Image Idea: A frustrated driver beside a stalled vehicle in front of a mechanic shop.
Image URL: https://www.dca.ca.gov/images/lemonlaw_infographic.jpg

If your car feels like it spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, you may be
driving a lemon — and if you live in California, you have powerful consumer protections
under the state’s Lemon Law. But not every problematic vehicle qualifies, and many car
owners are unsure what actually counts as a “lemon.”
This guide walks you through exactly what qualifies a vehicle as a lemon under
California law, the legal standards involved, and how you can protect yourself — and
possibly receive a full refund, replacement vehicle, or significant compensation.

Understanding California’s Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law is officially part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act,
found in California Civil Code §1793.22. It applies to both new and used vehicles
that come with a manufacturer’s warranty and experience persistent, unresolved
problems that affect their usability, value, or safety.
The law mandates that manufacturers must either repurchase or replace vehicles that
meet the criteria — but understanding what that actually means requires a deeper look.

Vehicles Covered by California’s Lemon Law

You might be surprised to learn that the law applies to a wide range of vehicles,
including:

• New cars, SUVs, and trucks
• Used vehicles still under a manufacturer’s warranty
• Leased vehicles (not just purchased ones)
• Certified pre-owned (CPO) cars
• Electric vehicles (EVs)
• Motorcycles and certain business vehicles (under 10,000 lbs)Crucially, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California (with some
• exceptions for active-duty military stationed in the state).

Defects That Qualify

The defect or condition must be substantial — meaning it impairs your vehicle’s use,
value, or safety. Examples include:

• Engine stalling or complete failure
• Electrical system defects
• Brake failure
• Transmission malfunction
• Steering issues
• Safety system faults (airbags, sensors, cameras)
• Excessive oil consumption
• Infotainment system failures (if tied to core safety features)
  Minor cosmetic issues usually don’t qualify unless they are symptoms of larger
  mechanical or safety defects

What Does “Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts” Mean?

This is one of the most misunderstood parts of Lemon Law. You do not have to give
the manufacturer unlimited chances to fix your car.
The law presumes your car is a lemon if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles
(whichever comes first):

• The manufacturer has made two or more attempts to repair a serious safety defect, OR
• The manufacturer has made four or more attempts to fix a non-safety defect, ORThe car has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days
  It’s critical to keep detailed repair records — these are essential to proving your
  claim.

How to Document Your Claim

Many Lemon Law cases are lost not because the car doesn’t qualify — but because the
owner didn’t document the process.
Be sure to:

• Save all work orders, invoices, and receipts
• Note mileage and dates for every repair
• Keep records of emails or texts with service advisors
• Document each issue clearly and consistently
  If you’re unsure how to structure your documentation, California Lemon Law Experts can help guide you from Day 1.

What Happens If Your Vehicle Qualifies?

If your vehicle meets the criteria, you may be eligible for:

• Repurchase: The manufacturer must refund your down payment, monthly
  payments, and pay off your loan (minus a usage deduction)
• Replacement Vehicle: You receive a comparable new vehicle
• Incidental Costs: Reimbursement for rental cars, towing, and diagnostics
  Most importantly, manufacturers are required to cover your legal fees if you win —
  so there’s usually no out-of-pocket cost to pursue a claim.

What If the Manufacturer Refuses?

Many manufacturers will resist or delay Lemon Law claims, hoping the consumer gives
up. That’s where experienced legal help matters. The attorneys at California Lemon Law Experts have helped thousands of Californians
recover compensation.

Additional Resources

• California Department of Consumer Affairs
• [California Civil Code §1793.22 – Lemon Law
  Statute](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum
  =1793.22.&lawCode=CIV)
• California Courts Self-Help Portal

Conclusion

If you suspect you’ve been sold a lemon, don’t wait for the situation to fix itself. The law
is on your side — and time is critical. Whether your vehicle is brand new or certified preowned, California’s Lemon Law could entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash
compensation.
📞 Take action today. Reach out to California Lemon Law Experts for a free case review and discover your
legal options — you might be closer to compensation than you think.