FAQ

The California Lemon Law states that dealerships must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair a vehicle. The law is fairly broad, leaving room for a variety of different circumstances. Since the law does not require any specific number of repair visits, each matter should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Typically, four visits for the same problem will qualify, but, depending on the defect, fewer visits may suffice. However, the law also considers the severity of the defect, whether the defect created a safety concern, and how soon the defect occurred after purchase. For example, a defect as severe as brake system failure may only require two visits. Moreover, if a vehicle spends a cumulative total of over 30 days in the shop for warranty repairs, it may satisfy the requirement, no matter how many separate visits were made.

The short answer is yes.  If your vehicle had issues within the first 18 months and 18,000 miles, you are afforded certain considerations under the law. However, the most significant consideration is whether the issues and repair visits occurred during the vehicle’s warranty period.

If your vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund of your down payment and monthly finance payments, as well as a discharge of your vehicle loan. You may also be entitled to reimbursement of incidental damages such as rental car expenses, repair costs, and towing expenses.

If offered by the manufacturer, you may choose to have your vehicle replaced with a similar vehicle instead of having your money refunded.

Yes. California’s Lemon Law does not require that you first arbitrate your case.

Yes. Documents can be submitted for attorney review by email, fax, or regular mail. We settle many of our cases without an in-person meeting.

Yes. We handle lemon law cases throughout California. If needed, we will travel to your local area at no cost to you. If it is necessary to file a lawsuit in your case, the matter will be filed and litigated in your local county or district court.

We do not charge our clients any up-front fees. The California Lemon Law includes an attorney’s fees provision which allows us to collect our fees and court costs from the automobile manufacturer at the successful resolution of the claim.

Pursuing your California lemon law claim, therefore, is economically feasible, even if you weren’t in a position to hire an attorney. Moreover, our contingency fees would not be due until we recover settlement proceeds.

Yes, when you take your car to the dealership for repairs, it’s important to ensure you have documentation of all the problems and the associated repair orders.

Generally, you should not have to pay for repairs under warranty. Per the terms of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the manufacturer agrees to cover the costs of parts and labor during the warranty period. In some instances, the manufacturer may determine the warranty has been voided. Common reasons for a warranty to be voided include misuse or abuse of the vehicle and certain modifications to the vehicle. 

We recommend consulting with the manufacturer prior to modifying your vehicle. If you feel the manufacturer has unfairly determined you violated the terms of the warranty, then you should contact our firm.