California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?

Rs Law Offices/Our blog/California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?

California Lemon Laws: How Exactly Do They Work?

14/07/2020

Buying a car in California, whether brand new or slightly used is always an exciting experience. Even if you already have a few in your garage, the thought of painting the town red in a new ride is nothing but thrilling. So, it can be incredibly disappointing if your new or used car keeps on breaking down. If you’ve recently bought or leased a vehicle in California and this describes your situation, chances are you’ve got a lemon. Below is a breakdown of California Lemon Laws, and how they may help you get a replacement or a refund.

What are California Lemon Laws?

Formerly known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the California
Lemon Law is a statute enacted to protect consumer goods that are purchased or leased for personal use. The California Vehicle Lemon Laws, to be precise, protect both new and used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

The purpose of these laws is to protect consumers against auto-fraud by ensuring car manufacturers not only make quality auto products but also uphold their end of the warranty. These laws also help minimize the likelihood of car manufacturers using a warranty to mislead or coerce unsuspecting consumers into purchasing a defective vehicle. These laws cover both new and used cars, and mandate that auto-manufacturers or dealerships in California:

  • Offer adequate repair facilities throughout California for
    easy consumer access
  • Make sure that the repair of the defective car doesn’t take
    more than 30 days
  • Only attempt to fix the defective vehicle a certain number
    of times
  • Buyback, replace, or refund the car-buyer after a reasonable
    number of repair attempts.
  • Cover both consequential and incidental damages brought
    about by the defective car.

Determining If Your Car is a Lemon

However, note, these laws only cover cars bought or leased in California. Also, you have a higher chance of getting compensated within the first 18 months or the first 18,000 miles driven after the purchase of the car. A car is only a lemon if:

  • It has a defect that hampers its functionality or the safety
    of the user
  • The dealership or manufacturer was unable to repair the problem
    after reasonable attempts
  • It has been in the manufacturer’s repair shop for 30 or more
    days within the first 18 months or 18000 miles. Note, this doesn’t have to be
    consecutive, just cumulative.
  • The owner did not cause the problem 

Pursuing a Lemon Law Claim in California

If you’ve recently bought a vehicle and a few weeks or months down the line, you start running into issues; you can take it back to the dealership for repairs at no costs. If the issues continue even after reasonable repair attempts, the manufacturer is legally required to either repurchase it, replace it, or refund you. If they refute your lemon car claims and fail to repair or replace it, you have the right to file an official claim.

But where do you even start? Well, lemon claims are usually a little bit complex and are especially challenging to handle on your own. Hiring a lawyer experienced and reputable in handling lemon law claims is often the most recommendable step. If you’re having trouble getting your car repaired or replaced by a manufacturer or a dealership, feel free to get
in touch with one of our experienced Lemon Law attorneys for a free consultation.

blogs

You might like

Lemon Laws for Defective Hyundai Vehicles in California

If your newly acquired or leased Hyundai car has repeated problems that require repair, the vehicle manufacturer or its licensed representative owes you a refund, repair, or replacement.  If you wind up with a lemon car and the manufacturer is not willing to take care of the vehicle, you will need to seek the counsel […]

07/09/2020
Read more

Common Land Rover Problems: When to Apply the Lemon Law

Range Rovers have an irresistible allure. One characterized by a sporty appearance, high performance, and luxurious interior. They also have a high safety rating, but it’s not uncommon for them to experience problems that render them as lemon. Some of the issues have led to recalls, and others are yet to be addressed by the […]

24/08/2020
Read more

How Truck Accidents are Different from Car Crashes

Even though all types of auto accident are dangerous and have the potential to cause life-altering injuries, truck accidents are nearly, if not always catastrophic or fatal. Unfortunately, they’re becoming quite common. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, about 5,000 people died in truck crashes last year, marking a 46% increase in truck crash deaths […]

18/01/2021
Read more

Car Accident Compensation Laws in California

Every year, careless and reckless drivers cause many accidents leading to severe injuries and death countrywide. In California, car accidents are due to the state’s large population and a high number of vehicles. On numerous occasions, irresponsible drivers always get away with their mistakes. Luckily, there are compensation laws in California aimed to hold at-fault […]

21/09/2020
Read more

Keeping Older Drivers Safe

A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]

17/01/2022
Read more

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]

26/12/2022
Read more

How Dangerous are Ride Shares?

Everyone with a smartphone now has access to the next generation of personalized, private transportation. It used to be a matter of calling and reserving a cab or, in some places, hailing one from the side of the road. Since ridesharing is a new phenomenon, however, all of the kinks are still being worked out, […]

02/11/2022
Read more

Five Pedestrian Accident Facts

Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]

01/08/2022
Read more

The Most Unsafe Era for Pedestrians in 40 Years

Pedestrian safety is of utmost importance right now, and not just because pedestrians legally have the right of way in most places in the United States. Being asafer pedestrian is always key to avoiding injuries by being aware of ones surroundings and avoiding distractions, but as it stands, North Americans are not stemming the tide […]

24/02/2023
Read more

Workman’s Compensation — When to Hire an Attorney

Workman’s Compensation is a right for all employees in California. It seems like a simple idea, and one designed with the workers’ best interests in mind. The truth, unfortunately, can be a lot more complicated than that. Avoid learning this lesson out the hard way by hiring a qualified attorney as soon as you are […]

17/05/2021
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.