How do I know if my vehicle qualifies as a lemon under the Lemon Law?

Your vehicle may qualify under the California Lemon Law if the manufacturer's authorized dealerships have been unable to repair a substantial defect after a reasonable number of attempts while the vehicle was under warranty.

What constitutes a reasonable number of repair attempts?

It depends on the defect. The law generally points to four attempts for most problems and two where the fault is a serious safety risk, judged case by case. The standard is also met where the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for more than 30 days in total.

Can my vehicle qualify if it is leased or used?

Yes. The California Lemon Law applies to leased vehicles as well as used vehicles still covered by the manufacturer's original warranty or a dealer-provided warranty. A free case evaluation is the fastest way to find out where you stand.

What am I entitled to under the California Lemon Law?

A buyback returns your down payment, monthly payments and full loan payoff, and can also cover repair, towing and rental costs. You may choose a comparable replacement vehicle instead. The manufacturer is allowed a mileage offset for the distance driven before the first repair attempt.

Do I have to pay anything up front?

No. The Lemon Pros work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront costs. The fee-shifting provision in the Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay a winning consumer's reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

Does the Lemon Law apply to used cars with no warranty?

Usually not on its own, but you may still have a claim. Where a dealer committed fraud or negligence in the sale, an action may lie against the dealership even without a manufacturer warranty.

Do you only take cases in the cities listed?

No. California's lemon law is a state statute, so the same protections apply wherever in California you bought or leased the vehicle. The city pages exist because local detail is useful, not because coverage stops at those boundaries.

Does where I bought the car decide where I claim?

No. The claim follows the vehicle and the manufacturer's warranty rather than the dealership's location. Buying in one county and living in another does not complicate a claim or change which protections apply to you.

Which court would hear my case?

Generally the Superior Court for the county where you live, at the courthouse nearest you. In practice most California lemon law claims settle through negotiation with the manufacturer well before a courtroom date is reached.

Do I need to travel to bring a claim?

No. Most of the work is documentary: assembling the repair orders, establishing when the defect first appeared, and corresponding with the manufacturer. Claims are routinely handled without the owner attending anything in person.

Our Locations

Serving All of California

From Los Angeles to San Francisco and everywhere in between, The Lemon Pros fight for California consumers against defective vehicles.

Think Your Car Might Be a Lemon?

Find out in 60 seconds. Free case review, no upfront cost, and you only pay if we win.

Start Your Free Case Review Call (855) 659-1784

Find Us Near You

Lemon Law Attorneys Across California

We handle cases statewide. Choose your location below to learn more about our services in your area.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles County

Serving All of California

Think Your Car Might Be a Lemon?

Lemon Law Attorneys Across California

Los Angeles

Beverly Hills

Santa Monica

Orange County

Anaheim

San Diego

San Francisco

Bay Area

Riverside

Moreno Valley

San Bernardino

Ontario

Sacramento

Ventura

Thousand Oaks

Oxnard

Long Beach

Palmdale

Oakland

San Jose

Bakersfield

Fresno

Lancaster

Stockton

Santa Barbara

Don't See Your City?

Don't Let a Defective CarCost You Another Day.

Related Lemon Law Topics

California Lemon Law FAQ