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What Is a Lemon?

Generally speaking, a lemon is a car under warranty that has serious problems despite multiple repair attempts.

What Are Lemon Laws?

All states, as well as the federal government, have so-called lemon laws. California’s law is one of the strongest and best for consumers. When you buy a new car, you expect it to not have any serious problems. And the manufacturer, by offering the car for sale, has promised that it won’t. But sometimes, cars that are still under warranty have defects that seem to be unfixable. Lemon laws are intended to give consumers a way out of this repeating cycle of repairs. Under the lemon law, if you prove your case, the manufacturer will have to pay you cash, give you a replacement car, or buy the car back from you

Does the Lemon Law Apply Only to Cars? What about Other Kinds of Vehicles?

California’s lemon law, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, applies to all consumer goods that have a warranty, not just cars. A federal law called the Magnuson-Moss Federal Warranty Act also protects buyers of all kinds of products that come with a written warranty. That Act is sometimes called the “federal lemon law.”

Are Only New Cars Covered Under the Lemon Law?

No. California’s lemon law covers all cars that are underwarranty, whether they’re new or used. There are different types of warranties that your used car could have:

• The manufacturer’s warranty could still be in effect. A manufacturer’s warranty is often good for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, but it may be longer. Some manufacturers’ powertrain warranties cover the car for ten years, even if the car’s owner changes
• Your used car could have a dealer’s written warranty. Used cars that are for sale at dealerships have a Buyers Guide displayed on them. Among other things, the Buyers Guide has a “Warranty” box and an “As Is” box. If the “warranty”box was checked, then your car came with a dealer’s warranty and is covered under the California lemon law
• It could have a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle warranty

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement?

The amount of time it will take to resolve your lemon law claim depends on many things. Some of the factors are the types of problems your car is having, the attempts you’ve made to get it repaired, the details of the car’s repair history, who the manufacturer is, the status of your claim when you come to us, and which specific law applies to your situation.

Our goal is always to work through your claim and get a settlement as quickly as possible. We are experienced in working with manufacturers’ legal departments, which helps us move efficiently through the claim process.

How Many Times Do I Have to Take My Car in for Repairs?

There isn’t one simple answer to this question. The types of problems your car is having, the amount of time it’s been having those problems, and other factors come into play. We invite you to call us to discuss the details of your situation with one of our lemon law attorneys. The sooner you call, the sooner we can determine whether you have a valid lemon law claim and, if so, resolve the situation with the manufacturer.

The Dealer Told Me that My Car Isn’t a Lemon. Should I Still Call You?

The people at your dealership aren’t trained in the law. They can’t advise you whether your car qualifies as a lemon. Even if you don’t have a valid claim under California’s lemon law, you may still have a claim under other laws, both state and federal, that protect consumers. It’s only natural that the dealer wants to try to fix your car and make you happy. But they’re not the right people to rely on for legal advice. We are lemon law experts and we can determine if you’re entitled to legal relief under the California lemon law or any other law.

What if I Bought the Car in Another State?

There are many different laws that could apply to your situation. For example, no matter where you bought your car and where you live now, you might be entitled to pursue a claim under the “federal lemon law.” Give us a call, and when we have all the details, we’ll figure out which laws best apply to you.

How Much Can I Recover?

You might be entitled to sell your car back to the manufacturer for what you paid, less an amount based on your use of the car. Or, replacement of the car might be an option. Other damages might also apply. What you can recover depends on the specific facts of your case. We understand the lemon law and related laws, we’re experienced at working with the manufacturers on these claims, and we’d love to help you get as much as possible.

Why Do I Need a Lemon Law Attorney—Can’t I Just File the Claim Myself?

You do have the right to file your claim yourself, without a lawyer. But you have no way of knowing how to go about getting the full amount of compensation you’re legally entitled to. The manufacturer will know you’re not trained in the law, and that’s not the best situation for you to be in. With our experience as lemon law attorneys, we can prepare the claim, file it, and deal with the manufacturers for you. That’s the best way for you to get the compensation you deserve. And remember, you never have to pay us anything. We’re paid by the manufacturer if your claim is successful. You have nothing to lose by calling us.

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