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The Lemon Pros fight for San Jose drivers stuck with defective vehicles. Our experienced lemon law lawyers know California law and how to hold manufacturers accountable. We manage the entire legal process, relieving you of the burden of stress and paperwork.
Contact our experienced San Jose lemon law lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
California’s Lemon Law, including the California Lemon Law new car provisions, is designed to protect car buyers and lessees from defective vehicles. In San Jose, it applies to new and some used cars that fail to meet quality standards. If a car has repeated problems that affect its safety, use, or value, the law gives residents a way to seek repair, replacement, or refund. Local dealerships and manufacturers are required to comply with these protections.
In California, a vehicle is classified as a lemon if it exhibits serious defects that persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. Common issues include engine trouble, transmission failures, or persistent electrical problems. New and leased vehicles, as well as some used cars with warranties, may qualify for coverage. The law ensures that defective vehicles do not leave consumers stuck with unsafe or unreliable cars.
San Jose car buyers and lessees have rights to replacement, repurchase, and compensation for repairs and related costs. Filing a claim can involve negotiation with the manufacturer or, if necessary, bringing the case to local courts. Santa Clara County courts handle lemon law cases by reviewing repair records and ensuring the law’s protections are enforced. Working locally helps residents navigate procedures efficiently and resolve claims faster.
Regarding whether lemon law applies to appliances, California’s Lemon Law in San Jose strictly covers motor vehicles. This law excludes home appliances, electronics, and other household products. Manufacturer warranties or other consumer protection laws, not the auto-focused Lemon Law, are the primary recourse for consumers with defective appliances.
In San Jose, many residents wonder what cars qualify for Lemon Law. Typically, the California Lemon Law covers new vehicles, leased cars, and, in some cases, used vehicles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This includes cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. Both personal and business-use vehicles may qualify as long as they meet the law’s defect and warranty requirements.
Most qualifying vehicles fall within recent model years and have mileage limits, generally under 18,000 to 24,000 miles or within the first 18–24 months of use. Popular brands in San Jose, such as Ford, Toyota, Chevrolet, Honda, and Nissan, often appear in lemon law claims due to their prevalence on local roads. These brands also protect leased vehicles from persistent defects.
Nevertheless, there are exceptions. Vehicles bought “as-is” without a warranty, older models beyond the mileage or time limits, and certain heavy-duty commercial trucks usually do not qualify. Understanding these limits helps San Jose residents confirm if their car can be covered under the law and take action promptly.
If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon in San Jose, taking prompt and organized action is essential. California’s Lemon Law gives you the right to a replacement, refund, or cash compensation, but only if you follow the proper steps. Here’s our recommended clear guide for San Jose car owners.
Step 1. Keep detailed records:
Record all defects, repair visits, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Document dates, symptoms, and any repair orders.
Step 2. Notify the manufacturer promptly:
Send a written notice about the persistent problems. Timely notification is critical to preserve your rights under the law.
Step 3. Allow reasonable repair attempts:
Give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue. The law generally expects multiple repair visits before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon.
Step 4. Initiate a claim if needed:
If the problem persists, contact a California lemon law attorney or file a claim with the local courts in Santa Clara County. Legal guidance helps navigate paperwork and negotiations efficiently.
Step 5. Understand compensation options:
Eligible consumers may receive a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash for the defective car. Compensation can also cover incidental costs, such as towing or rental fees.
Call (855) 452-0647 now to speak with a San Jose lemon law attorney.
Briefly fill out our quick online form, or skip the wait and call (855) 452-0647. We’ll discuss your situation, listen carefully, and gather basic details about your vehicle and repair history.
Our team reviews your claim, explains your legal options, and determines whether your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law based on your specific circumstances. If it does, we contact the manufacturer and work to negotiate a fair resolution on your behalf.
We pursue the compensation allowed by law, which may include a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. Results depend on the specific facts of your case, but our goal is always to seek the best possible outcome under California law.
The Lemon Pros have deep experience with lemon law cases in San Jose. We know the local dealerships, San Jose courts, and the types of vehicle issues residents often face. With over 1,000 successful cases and $75 million+ recovered in Lemon Law claims, we have a proven track record of protecting consumer rights.
Availability: We are available 24/7 for San Jose residents. An attorney personally handles each client’s file with unwavering commitment, making sure your case receives the attention it deserves.
Local Presence & Expertise: Serving all 58 California counties, we maintain a strong San Jose focus. Our team handles all vehicle manufacturers and are California Lemon Law trial attorneys with hands-on experience. This means we actually go to court when necessary.
Bilingual Team: Our bilingual staff ensures Spanish-speaking clients get clear guidance and support throughout the process. Hablamos Español, making legal help accessible to San Jose's diverse community.
Free Consultation: San Jose residents can call for a no-cost, no-obligation review of their lemon law claim. We handle legal fees on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Our goal is to ease the financial burden of dealing with a defective vehicle while ensuring your interests come first.
Dealing with a defective vehicle can be stressful, but a lemon law lawyer in San Jose can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation. This FAQ answers common questions about hiring a lemon law attorney, filing claims, and getting a refund or replacement for your lemon car.
In San Jose (and all of California), a car is considered a “lemon” if it has a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that seriously affects its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer fails to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. This includes leased defective vehicles and usually involves repeated repair attempts for the same mechanical problems or extended periods in the shop for serious safety issues.
In San Jose (California), you generally must file a lemon law claim within one year after your vehicle’s warranty expires and no later than six years from the original delivery date. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from seeking a refund, replacement, or other remedies under the law.
Yes, California’s lemon law can apply to used cars if the vehicle owner experienced defects while the car was still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. Compensation for the vehicle owner may include a replacement vehicle, a refund of the purchase price, or reimbursement for repairs and related costs, depending on the severity of the defects.
If your car was recalled but isn’t a lemon, the manufacturer is still required to fix the safety or defect issue at no cost to you. However, a recall alone does not qualify the vehicle for a lemon law claim unless the defect remains unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
In California, a lemon law buyback means the manufacturer refunds the purchase price of your defective vehicle, minus a deduction for the vehicle's use. The refund typically includes your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration fees, and certain incidental costs, while the manufacturer usually also pays your attorney’s fees.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and may change over time, so you should consult a Lemon Law attorney for advice regarding your specific situation. Past examples, case studies, or hypothetical scenarios are illustrative only and do not guarantee similar results.
Don’t let a defective vehicle continue to cost you time and money. The Lemon Pros are ready to stand up for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our lemon law lawyers in San Jose today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.
Phone: (855) 939-4836
FAX: (800) 123-4567
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