Los Angeles Lemon Law Eligibility
Determining If Your Vehicle Qualifies Under California’s Lemon Law
The California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease a new vehicle with a warranty that requires repairs more than once at an authorized dealership or service shop. In such cases, the manufacturer or dealer must refund the purchaser or offer a replacement. An attorney can help you determine whether your vehicle meets the criteria under the Lemon Law and offer guidance on pursuing a just outcome.
At O'Connor Law Group, P.C., we understand how frustrating it can be to purchase a defective vehicle only to malfunction even after multiple repair attempts. That's why we offer personalized legal representation for clients who need free assistance with their Lemon Law cases. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you to understand the details of your situation, including the history of repair attempts and the extent of the defect. We are prepared to seek appropriate remedies through negotiations, litigation, and trial if necessary.
Is your recently purchased or leased vehicle giving you repeated trouble? Call O’Connor Law Group, P.C. today at (949) 390-9695 or contact us online to determine if your car qualifies for a refund or replacement.
When Is Your Car Considered a Lemon?
If you have purchased a new car with a warranty and it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, safety, or value, you may have a lemon under the California Lemon Law.
Examples include significant components such as engine, transmission systems, suspension, steering, electronics, HVAC, airbags, seatbelts, fuel system, infotainment, safety sensors, hands-free, brakes, cooling, emissions, and other vehicle concerns.
The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California to qualify as a lemon under the Lemon Law. You also must have taken the vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs more than once.
In California, specific legal presumptions exist defining what constitutes a reasonable number of repair attempts:
- The manufacturer made two or more repair attempts on a serious safety issue.
- You went to the dealer more than once for repairs for a significant component problem.
- The car has been in the shop for repairs for 30 days (it does not have to be consecutive).
If you have a lemon, consult an experienced attorney at O’Connor Law Group. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through seeking remedies from the manufacturer or dealer.
Our FAQ
Have More? Contact Us!
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Should I pay for my car repairs under warranty?
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.
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Should I save records of my car repairs?
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.
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What Am I Entitled to if My Vehicle Qualifies Under the California Lemon Law?
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.
