Lemon Law

The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles, ensuring they are not stuck with a car that fails to meet basic standards of reliability or quality. 

Under this law, if a manufacturer is unable to repair a defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. This law holds manufacturers accountable for the quality of their products, offering consumers the peace of mind that they won’t be left dealing with persistent, unresolved vehicle issues. 

Lemon laws exist to prevent automobile manufacturers from taking advantage of consumers by selling them faulty products. 

They ensure that if you’ve bought a new vehicle that doesn’t meet the expectations of reliability, safety, and performance, you have a clear path to seek compensation or a replacement. 

These laws are especially important in a market where vehicles are often the second largest investment people make, after their homes. Lemon law exists to protect your investment, providing a fair process for those impacted by defective vehicles.

Types of Defects That Can Qualify for Lemon Law 

The defects that may qualify for a claim under the California Lemon Law generally fall under the following categories: 

• Mechanical defects: Issues that affect the basic operation of the car, like engine failure or transmission problems. 
• Electrical issues: Problems with the electrical system, including malfunctioning wiring or broken lights. 
• Safety-related defects: Any issues that compromise the vehicle’s safety, such as brake malfunctions or airbag failures. 
• Repeated engine or exhaust system issues: If your vehicle consistently has issues with power or exhaust, this may also qualify. 
• Defective electronics or infotainment systems: Problems with the car’s electronics, like malfunctioning GPS or Bluetooth, can also be covered under the Lemon Law if they interfere with the vehicle’s operation or safety. 
• Performance failures: Issues that impact the vehicle's ability to perform as intended, such as steering or alignment defects, suspension issues, or brake failure. 

In all of these cases, the California Lemon Law protects consumers by giving them the right to either a refund or a replacement vehicle if the manufacturer fails to repair the issue within a reasonable number of attempts.

How Does the Lemon Law Work? 

If you believe your car qualifies under the Lemon Law, the first step is to notify the manufacturer of your intention to file a claim. If you have a strong case, the manufacturer may offer a settlement at this point. If not, the next step is mandatory mediation. This requires you and the manufacturer to attempt to resolve the issue through mediation with a neutral third-party mediator before filing a court case. If this is unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit. 

The vehicle is eligible for lemon law if it is a new car and the issues occur while it is under warranty. 

How Many Repair Attempts Are Required? 

The California Lemon Law requires that a vehicle be repaired at least four times for the same defect. If the defect is safety-related and could potentially cause serious injury or death, the vehicle only needs to be brought in twice. Additionally, if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 days or more, it can also qualify under the Lemon Law. 

It’s important to understand that any visit to an authorized dealer where the vehicle is presented for repair counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer is unable to replicate the issue or doesn’t find the defect. For example, if you bring your car in for a steering issue four times, all four visits count toward the repair attempts, even if the dealer was unable to fix the problem during three of those visits. 

Does My Car Qualify as a Lemon? 

While the California Lemon Law presumes that a vehicle is a lemon after four repair attempts within 18 months or 18,000 miles, it is not a strict requirement. Many cases are successfully pursued even if the vehicle doesn't meet these specific criteria. For example, vehicles that experience defects after the 18-month or 18,000-mile mark may still qualify for a refund or replacement under the law. 

The Law Offices of Michelle Choe understands the complexity of Lemon Law claims. Even if your case doesn’t fit the exact mold of the law’s requirements, Ms. Choe can help determine if you’re entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. With her experience, she will navigate the legal process on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Today!  

If you’ve purchased a vehicle that doesn’t meet your expectations or is plagued with defects, the Law Offices of Michelle Choe can help. Don’t let the stress of dealing with a faulty car continue. Ms. Choe is here to guide you through the process of filing a Lemon Law claim and ensure you get the compensation or replacement vehicle you deserve. 

Best of all, you do not have to pay attorney fees - those are covered by the manufacturer. This means you can focus on getting the relief you need, without worrying about upfront legal costs. Let Ms. Choe handle the legal complexities while you work toward a resolution.