Trucks are the backbone of California's economy, and when they have defects, the impact can be devastating. Whether you drive a personal pickup or a commercial truck, California Lemon Law protects you from manufacturers who sell defective vehicles.
Key Takeaways
If your truck has a substantial defect the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of warranty repairs, California's Song-Beverly Act lets you demand a buyback, a replacement truck, or a cash settlement. This covers personal pickups and many work and commercial trucks still under warranty.
Who qualifies: owners of new or warranty-covered trucks (pickups, mid-size, and heavy-duty) whose defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety. Work trucks under 10,000 lbs GVWR can qualify when used for business by a company with five or fewer registered vehicles.
Repair thresholds: four or more repair attempts for the same defect, two or more for a defect that could cause serious injury, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service for warranty work.
What you can recover: a manufacturer buyback of your payments and related costs (minus a mileage offset), a comparable replacement truck, or a cash settlement.
Cost to you: nothing up front. Song-Beverly shifts your attorney fees and costs to the manufacturer when you win, so a qualified case carries no out-of-pocket fee.
Truck-specific defects: diesel after-treatment faults (DPF, DEF, EGR), transmission failure, turbo problems, and four-wheel drive that stops engaging are common qualifying issues. After the 2024 Rodriguez v. FCA decision, a used truck carrying only the remainder of a factory warranty generally no longer qualifies for a buyback or replacement, but a certified pre-owned truck with its own new warranty may still qualify and other used-truck owners can often still recover damages and attorney fees.
Transmission shuddering or failure
Diesel engine problems (DPF DEF system issues)
Towing capacity failures
Four-wheel drive malfunctions
Turbocharger failures
Frame and structural issues
Electrical and wiring problems
Suspension failures under load
California Lemon Law, backed by federal protections under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, applies to a wide variety of vehicles, trucks included. It even covers company vehicles in limited circumstances. To qualify for protection, a work truck must:
The same warranty guidelines apply to trucks as to personal vehicles: the defect must first appear within 18,000 miles or 18 months of taking ownership, must substantially affect the use, value, or safety of the truck, and the dealership must have had a reasonable number of repair attempts (generally four, or two for a serious safety concern, or 30+ days out of service). The California Lemon Law time limit to file is four years, but sooner is better.
Manufacturers will try to dodge claims. In Joyce v. Ford Motor Co., Ford argued it didn't have to repurchase a lemon F-250 because the truck's weight exceeded the limit, the Court of Appeal rejected that and ruled for the owner. Having experienced representation matters.
If your truck has a serious defect the dealer can't resolve after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have a claim.
Serious defects in the brake system, power steering, or suspension that can't be resolved, plus electrical faults that affect the use, safety, or value of the truck.
Airbag issues, defective safety systems, or safety recalls that can't be repaired make a truck unreliable, and eligible for compensation.
The engine and transmission are the heart of the truck. Engine failure, poor performance, or trouble shifting can all support a lemon case.
Answers to what California truck owners ask us most about buybacks, defects, and warranty coverage. Need a calculation of your potential refund? Try our buyback calculator, or read about claims on used vehicles.
4.7 from 103 Google reviews
a month ago
the folks at lemon pros got me exactly what I asked for plus a bit more for my jeep. they were very honest with the process and kept me up to date constantly. would recommend them without hesitation! worked with Anthony Greco & team :)
a month ago
Though I had to learn the virtue of patience (it took a little time), I had an excellent experience with the Pros, from beginning to end. The entire team was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping me through my lemon law case. They kept me informed throughout the process, answered my questions promptly, and handled everything with integrity and professionalism. They achieved a successful outcome on my behalf ($27,600). I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and trustworthy lemon law attorney. Thank you for your patience with me and for your outstanding service!
2 months ago
Trust the process. Suzy and Anthony were able to get me a buy back from GM after constant issues with the transmission. Suzy was patient explaining everything and returned my calls/emails/text within 24hrs. She’s the best. Anthony (Tony) was straight forward and did everything he could to get me my money. No BS, or changes at the end. It’s a process but they know what they are doing. Delivered on everything he promised. Thank you for all the help and it was worth the wait. I was able to get a new car because of you guys.
2 months ago
The Lemon pros Worked with me During a time, I’m in my life, where I was going through a lot of transitions. They were professional, and very patient as I was not always disposable or able to find paperwork for my claim. It was not overnight, but when the day came for The Lemon pros to negotiate my settlement, It was a glorious outcome. I Told the Lemon pros get me at least $10,000 and I’ll be Happy, And what did they do? They hit the ball out of the park!!!! and got me a settlement of $17,500!!!! And I got The Check without amount to prove it!!! Thanks, Lemon pros!!!!!
9 months ago
I couldn’t be more grateful for the outstanding team at The Lemon Pros. Their team was fantastic from start to finish, always responsive, professional, and committed to keeping me informed every step of the way. Their follow-through was exceptional and their determination truly made a difference in achieving a positive outcome in my case. I’m so glad I chose them to represent me and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a dedicated and reliable team.
Reviews reflect individual experiences. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Every day you wait is a day the manufacturer wins. Take 60 seconds to find out if your vehicle qualifies, it's free, confidential, and could change everything.
