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Los Angeles Lemon Law for New Cars: Get Help Today

Understanding New Vehicle Lemon Law in California

When you purchase a new car, you expect it to run smoothly and be free from major issues. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, consumers end up with a car with persistent problems that cannot be fixed despite multiple repair attempts. This is where Lemon Laws come into play. In California, the Lemon Law protects consumers who have purchased or leased a new vehicle with substantial defects or malfunctions that the manufacturer cannot repair. The law requires manufacturers to replace or repurchase a vehicle that meets the definition of a "lemon" under certain circumstances. Understanding the Lemon Law is essential for California consumers as it provides recourse for those who have spent their living expenses on a new car that fails to meet the manufacturer’s and your own expectations.

If you live in Los Angeles and have a new car that you suspect may be a lemon, O’Connor Law Group, P.C.. can help. Our attorneys are well-versed in California's Lemon Laws and are committed to helping our clients through every stage of seeking remedy under the law. We understand that having a defective vehicle is frustrating and potentially unsafe. That is why we work to protect our clients' rights and hold manufacturers accountable for selling faulty cars. We are prepared to negotiate to seek a favorable outcome for our clients and will go to trial if necessary to work toward recovering compensation.

To discuss your Los Angeles new car lemon case with one of our lawyers, please contact us at (949) 390-9695.

Key Elements of California's Lemon Law

Under California Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered a "lemon" if it has a substantial defect covered by a warranty and impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

A "substantial defect" is sometimes referred to as a “nonconformity,” which means that the vehicle does not perform as described in its new vehicle warranty, or does not meet the requirements of its implied warranties. For example, if your new car has an engine that does not run properly or brakes that fail when applied, these could be considered substantial defects. In order to qualify for compensation under California’s Lemon Law, your vehicle must have significant defects that have not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty, those time limits will also play a role in whether your claim is viable. California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and related statutes set out presumptions about how many repair attempts or how long your car can be out of service before it is presumed to be a lemon, but these presumptions are only a starting point. A Los Angeles lemon law lawyer can review your repair history, mileage, and warranty documents to determine how these rules apply to your situation and whether your case fits within the law’s timelines.

California Lemon Law may also allow recovery of incidental and consequential damages connected to the defect, such as towing charges, rental car costs, and certain registration or finance-related expenses. When we evaluate a claim, we look beyond the price of the vehicle itself to identify every category of loss the law may permit you to recover. This broader approach helps you understand the full value of your potential claim so you can decide whether to pursue a buyback, replacement vehicle, or a negotiated cash settlement.

If your new car meets the definition of a lemon under California law, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies:

  • A replacement vehicle: The manufacturer must replace your defective vehicle with a comparable new one.
  • A repurchase: The manufacturer must buy back your defective vehicle.

You must visit the dealership for repairs more than one time before pursuing legal action.

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Our FAQ

Have More? Contact Us!
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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