California Lemon Law 2025: Everything You Need to Fight Back Against Dealerships

If you’re stuck with a vehicle that’s constantly in the repair shop, you’re not alone. Many California consumers find themselves dealing with persistent mechanical issues despite multiple repair attempts. If this sounds familiar, California’s Lemon Law might be your path to relief.

Let’s break down what this important consumer protection law means for you and how it can help you escape the cycle of endless repairs.

What Exactly is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, was designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. In simple terms, if your vehicle has substantial defects that the manufacturer or dealer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle.

The law recognizes that no one should be stuck with a defective vehicle while still making payments on it. If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a “lemon,” this law provides specific remedies to make you whole again.

Does My Vehicle Qualify as a “Lemon”?

Your vehicle might qualify as a lemon if it meets these key criteria:

1. Warranty Coverage

Your vehicle must be covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty at the time the defect was first reported. As of November 2024, California requires that the vehicle be either:

• A new vehicle
• A certified pre-owned vehicle
• A dealer-owned vehicle that still has manufacturer warranty coverage

2. Substantial Defect

The problem must be substantial enough to impact the vehicle’s:

• Use: Affects your ability to drive the vehicle
• Value: Significantly reduces what the vehicle is worth
• Safety: Creates a risk to you, your passengers, or others on the road

Examples of qualifying defects include:

• Engine or transmission failures
• Brake system problems
• Electrical system malfunctions
• Steering issues
• Persistent check engine lights
• Fuel system defects
• Recurring electrical failures

Minor issues like slight rattles, small paint imperfections, or routine maintenance needs typically don’t qualify.

3. Reasonable Repair Opportunities

The manufacturer must have been given a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix the problem. While the law doesn’t specify an exact number, it creates a presumption in your favor if either:

• The same problem has been subject to repair 4 or more times
• The vehicle has been in the shop for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days (not necessarily consecutive)
• The issue is safety-related and has been subject to repair 2 or more times

4. Proper Notification

You must have notified the manufacturer about the problem, typically by bringing the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repair.

What Protections Does California’s Lemon Law Provide?

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you’re entitled to your choice of:

1. Replacement Vehicle

The manufacturer must replace your vehicle with a new, substantially identical model. This includes:

• Same make, model, and features when possible
• All taxes, fees, and costs associated with the replacement

2. Repurchase (Buyback)

Alternatively, you can choose to have the manufacturer buy back your vehicle. This includes:

• The full purchase price
• All finance charges
• Registration fees
• Out-of-pocket repair costs
• Rental car expenses
• Other expenses directly related to the defect

The manufacturer may deduct a small amount for the mileage you put on the vehicle before the first repair attempt. This “mileage offset” is calculated using a specific formula:

Offset = (Miles driven at first repair / 120,000) × Vehicle purchase price

Lemon Law Example

Let’s see how this might work in a real situation:

Maria purchased a new SUV for $45,000. Within three months, she began experiencing transmission problems. Despite taking the vehicle to the dealer five times over the next six months, the transmission continued to fail. At the time of her first repair attempt, the vehicle had 3,200 miles.

Under California’s Lemon Law, Maria qualified for a buyback. She received:

• Purchase price: $45,000
• Registration and fees: $3,800
• Finance charges: $2,200
• Less mileage offset: $1,200 (3,200/120,000 × $45,000)

Total refund: $49,800

Common Manufacturer Tactics to Watch For

Manufacturers often try to avoid their Lemon Law obligations through various tactics:

1. Claiming “no problem found” despite recurring issues
2. Blaming your driving habits rather than acknowledging a defect
3. Suggesting the problem is “normal” or “as designed”
4. Delaying repairs to wear you down
5. Promising fixes that never materialize
6. Claiming you waited too long to report the problem

Don’t be discouraged by these tactics. Document everything and know that the law is designed to protect you, not the manufacturer.

Steps to Take If You Think You Have a Lemon

If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, take these important steps:

1. Document Everything

• Keep all repair orders, including those where “no problem found”
• Take photos or videos of the issues when possible
• Note dates when your vehicle is out of service
• Keep records of all related expenses (towing, rentals, etc.)
• Save all communication with the dealer and manufacturer

2. Report Problems Promptly

• Bring your vehicle in for repair as soon as problems arise
• Make sure all complaints are documented on the repair order
• Be specific about the problems you’re experiencing

3. Notify the Manufacturer Directly

• Send a written notice to the manufacturer’s customer service department
• Many vehicles have contact information in the owner’s manual
• Use certified mail to document your communication

4. Consult with a Lemon Law Attorney

• Most Lemon Law attorneys offer free consultations
• They can evaluate your case and explain your options
• If you have a valid claim, attorney fees are typically paid by the manufacturer

The Benefits of Working with a Lemon Law Attorney

Many consumers try to navigate Lemon Law claims on their own, but working with an attorney in this area offers significant advantages:

• Experience identifying qualifying defects that manufacturers might dispute
• Knowledge of manufacturer tactics and how to counter them
• Documentation expertise to build a strong case
• Negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement
• No upfront costs since fees are typically paid by the manufacturer if you win

When to Contact a Lemon Law Attorney

The best time to consult with a Lemon Law attorney is as soon as you suspect you have a lemon. Early intervention can:

• Ensure proper documentation from the beginning
• Prevent you from inadvertently weakening your claim
• Potentially expedite the resolution process
• Reduce stress by having an advocate on your side

California’s Lemon Law Is On Your Side

California’s Lemon Law exists because lawmakers recognize that consumers deserve protection when manufacturers sell defective vehicles. You don’t need to continue suffering with a problematic vehicle that drains your time, money, and peace of mind.

At Mission Law Group, we specialize in helping consumers understand and exercise their rights under California’s Lemon Law. If you’re repeatedly dealing with vehicle problems despite multiple repair attempts, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your options.

Remember: The manufacturer has a team of lawyers protecting their interests. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for yours?

This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific circumstances of your situation.