Lemon Law Attorney
About Lemon Law GroupIf your vehicle continues to experience substantial defects after multiple warranty repair attempts, California law may require the manufacturer to repurchase or replace it. Lemon Law Group represents consumers throughout California in claims brought under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and, when applicable, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
This page represents the firm’s core legal service. All Lemon Law representation is consolidated here to maintain clarity, authority, and ranking strength.
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What Is the California Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers when a vehicle covered by a manufacturer’s written warranty develops defects that substantially impair its use, value, or safety.
The law applies when:
- The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- The manufacturer or authorized repair facility has been given a reasonable opportunity to repair it
- The defect arose during the warranty period
The defect does not need to render the vehicle completely inoperable. Repeated engine failures, transmission defects, electrical system malfunctions, braking issues, steering instability, hybrid system failures, and electric vehicle battery problems may qualify.
When Does a Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon?
California law creates a rebuttable presumption that a reasonable number of repair attempts has occurred when:
- A safety-related defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury has been repaired two or more times without resolution, OR
- The same non-safety defect has been repaired four or more times, OR
- The vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days for warranty repairs
These are legal presumptions. Qualification depends on documented repair history and defect severity.
Vehicles That May Qualify
California Lemon Law may apply to:
- New vehicles
- Used vehicles still under the original manufacturer’s warranty
- Certified pre-owned vehicles with remaining manufacturer warranty
- Leased vehicles
- Demonstrator vehicles
- Hybrid vehicles
- Electric vehicles
Business-use vehicles may qualify if:
- The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is under 10,000 pounds
- The business owns five or fewer vehicles registered in California
Eligibility depends on warranty coverage and documentation.
Available Remedies
If a vehicle qualifies, California law may require the manufacturer to provide one of the following remedies.
Manufacturer Buyback
The manufacturer repurchases the vehicle and reimburses:
- Down payment
- Monthly payments
- Sales tax
- Registration fees
- Incidental costs related to the defect
A statutory mileage offset may apply using the formula:
(Mileage at first repair attempt ÷ 120,000) × purchase price.
Replacement Vehicle
The manufacturer may provide a substantially identical replacement vehicle, including applicable fees and taxes.
Cash Settlement
In certain cases, the dispute may resolve through a negotiated financial settlement.
The appropriate outcome depends on the facts of the claim and client objectives.
Federal Warranty Claims
In addition to California protections, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows consumers to pursue federal claims when manufacturers breach written warranty obligations. Federal claims may strengthen recovery when manufacturers deny responsibility or delay compliance.
How the Process Works
- Review of warranty and repair documentation
- Evaluation of defect qualification standards
- Claim presentation to the manufacturer
- Negotiation of buyback, replacement, or settlement
- Litigation if necessary
Strategic documentation and compliance with statutory requirements are essential.
Why Work With Lemon Law Group
Lemon Law Group focuses on California vehicle warranty disputes and represents consumers statewide. The firm evaluates repair records, warranty terms, and manufacturer conduct to determine eligibility under state and federal law.
Attorney’s fees may be recoverable from the manufacturer if a consumer prevails, as permitted under California law.
Statewide Representation from Irvine
Lemon Law Group operates from:
18818 Teller Ave, Suite 220
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 544-5473
The firm represents clients throughout California under the state’s uniform Lemon Law protections.
For local office details, visit the Irvine location page.
Request a Confidential Case Review
California Consumer ProtectionIf your vehicle continues to experience recurring warranty defects, a structured legal evaluation may determine whether relief is available under California law.
Call (949) 544-5473 or visit the contact page to request a confidential review.