The Lemon Law’s Requirements in a Nutshell
Although the California lemon law’s rules apply to products other than cars and trucks, the lemon law is best known for the requirements it imposes on motor vehicle warranties. Regarding automobiles, the California lemon law rules are essentially the following:
- The California lemon law applies only to vehicles covered under warranty. Moreover, term “warranty” in the lemon law statute means only the manufacturer’s warranty, and does not include so-called “extended warranties” that consumers often purchase from dealerships when they buy their vehicles.
- For vehicles that are under warranty, manufacturers are obligated to fix any defects that “substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle” within a “reasonable number of attempts.”
- Any single repair attempt cannot take longer than 30 days, unless the buyer agrees in writing to permit a longer period or in cases in which the delay is caused by conditions beyond the manufacturer’s control.
- If the manufacturer is unable to fix the problem within a reasonable number of attempts, then it must “promptly” either repurchase the vehicle or replace it with a new one.
Have More Questions?
Below is a list of some of the most common questions about California’s lemon law.
- How Serious Does the Autobile’s Malfunction Need to Be?
- How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
- What Qualifies as a “Repair Attempt” Under the California Lemon Law?
- What is a California Lemon Law “Buyback”?
- Is There a Lemon Law for Used Cars?
- Does the Lemon Law Apply to Leased Vehicles?
- What if My Car is a Business Vehicle?
- What if I Bought My Automobile in a Private Party Sale?
- Is There a California Lemon Law For Motorcycles?
- What About Vehicles Purchased Outside of California?
- Does the California Lemon Law Apply if I Didn’t Pay California Sales Tax for the Vehicle?
- What is the Implied Warranty of Merchantability?
- Can I Get “Emotional Distress” or Punitive Damages?
- How Much Money Can I Win in a Lawsuit?
- Are Products Other Than Autos Covered?
- Should I Try to Arbitrate My Buyback Claim?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
- How Long Will a Lawsuit Take?
- Do I Have to Make Vehicle Payments While My Lawsuit is Pending?
- Is There a Federal Lemon Law?
- Do I Need an Attorney to Submit a Claim For a Lemon Law Buyback?
- How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
- How Do I Choose the Right Attorney?
If you think that you might own a lemon, call the Vachon Law Firm now at (858) 674-4100 to find out more about the California lemon law rules. Consultations are always free.
- Back to California Lemon Law Info Page