The first question you must ask is whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. The Tanner Act sets specific requirements for lemon vehicles. First, vehicles purchased from private sellers are not protected. Second, your vehicle must have failed within eighteen months of the time you took delivery and within 18,000 miles on the odometer. (Which occurs first ends your lemon law protections.)
And finally, the vehicle must have a “nonconformity” that is likely to result in death or serious bodily injury if someone drives the vehicle. Minor defects (such as a malfunctioning entertainment system) will not qualify under this test. The problem must cause a serious safety problem. Common safety issues include:
- Faulty brakes
- Steering problems
- An engine that stalls
- A bad starter
- An unreliable battery
- A defective transmission
- Airbags, seat belts, and other safety equipment that cannot be repaired or replaced
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WITH A CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW ATTORNEY
The best lemon lawyers in California are right here at The Lemon Pros. Our experienced consumer protection team serves clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and all across California. We fight hard to protect consumers’ rights because dangerous vehicles are a threat to anyone on any road in California. Call (800) 917-7147 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Don’t delay: the sooner you get legal advice from an experienced lemon lawyer in California, the better protected your legal rights will be.
It is important to take action as soon as possible. You must notify the manufacturer of the defect, and they have two opportunities to correct it. The third repair entitles you to lemon law protection. You may also have a lemon law claim if your vehicle has been out of service for thirty or more days since you took delivery.
Because the clock is ticking on the “eighteen-month or 18,000 miles test”, you should consult with a lemon lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help ensure that you give the manufacturer adequate legal notice and the opportunity to repair the vehicle.
Your attorney will also handle communications with the manufacturer to ensure you do not accidentally say anything that could hurt your claim. Your attorney will also help you select the remedy that is right for you.
Owners of lemons may require a replacement, or accept repairs and compensation for their losses, or return their vehicles for a full refund. You may also be entitled to compensation for registration fees, taxes, and other financial losses related to your lemon.
