you take your car to the dealership for warranty repairs, you expect to receive it back within a day or two, depending on the issue; however, there are times when that doesn’t happen. So, how long can a dealership hold your car for repair before you have rights under California Lemon Law?

With the vehicle under warranty, the dealership has thirty days to repair it and return it to you. These thirty days don’t need to be consecutive. It’s the total number of days it takes to work out a single complaint with unsuccessful repair attempts.

The Lemon Pros have resolved over 5,000 lemon car cases in California, and we are equipped to help you as well. Contact us for a free Lemon Law consultation, where we can offer practical advice about your rights. When it comes to our California Lemon Law attorney fees, you pay nothing unless we get you compensation.

The blog also outlines what to do if your car under warranty cannot be fixed and provides practical guidance on how long car maintenance takes, depending on the issue and warranty coverage.

How Long Do Dealerships Take to Fix Cars?

Many drivers ask, “How long do dealerships take to fix cars?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether the repair is covered under warranty:

• Warranty Repairs: These are handled by the manufacturer, and the dealership completes the work at no cost to the vehicle owner.
• Out-of-Warranty Repairs: The customer is responsible for the cost, unless a third-party extended warranty applies.

On average, dealership repairs take from 10 to 20 days, though this can vary based on parts availability and the complexity of the issue.

Why Do Dealerships Take So Long to Fix a Car?

• Lack of supplies/parts: In recent years, it’s been more difficult for dealerships to get the parts needed for warranty repairs due to supply chain issues. Reputable dealerships should be upfront about parts shortages and strategically schedule appointments.
• Inability to diagnose or repair the fault: Complex issues can require more diagnostic time and multiple repair attempts.
• Difficulty with the workforce: Not having enough employees to keep up with repairs can significantly impact timelines.

For routine maintenance, like oil changes, dealerships may take a few hours to a day. But for major repairs, especially under warranty, delays are often due to backordered parts and overwhelmed service departments.

How long does a car maintenance take? In most cases, depending on the issue:

• Oil change: 1 hour
• Brake replacement: 2–3 hours
• Engine diagnostics: 1–3 days
• Warranty repairs: 10–20 days (depending on complexity and part availability)

The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects and failures for a specified time. You aren’t required to pay out of pocket for these repairs. Vehicle owners may also be eligible for a rental car during the repair period.

Car Under Warranty Cannot Be Fixed?

If your car, under warranty, cannot be fixed after multiple dealership visits, you may qualify for a lemon under California law.

What qualifies a vehicle as a lemon?

• 2+ failed repairs for a serious safety issue
• 4+ failed repairs for a non-safety defect
• Or, 30+ cumulative days at the dealership for one issue

Pro Tip: The vehicle doesn’t need to be completely broken to qualify. If performance, value, or use is impaired, it may still qualify under the California Lemon Law.

At The Lemon Pros, we take the time to analyze your specific situation and provide detailed guidance on why delays happen, how to monitor repair progress, and when it might be time to consider legal action. If you're dealing with ongoing repair issues, contact us to get clarity and support.

There are multiple factors that determine how long a dealership can hold your vehicle for repair. We've highlighted some of them in the next section:

How Long Can a Dealership Hold Your Car for Repair Before It’s Covered Under Lemon Laws?

Your vehicle becomes a lemon if it has been in for warranty repair for over thirty days per incident. If your car, under warranty, cannot be fixed after multiple dealership visits, you may qualify for a lemon under California law. Under California Lemon Law, a car with serious safety concerns may only need two unsuccessful repair attempts, while all others require four.

Does CA Lemon Law apply to used cars? In some cases, it does. California’s used car Lemon Law protects any buyer who has purchased a used car with a warranty if it is defective or unable to be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

How Long Can a Dealership Hold Your Car for Repair in Different States?

The amount of time a dealership can hold your car for repair varies by state and is governed by local consumer protection laws. Understanding these regulations can help you know your rights and when you may be entitled to compensation:

• California
  Under California Lemon Law rules, the dealership may only hold your vehicle for repairs up to 30 days across all attempts (minimum 2 for serious safety concerns and 4 for other defects). If they have your vehicle longer than that, it’s time to contact a Lemon Law lawyer.
• Florida
  Florida’s Lemon Law allows manufacturers to attempt a minimum of three repairs to fix a defect within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of taking ownership, whichever comes first. Once the dealership fails to repair the vehicle or holds it for more than 30 days, you may be entitled to a Lemon Law buyback or replacement vehicle.
• Massachusetts
  Massachusetts' Lemon Law is one of the strictest, with dealers permitted to hold the car for a total of 11 working days. The dealer also has three repair attempts to diagnose and fix the defect before the car is considered a lemon.
• Texas
  Texas's Lemon Law is similar to California's, with dealerships having up to 30 days to repair the vehicle before a claim can be filed. However, Texas drivers have up to 24,000 miles or 24 months to first notice the defect, unlike the California Lemon Law.
• New Jersey
  In New Jersey, a dealership can hold your vehicle for no more than 20 cumulative days for a single reported issue, with up to three separate repair attempts. The defect must impact both functionality and safety.
• Michigan
  A dealership in Michigan cannot hold your car for repair for more than 30 total cumulative days, including waiting for parts. If your car is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to warranty-covered repairs, or if the same issue has been unsuccessfully attempted four times, it may qualify for a Lemon Law claim.
• Georgia
  Georgia does not set a strict legal time limit for how long a dealership can keep your car for repairs. The duration largely depends on any written agreement you have with the service center. It's advisable to request a detailed repair agreement with an expected completion date. You are generally allowed to retrieve your car at your discretion unless explicitly agreed otherwise.

What Are the Dealership’s Responsibilities?

In California, the consumer is protected by laws and regulations when it comes to car repairs. First, a written estimate showing the total cost of parts and labor should always be provided. You must sign the estimate and authorize the dealership to provide the repairs. Additionally, a warranty disclosure should indicate what automotive parts and labor were covered through the warranty.

There’s also the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1975. It further protects the consumer from deceptive repair practices surrounding the vehicle’s warranty and ensures that coverage is provided where it’s promised.

It’s important to note that sometimes dealership policies vary from statutory requirements. The dealership may have its own policies and procedures regarding warranty repair timelines. These times are often affected by scheduling constraints, the availability of parts, and the current workload.

However, when the two don’t line up, the statutory requirements always take precedence. Dealerships must comply with all related laws and policies, even if it means violating internal rules.

To minimize the risk of being without your car longer than you should, it’s important to understand the laws and policies. Get everything in writing from the dealer so you have a record of communication in case you need to file a Lemon Law claim.

Can a dealership take a car back after a month in California? In California, the dealership can buy back the car within 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first) if the vehicle is deemed a lemon. However, this rarely occurs without the help of an experienced California Lemon Law lawyer.

What to Do if a Mechanic Takes Too Long?

If your mechanic has kept your car for more than 30 days, or even for several months, it’s time to take structured action:

1. Contact the dealership first: Inquire about the status of repairs and express your concern about the delay. There may be an explanation, or your vehicle was simply overlooked. If your car has been in the shop for 3 months or longer, don’t wait for updates—request to speak directly with the service manager. Revisit your original service agreement and determine whether the shop is still able (or willing) to complete the repairs in a reasonable timeframe.
2. Demand a clear estimated timeline (for extended delays): Especially if your car has been held for 6 months or more, if you’re not getting straightforward answers, ask for a specific estimated completion date. If your vehicle is waiting on a part, ask for the shipping status or tracking details. Be persistent—your vehicle shouldn’t be left in limbo.
3. Review your warranty terms: Read through the warranty to ensure your claim is covered. Check with the service contract and verify that the repair was to be performed as part of the warranty.
4. Document everything: Pull together all communication records between you and the dealership. You need dates, times, and the names of employees you’ve spoken with. Ask for a copy of the written agreement for service and for written confirmation of timelines and repair status. The more documentation you have, the stronger your position.
5. Know your rights: Remember, the repair shop doesn’t have the right to hold your vehicle indefinitely. If you’re unsatisfied with the lack of progress or communication, you can always choose to withdraw your car and take it to another shop, especially if you believe your concerns are being ignored.
6. Contact the manufacturer to escalate: If communication with the dealership isn’t getting you anywhere, it’s time to reach out to the manufacturer. They may be able to intervene in the case.
7. Contact a Lemon Law attorney if unresolved: When all else fails, it’s time to seek legal action. File a Lemon Law claim with a legal professional as soon as possible. Also, consider filing a complaint with consumer protection agencies or seeking mediation services.

How Long Can a Mechanic Keep My Car?

Legally, not more than 30 cumulative days for warranty repairs in California, Michigan, and Texas. New Jersey has a 20-day limit, and Massachusetts has an 11-working-day limit. Georgia has no strict limit, making a written agreement crucial.

What Happens if the Dealer Can't Fix Your Car?

If your vehicle has been at the dealership for more than thirty days for the same repair process, then it may qualify as a lemon car. Even the time it is sitting at the dealership waiting counts towards this time. If your new or used vehicle qualifies, you should go ahead and file a Lemon Law claim so you can get compensation.

The process of filing a Lemon Law claim can take months to resolve, so don’t wait. Begin your free consultation at The Lemon Pros. The Lemon Law process can take anywhere from a few months to years, depending on the complexity. If you need to file a claim, it's best to start the process as soon as possible. Finalizing everything can take some time, especially if a trial is required.

If you win a Lemon Law case in California, the Lemon Law car compensation varies depending on the type of vehicle, how long you’ve owned it, and what’s wrong with it. The manufacturer can choose to repurchase the vehicle or replace it. They may also be responsible for any reimbursement of costs and attorney fees.

Keep in mind that it is illegal to sell a car in California if you know it’s a lemon. If you can’t get the vehicle repaired, then nobody should be driving it. Instead of trying to dump the problem on someone else, seeking help from a Lemon Law professional is the best option.

Should I Contact a California Lemon Law Lawyer?

A California Lemon Law lawyer should get involved as soon as your vehicle meets the above criteria, either spending more than 30 days to have an issue fixed through the original warranty or making multiple trips for the same problem. You don’t want to waste any time getting the compensation you deserve.

3 Key Factors That Influence Repair Timelines

As you look to have the car fixed, there are three factors dictating how long the repair may take. These include the parts and availability, workshop capacity, and the nature of repairs:

Parts and Availability

Wondering "Why do dealerships take so long to fix a car?" In recent years, it’s been more difficult for dealerships to get the parts needed for warranty repairs. Chip shortages and pandemic lockdowns significantly impacted the flow of consumer goods.

Reputable dealerships have learned to foresee the scarcity and work around the issues by ordering parts ahead of time or strategically scheduling appointments for when parts will be available.

If there is a shortage of parts, the dealership should be upfront with you, letting you know that ahead of time. You shouldn’t need to wait thirty days before you find out what’s happening.

Workshop Capacity

Dealerships are often busy, creating a waiting game for customers. The time it takes before your car goes in for repairs depends heavily on the shop’s capacity. If other models struggle with the same defect, such as with a massive recall, wait times can become exceedingly long.

The location of the dealership and its size also play a part in the capacity. The more service bays and staff there are, the more able they are to deal with a continuous workflow.

Nature of Repairs

Urgency always plays a part in when a vehicle will be fixed. Urgent repairs, such as critical mechanical failures and safety-related fixes, are always scheduled before maintenance or minor inconveniences.

For example, let’s use a hypothetical dealership named Lemony Motors. During one morning, here is a list of three calls the service department may receive.

• Customer A: This customer calls and complains about the brakes making a grinding noise and creating a spongy feeling. There’s a safety concern.
• Customer B: This customer needs to schedule a routine oil change and tire rotation.
• Customer C: With this call, the customer states that the Check Engine Light has been on for a couple of days, although there’s no change to the vehicle’s performance.

Who would be dealt with first? Here is how most dealerships will prioritize these calls:

• Customer A is first because the brake issue is a serious safety concern.
• Customer C is next because a Check Engine Light may indicate serious problems that could lead to motor damage or performance issues.
• Customer B goes last because routine maintenance is never considered urgent.

While this is how used and new vehicles should be dealt with, some dealers have their own way of prioritizing. When you call to schedule, you can ask how priorities are determined.

Proactive Measures to Avoid Long Repair Times

To expedite the repair process, there are some proactive measures worth taking.

• Keep up with routine maintenance to alleviate emergencies. Regular maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and reduces the chances of a critical repair.
• Carefully choose a reputable dealership. You may have to drive a little further, but the extra time will be worth it when you get your car back sooner and the repairs are done right.
• Communicate clearly. Provide detailed information about the problem the car is experiencing. Show photos or videos if you can. Also, ask for detailed information about the repairs and document everything you are told. Don’t forget to ask what the expected duration is for the mechanic to determine what’s wrong.
• Make sure you follow up. Don’t wait thirty days to talk with the dealership again. Follow up in a reasonable time to ensure that repairs are on track and there are no unforeseen hiccups. If it seems like the fix is taking longer than it should, reach out to management.

Many consumers can prevent potential problems by being proactive. Don’t wait until your car or truck has been in the shop for more than a month to take action.

Get Legal Help if the Dealership Holds Your Car for Too Long

As a consumer, you have a lot of rights. Sadly, most people don’t know about these rights until they have been violated. When dealing with a warranty repair, the dealership should never have your car for more than 30 days. If they do, it’s time to take action.

Remember, there’s a delicate balance between being patient and being too assertive when dealing with car repairs. While you don’t want to call the dealership every day, staying involved and informed helps you avoid problems in the future. Your California Lemon Law lawyer is available to answer any questions you may have.

Don’t wait another 30 days to get answers. Get your free Lemon Law consultation with The Lemon Pros today. As experienced California lemon lawyers, we have a proven track record of getting compensation for our clients.