Table of Contents
- What Qualifies as a Lemon in California
- Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act Explained
- The Reasonable Repair Attempts Standard
- Manufacturer Buyback vs. Replacement
- Lemon Law Coverage for Used Vehicles
- How to Build a Strong Lemon Law Case
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- California’s Song-Beverly Act provides the strongest lemon law protections in the nation
- Vehicles qualify if defects substantially impair use, value, or safety after reasonable repair attempts
- Two or more repair attempts for safety defects or four attempts for other defects typically qualify
- Manufacturers must repurchase or replace defective vehicles and pay attorney’s fees
- Used vehicles with remaining manufacturer warranty coverage are protected
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides consumers with powerful remedies when new or certified pre-owned vehicles suffer from persistent defects. Understanding these protections helps vehicle owners navigate the process of holding manufacturers accountable. The consumer protection attorneys at Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. have successfully recovered millions of dollars for California consumers dealing with lemon vehicles.
What Qualifies as a Lemon in California
A vehicle qualifies as a lemon when it has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or authorized dealer cannot repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts.
Common qualifying defects include engine and transmission problems, electrical system failures, brake defects, steering issues, and persistent warning lights indicating unresolved problems.
Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act Explained
California’s lemon law requires manufacturers to promptly buy back or replace defective vehicles. Unlike some states with minimal penalties, Song-Beverly mandates that manufacturers pay consumers’ attorney’s fees and costs, making it economically feasible to pursue claims.
The law covers new vehicles purchased or leased in California with manufacturer’s warranty coverage.
The Reasonable Repair Attempts Standard
California presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts when the vehicle has been subject to repair two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, or four or more times for any warranty defect.
A vehicle also qualifies if it has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days due to warranty repairs.
Manufacturer Buyback vs. Replacement
When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon, consumers can choose between a repurchase (buyback) or replacement vehicle. Buybacks include refund of purchase price, down payment, loan payments, registration fees, and incidental damages minus a reasonable usage deduction.
Lemon Law Coverage for Used Vehicles
Used vehicles with remaining manufacturer warranty coverage receive lemon law protection for defects arising during the warranty period. This includes certified pre-owned vehicles and used cars still within the original factory warranty.
How to Build a Strong Lemon Law Case
Document every repair attempt with dated repair orders showing symptoms reported and work performed. Keep records of all communications with dealers and manufacturers. Track days the vehicle was unavailable due to repairs.
Conclusion: Hold Manufacturers Accountable for Defective Vehicles
You shouldn’t have to pay for a vehicle that doesn’t work properly. California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act gives you powerful rights to demand accountability from manufacturers who sell defective vehicles. However, manufacturers often try to avoid their obligations, dragging out repairs and denying valid claims.
That’s where Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. comes in. We’ve successfully represented thousands of California consumers in lemon law cases, forcing manufacturers to repurchase defective vehicles and pay full compensation. Best of all, the law requires manufacturers to pay our attorney’s fees, so pursuing your lemon law claim costs you nothing. If you’re stuck with a lemon vehicle, contact Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. We’ll review your repair history and help you get the resolution you deserve.
