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At The Lemon Pros, we help Santa Monica drivers get refunds, buybacks, or replacement vehicles when their cars have serious defects that dealerships and manufacturers can’t fix. If your car has been in the shop multiple times for the same problem, or has been out of service for weeks, you may have a valid California Lemon Law claim.
Our Santa Monica lemon law attorneys handle every part of the process for you, including reviewing your repair history, dealing directly with the manufacturer, and pursuing a refund or replacement vehicle. Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win your case because California law requires manufacturers to pay your attorney’s fees. Whether your vehicle is new or used under warranty, our team makes it easy to find out if you qualify and to take action to protect your rights.
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California’s Lemon Law protects buyers and lessees of leased vehicles in Santa Monica when a new or warranty-covered used vehicle has serious defects that car dealerships or car manufacturers cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Under California law, this protection applies mainly to vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty and covers defects that impair safety, use, or value. If a defect occurs that creates a risk of harm, you may qualify for a refund, replacement, or compensation for personal injuries.
To qualify under this law, the issue must occur while the vehicle is covered by the warranty, and the manufacturer is legally obligated to attempt repairs. Common criteria include four repair attempts for the same problem or the vehicle's presence in the repair shop for more than 30 cumulative days. Substantial defects, like persistent engine trouble, transmission failure, brake, or electrical malfunctions, are typical examples that may make a car a lemon in Santa Monica.
If you live in Santa Monica and your car cannot be fixed after repeated visits to car dealerships or repair shops, you possess rights under California law. You may ask the car manufacturer to buy back or replace the vehicle. Keep detailed repair records and notify the manufacturer as required. These steps will help you enforce your rights and potentially get a refund, replacement, or personal injury compensation under California Lemon Law.
At The Lemon Pros, our lemon law lawyers in Santa Monica handle all car makes and models. Popular vehicles in the Santa Monica area include Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet, but we also assist with Honda, Nissan, BMW, and other brands. Whether your car is new or used under warranty, we can help.
California Lemon Law covers defects that affect safety, use, or value, regardless of the make or model. This means problems with engines, transmissions, brakes, or electronics in these vehicles may qualify for compensation.
Even repeated issues with the same defect, like persistent check engine lights or transmission failures, can entitle you to a full refund or replacement. Our attorneys guide clients through every step, including pursuing legal action if the manufacturer or dealership refuses to comply.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are also protected. Issues with batteries, charging systems, or hybrid drivetrains may qualify for a buyback or replacement. From sedans to SUVs, new cars to certified used models, our Lemon Law Lawyers in Santa Monica have experience securing refunds or replacements for all types of vehicles.
Call (855) 419-7923 today for your free consultation.
Hiring a Santa Monica lemon lawyer is easier than you might think. In fact, you pay nothing out-of-pocket. Our legal fees are only collected if we win. This means you can pursue your claim without financial risk with the help of California's Lemon Law attorney.
We streamline the process to ensure clarity and efficiency. Our legal team includes a dedicated case manager who will answer your questions and guide you every step of the way, from start to finish, to secure a refund, replacement, or compensation for your defective vehicle.

Many people assume the lemon law only applies to new cars, but some used vehicles are also protected in California. Specifically, used cars sold with a manufacturer’s warranty or a dealer’s written warranty can qualify. The law requires that the defect seriously affects safety, value, or use of the vehicle and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts for the vehicle to qualify for Lemon Law protection.
Protection for used cars comes with conditions. The vehicle must still be under warranty, and the defect must occur during the coverage period. A common misconception is that “as-is” used cars are automatically excluded; however, some warranties still apply. Understanding these rules helps buyers in Santa Monica and across California know when they can seek compensation.
A car recall does not automatically make a car a lemon, but it can be related to lemon law claims if the defect is serious and not fixed after repeated attempts. In California, defects that affect safety, use, or value may qualify for compensation under the law. Keeping detailed repair records during a recall is important for any potential claim.
If your car is recalled in Santa Monica, it is imperative to act quickly. Contact your dealership to schedule the repair. Keep all documents and service records. If the problem persists after multiple fixes, consult a lemon law attorney or law firm in Santa Monica. They can help you pursue a refund, replacement, or other compensation.
Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve. At The Lemon Pros, our trusted lemon law lawyers in Santa Monica and throughout California handle all makes and models. We guide you step by step, from reviewing your repair history to negotiating with manufacturers. See how simple it can be to get a refund or replacement for your defective vehicle.
Lemon law lawyers in Santa Monica, CA, specialize in helping consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. They guide clients through every stage of the legal process, from evaluating whether a car qualifies as a valid lemon law claim to negotiating with manufacturers. These attorneys handle the paperwork, communicate with dealerships, and ensure that all deadlines are met. By doing so, they help protect consumers and maximize the chances of a favorable outcome during the warranty period.
Working with a local lawyer has added benefits. Santa Monica attorneys know the area’s dealerships, local courts, and common vehicle issues, giving them a strategic advantage in handling claims. Compensation can vary but often includes full cash refunds, vehicle buybacks, or replacement cars. The legal process typically follows clear steps designed to enforce your rights and ensure you receive the relief you are entitled to under California’s Lemon Law.
Step 1: Review your vehicle’s repair history and warranty.
Step 2: Send formal notices to the manufacturer.
Step 3: Negotiate a resolution or file a claim.
Step 4: Represent you in mediation or court if needed.
Step 5: Secure compensation, ensuring your legal rights are fully enforced.
Contact us to discuss your lemon law case in Santa Monica, California.
Dealing with a defective vehicle can be stressful, but understanding the lemon law claims process makes it easier. Knowing each step helps you protect your rights and maximize the chance of compensation. Whether you are working with an attorney or handling the claim yourself, a structured approach keeps the process organized and efficient.
Step 1: Initial consultation and case evaluation: A lawyer or legal advisor reviews your situation to determine if your car qualifies as a lemon. They assess repair history, warranty coverage, and the severity of the defect.
Step 2: Documentation and evidence gathering: Collect repair records, receipts, and correspondence with the dealership. Detailed evidence strengthens your claim and supports your compensation request.
Step 3: Negotiation with manufacturers or dealerships: Your attorney contacts the manufacturer to seek a resolution. Many cases are settled during this stage without going to court.
Step 4: Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If negotiations fail, a formal claim is filed in court. Your lawyer manages all filings and legal procedures to move the case forward.
Step 5: Settlement or trial and compensation: The case may settle through mediation or go to trial. Successful claims result in cash refunds, vehicle replacements, or other compensation.
We have a dedicated case manager that will answer your questions.
We evaluate your claim, contact the manufacturer, and negotiate a favorable settlement for you.
We’ll squeeze every last cent from your car’s manufacturer.
Buying a car can be stressful, especially if it turns out to be a lemon. These frequently asked questions about lemon law in Santa Monica help you understand your rights and how to protect yourself.
In Santa Monica (and all of California), a car is considered a “lemon” if it has a significant defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that seriously impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This includes repeated repair attempts for the same problem or extended time in the shop for serious safety issues.
In California, you generally must file a lemon law claim within one year after the vehicle’s warranty expires and no later than six years from the original delivery date. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from obtaining a refund, replacement, or other remedies under the law.
Yes, used cars in Santa Monica can be covered under California’s lemon law if they are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty when defects appear. The law may allow for a refund, replacement, or reimbursement for repair costs depending on the severity of the issue.
The California lemon law process usually takes a few months to a year for most cases, depending on the complexity of the defects and the manufacturer’s responsiveness. Cases can take longer if there are disputes, arbitration, or court involvement.
Under the California lemon law, you can receive either a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, minus a usage deduction. You may also recover taxes, registration fees, repair costs, and attorney’s fees, and sometimes additional compensation for incidental expenses.
Need help? Call our Santa Monica lemon law experts now at (855) 419-7923.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog 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 qualified 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.
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