California Lemon Law: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently purchased or leased a vehicle that’s been repeatedly repaired for the same issue, you may be driving what’s commonly referred to as a “lemon.” Fortunately, the lemon law California consumers rely on is one of the strongest in the country. At Kesh Law, we’re dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve under the law.

This guide will walk you through what the California Lemon Law is, how it applies to your situation, and how a qualified lemon law lawyer can help you get results.

What Is the California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who buy or lease a new or used vehicle that turns out to be defective. If the manufacturer or dealership can’t repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts, the law requires them to either replace the vehicle or refund the buyer.

This law applies to:

• New vehicles
• Used vehicles still under a manufacturer’s warranty
• Leased vehicles
• Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and certain recreational vehicles

The Lemon Law is designed to ensure consumers don’t get stuck with a vehicle that’s unsafe, unreliable, or significantly devalued due to persistent problems.

How Do I Know If My Vehicle Qualifies as a Lemon?

Not every mechanical issue qualifies a car as a lemon. However, your vehicle may qualify if:

• The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
• The issue is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
• The dealership has made a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, usually 2–4 depending on the severity of the problem

Examples of qualifying issues include:

• Transmission failure
• Faulty brakes
• Steering or suspension defects
• Engine stalling or overheating
• Electrical system malfunctions
• Infotainment or backup camera failures that impact safety

Every case is different. A lemon law lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your situation and determine if you have a valid claim.

What Am I Entitled to Under the Lemon Law?

If your vehicle qualifies under the lemon law California statutes, you’re typically entitled to one of the following remedies:

1. Vehicle Replacement: The manufacturer provides a comparable vehicle with no additional cost to you.
2. Vehicle Buyback: The manufacturer repurchases your vehicle and reimburses you for:
   
   • Down payment
   • Monthly payments
   • Registration fees
   • Taxes
   • Towing and rental car expenses (if applicable)
3. Cash Settlement: In some cases, you may negotiate a cash settlement and keep the vehicle.

In most successful Lemon Law cases, the manufacturer is also required to pay your attorney’s fees and costs—so there’s no cost to you when you work with an experienced lemon law lawyer.

What Makes Kesh Law the Right Choice?

At Kesh Law, we focus on delivering aggressive representation and personalized service. Our team understands the tactics manufacturers use to delay or deny your claim—and we know how to fight back. Here’s what you can expect when you choose us:

• Free Case Review: We’ll assess your situation at no cost.
• No Out-of-Pocket Legal Fees: You pay nothing unless we win.
• Direct Attorney Access: You’ll work directly with a skilled lemon law lawyer, not a case manager.
• Fast, Efficient Process: We aim to resolve most cases in weeks, not months.

We represent consumers throughout California and are deeply familiar with the complexities of the state’s Lemon Law statutes.

Common Myths About the California Lemon Law

1. Only new cars qualify – False. Used vehicles still under the original manufacturer’s warranty are also eligible.
2. I have to give the dealer unlimited chances to fix it – False. The law defines a “reasonable number” of repair attempts.
3. I can’t afford a lawyer – False. With Kesh Law, you don’t pay legal fees unless we win—and those fees are paid by the manufacturer.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Lemon

If you’re dealing with repeated vehicle issues, here are the steps you should take:

1. Keep detailed records: Save all service invoices, repair orders, and communications with the dealer.
2. Document everything: Include dates, mileage, and a description of the issue every time you take the vehicle in.
3. Call a lemon law lawyer: An attorney can quickly determine whether your case meets the criteria and guide you through the next steps.

The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Why Time Matters

The statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law claim in California is typically four years from the date you first noticed the problem. Waiting too long can hurt your case, so don’t delay in reaching out for legal guidance.

Vehicles That Often Qualify

While any make or model can turn out to be a lemon, the following vehicles are frequently reported in lemon law California cases:

• Ford F-150 and Explorer
• Chevrolet Silverado and Equinox
• Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee
• Toyota Rav4
• Honda Civic and Accord
• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y

Whether your vehicle is on this list or not, persistent mechanical issues under warranty may qualify for legal action.

Additional Resources

For more insights on related legal matters, you might find these articles helpful:

• Mastering California Car Accident Claims with Confidence
• What to Do after a Hit and Run in California
• How Do I Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?

Speak With a California Lemon Law Lawyer Today

If your car keeps breaking down and the dealership can’t seem to fix it, you may have a legal right to compensation. At Kesh Law, we’ve helped countless California consumers resolve their Lemon Law claims quickly and effectively.

Don’t settle for repeated repairs or endless frustration. Contact Kesh Law today for a free consultation with a top-rated lemon law lawyer in California. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.

Call Kesh Law now or fill out our online form to get started. Your defective vehicle shouldn’t define your daily life—and with Kesh Law on your side, it won’t.