What Types of Vehicles Are Covered Under California Lemon Law?

When your car keeps breaking down and the dealer can’t seem to fix it, it’s only natural to wonder: Does my vehicle qualify as a lemon under California law? The answer depends on the type of vehicle, the kind of problem, and whether the defect was reported during the warranty period.

The lemon law in California, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, offers powerful protection for drivers stuck with a defective vehicle. But the law doesn’t apply to every vehicle on the road. If you’re dealing with recurring mechanical issues, knowing whether your car, truck, or SUV qualifies as a lemon vehicle is the first step toward finding a solution.

New Vehicle Coverage Under the California Lemon Law

If your new vehicle develops a defect during the warranty period, and the manufacturer or dealer can’t fix it, you’re protected. It doesn’t matter whether the warranty is still active when you file your claim—as long as the defect appeared while the lemon law applies, you may still have a case.

Here’s a look at the types of motor vehicles typically covered:

• Sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks
• SUVs and crossovers
• Pickup trucks and vans
• Luxury vehicles and electric vehicles
• Certain off-road vehicles, depending on usage

And this protection applies whether you bought the car from a dealership or a private party, as long as the original manufacturer’s warranty still applies.

If your new car qualifies as defective based on your warranty history, and the same issues keep coming back, your car may qualify for lemon law protection under California’s consumer statutes. This law protects California consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles that the manufacturer can’t or won’t fix.

Used Vehicles and the California Lemon Law

Up until recently, California’s lemon law was one of the most consumer-friendly protections in the country, especially for people buying used vehicles. But that changed in late 2024, thanks to a California Supreme Court ruling that turned a lot of assumptions upside down.

In the case of Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC, the court narrowed the scope of what’s covered. And the impact? Most standard used cars, even those technically still under the manufacturer’s original warranty, are now excluded from lemon law protection in California. That’s a major shift—and it left a lot of used car buyers in a tougher spot than they expected.

But here’s what’s important: not every used vehicle was left out in the cold. Two exceptions still offer solid coverage, and understanding them can make all the difference.

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Are Likely Still in the Game

If you’re buying certified pre-owned (CPO), you’re in much better shape. These vehicles usually come with manufacturer-backed extended warranties and go through dealer inspections that standard used vehicles don’t. Because of this added warranty protection at stake, many CPO vehicles still qualify under California’s lemon law, especially when the warranty is active at the time the problem starts.

Dealer Demos and Inventory Vehicles May Still Qualify

Then there are demo vehicles—cars the dealership used for test drives or kept on the lot but eventually sold with a new car warranty. Even though they’re technically “used,” these vehicles are still treated like new under the law.

Do Motorcycles and Off-Road Vehicles Qualify as Lemons?

If you’ve been dealing with repeat issues on a motorcycle or off-road vehicle, you might still have options, depending on how the vehicle’s being used and whether it’s still under warranty.

Motorcycles

If you bought a motorcycle with a manufacturer’s warranty, the law treats it like any other vehicle. So if it has a substantial defect—something that affects how safe it is to ride, how well it runs, or how much it’s worth—and the dealer can’t fix it after a few tries, you could be dealing with a lemon.

Off-Road Vehicles

The rules here are a little more nuanced. Off-road vehicles—things like ATVs, dirt bikes, and UTVs—can qualify for protection under California’s lemon law, but only if they were purchased primarily for personal or household use, not commercial purposes.

Lemon Law Coverage for Business Vehicles

California’s lemon law is designed for consumers, but small business owners can still qualify for protection under the right conditions.

To be eligible, all three of these must be true:

• Your business owns or leases five vehicles or fewer
• The vehicle weighs less than 10,000 pounds
• It was bought or leased in California

If that sounds like your situation, you may have the same rights as any consumer when dealing with a defective vehicle. That means you’re protected if the vehicle has a substantial defect that keeps showing up despite reasonable repair attempts, or if it’s been in the shop for 30 days or more.

This coverage doesn’t extend to fleet vehicles or heavy-duty commercial trucks, but for small businesses using light-duty vehicles, the lemon law may still apply.

When California’s Lemon Law Doesn’t Apply

We’d love to say every vehicle issue is covered under California’s lemon law, but that’s not the reality. There are a few clear exceptions where the law just doesn’t apply—knowing them upfront can save a lot of time and guesswork.

If You Bought the Vehicle Out of State

If you bought your vehicle outside of California, it likely doesn’t qualify, even if you later moved here and registered it. The only real exception are members of the military stationed in California, even if the car came from another state.

Heavily Modified Vehicles May Lose Protection

If your car’s been heavily modified—aftermarket parts, lifted suspension, engine tweaks—it could affect your claim. Especially if those changes caused or contributed to the problem, or if they voided your warranty.

How Mission Law Group Can Help

Not sure if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon? That’s where we come in.

As a California law firm focused on lemon law cases, Mission Law Group helps drivers across California figure out whether their lemon law case is worth pursuing—and what steps to take next. We review your repair history, warranty, and timeline, then lay out your options in plain terms.

If you’re still dealing with the same problem with the vehicle, and repairs haven’t helped, reach out to us. You don’t have to just live with it. Under California’s lemon law, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement, and we can help you fight for it.

The consultation is free. No pressure, no confusion—just clear information about your rights under California’s consumer protection laws.

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.