What Vehicles Are Covered Under California Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law, or the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides important protections for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. However, not every vehicle is covered under this law. Here’s a breakdown of which vehicles qualify for Lemon Law protection in California.

New Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Vans Under Manufacturer’s Warranty

New vehicles purchased or leased in California that come with a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty are covered under the state’s Lemon Law. This includes cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. The defect or nonconformity must be covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty and occur within the warranty period (for example: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first).

Leased Vehicles Still Under Warranty

The Lemon Law also applies to leased vehicles in California that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The same protections for purchased new vehicles extend to leased ones, provided the defect is reported and repair attempts made during the warranty period.

New Motorcycles and Motorhomes

Motorcycles and the chassis, chassis cab, and propulsion portion of motorhomes are also covered if they are still under the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. For motorcycles, the Lemon Law applies to the self-propelled, motorized part of the vehicle, but generally not sidecars or trailers. For motorhomes, the living quarters section may not have the same coverage as the vehicular portion.

Demonstrator and Dealer-Owned Vehicles With New Car Warranty

Vehicles that are owned by the dealership but still come with a new car warranty, such as demonstrator vehicles used for test drives or loaners, are covered under California’s Lemon Law. Even though they are technically used vehicles, the presence of a new vehicle warranty affords them the same protections.

Used Vehicles – Limited Coverage After 2024 Ruling

Unfortunately, most used vehicles purchased in California are no longer covered under California’s State Lemon Law following a state Supreme Court decision in November 2024 (Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC).

However, one key exception is certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles with an extended manufacturer-backed warranty. Highlighting a key reminder: Always review warranty terms carefully before purchasing a used vehicle.

Vehicles Not Covered Under CA Lemon Law

Some vehicles are not entitled to protection under California’s Lemon Law, including:

• Vehicles purchased or leased outside of California
• Vehicles not registered in the state of California
• Used vehicles sold “as is” with no warranty
• Business vehicles with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds
• Off-highway vehicles not intended for street use

Seeking Relief Under the California Lemon Law

If you believe your vehicle qualifies for protection under California’s Lemon Law and the manufacturer has failed to repair a warrantied defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or other legal remedy. An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue a claim.

At Mission Law Group, we help California consumers enforce their rights under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. If you have questions about whether your vehicle is covered under the Lemon Law, contact us for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and get the relief you deserve.

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and results may vary based on individual circumstances.