California Ford Lemon Law Attorney for Defective Vehicles

Representing Both Sides Since 2003 & We Know How Ford Defends These Claims

If you’ve purchased or leased a Ford in California that keeps failing despite repeated repairs, you may have a valid lemon law claim. At O’Connor Law Group, P.C., we’ve represented both consumers and manufacturers in California lemon law disputes since 2003. That dual-side background gives us direct knowledge of how Ford and its dealers build their defense. It also shows us how to counter it. Combined with millions recovered for clients across California, it’s what we bring to every Ford lemon law case we handle.

Call us or contact O’Connor Law Group, P.C. online to schedule a consultation with a California Ford lemon law attorney. There’s no upfront cost. Manufacturers are required to pay attorney fees when the consumer prevails.

Understanding Your Rights Under California’s Lemon Law

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle qualifies as a lemon if it has a nonconformity: a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. The manufacturer can’t repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. The defect must first appear and be subject to repair attempts while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s original express warranty.

The Tanner Consumer Protection Act establishes specific thresholds for what counts as a reasonable number of repair attempts. Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, whichever comes first, a presumption arises when: two or more repair attempts have been made for a defect that could cause serious injury or death; four or more attempts have been made for the same non-safety defect; or the vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 total days (not necessarily consecutive) due to repair. Even outside this presumption window, a vehicle may still qualify under the broader Song-Beverly Act if repair attempts occurred within the warranty period. If Ford or its dealer willfully violates California lemon law, you may also be entitled to civil penalty damages of up to two times your actual damages.

Common Ford Defects That May Support a Lemon Law Claim

We’ve handled California lemon law cases involving Ford vehicles with defects in engines, electrical systems, and transmissions, among other issues. Some of the most commonly reported problems include:

Transmission Problems: Slipping gears, harsh shifting, or complete transmission failure.
Engine Malfunctions: Excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, or loss of power.
Electrical System Failures: Defects in wiring, battery performance, or onboard electronics, including infotainment and connectivity systems.
Safety Feature Defects: Faulty airbags, braking system failures, or other critical safety malfunctions.
Power Steering and Handling Issues: Defects that affect steering response or vehicle handling under normal driving conditions.
A/C and HVAC Failures: Climate control systems that fail to operate as warranted.
Structural or Cosmetic Defects: Rust, peeling paint, or bodywork issues that significantly diminish the vehicle’s value.

Ford has shifted its lineup heavily toward trucks and SUVs in recent years. California lemon law claims have been filed on the F-150, Explorer, Bronco, Mustang, Ranger, Maverick, and Expedition, among other models.

How We Handle Your Ford Lemon Law Claim

We manage all communications with Ford, its dealerships, and opposing counsel so you can focus on getting back on the road. Here’s how the process works.

Step 1: Initial Case Evaluation

We start by reviewing your repair records, warranty information, and other relevant documentation to determine whether your Ford qualifies as a lemon under California law.

Step 2: Building Your Case

We gather the evidence needed to support your claim: service orders, expert testimony, and dealership communications. Then we build your case around it.

Step 3: Negotiation and Litigation

We negotiate with Ford or its dealerships to seek a fair resolution: a refund, a replacement vehicle, or monetary damages. If a satisfactory settlement can’t be reached, we don’t hesitate to take the case to court. Our trial win rate in lemon law cases is 90%, based on past results that are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Step 4: Securing Your Compensation

A successful claim can result in a full vehicle repurchase covering the purchase price, taxes, registration, and incidental expenses; a replacement vehicle; or a negotiated cash settlement that may include repair costs and diminished value. Under California’s fee-shifting provision (Civil Code Section 1794), manufacturers must pay reasonable attorney fees and costs when the consumer prevails. This means our clients pay nothing out of pocket.

Why Choose O’Connor Law Group, P.C. for Your Ford Lemon Law Case?

Dual-Side Experience: We’ve represented both consumers and manufacturers in California lemon law matters. That background gives us direct knowledge of how Ford and its dealers build their defense. It also shows us how to counter it.
Proven Track Record: Since 2003, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients with defective vehicles. Our 90% trial win rate reflects past performance and is not a guarantee of future results.
No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis. Clients pay nothing unless we win, and manufacturers are compelled to cover attorney fees under California law.
Personalized Attention: Every case is different, and clients have direct access to our managing partners throughout.

Contact Our California Ford Lemon Law Attorneys

If your Ford has been in and out of the shop without a real fix, don’t wait. The deadlines under California lemon law are strict, and acting early gives us the best opportunity to build your case and pursue available remedies.

Ford Lemon Law FAQs

Q: What Qualifies a Ford Vehicle as a Lemon?

A: Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a Ford qualifies as a lemon if it has a nonconformity: a defect affecting its use, value, or safety that persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts within the warranty period.

Q: How Many Repair Attempts Are Needed Before Filing a Claim?

A: Under the Tanner Consumer Protection Act, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery, two repair attempts are sufficient for a defect that could cause serious injury or death. Four attempts for the same non-safety defect create the presumption. Alternatively, if your Ford has been out of service for more than 30 total days due to repairs, you may meet the threshold regardless of the number of attempts. Vehicles may still qualify under the broader Song-Beverly Act outside the Tanner window if repair attempts occurred within the warranty period.

Q: What Compensation Might I Receive If My Ford Qualifies as a Lemon?

A: Compensation may include a full vehicle repurchase covering the purchase price, taxes, and registration; a replacement vehicle; or a monetary settlement that includes repair costs, diminished value, and attorney fees. If Ford willfully violated California lemon law, civil penalty damages of up to two times your actual damages may also be available.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Ford Lemon Law Claim?

A: You can file on your own, but having an experienced attorney can improve your ability to pursue a favorable outcome. An attorney can manage discovery, negotiate with Ford’s legal team, and litigate if necessary. Because manufacturers must pay attorney fees when the consumer prevails, pursuing a claim with legal representation typically costs nothing upfront.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Ford Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: AB 1755, signed September 29, 2024, and effective January 1, 2025, significantly tightened the filing deadline. Claims must now be filed within one year after your express warranty expires, and in all cases no later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date. This replaces the prior four-year rule. Delaying action after warranty expiration can extinguish your right to file, so consulting an attorney as soon as you suspect a problem is essential.

How AB 1755 Changed California Lemon Law Deadlines for Ford Owners

California’s lemon law landscape shifted significantly in late 2024. AB 1755 (Kalra, Chapter 938) was signed into law on September 29, 2024, with key provisions taking effect January 1 and April 1, 2025. Ford owners who suspect their vehicle is a lemon need to understand what changed and how quickly the new deadlines can close.

The New Statute of Limitations

The prior four-year statute of limitations has been replaced with a dual deadline. Claims must now be filed within one year after the express warranty expires, and in all cases no later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date, whichever comes first. For many Ford owners, this meaningfully compresses the window to act. Waiting until late in the warranty period to document repair attempts can leave little time to consult an attorney and file before the deadline passes.

The Pre-Suit Notice Requirement

Effective April 1, 2025, consumers seeking civil penalty damages must provide the manufacturer with written 30-day pre-suit notice before filing. That notice must include the consumer’s name, the vehicle identification number, a detailed description of the defects and repair history, and a demand for repurchase or replacement. After receiving notice, the manufacturer has 30 days to respond and an additional period to complete the repurchase or replacement. Manufacturers that fail to complete restitution within 30 days of a signed release face daily penalties of $50.

Mandatory Mediation

AB 1755 also mandates mediation in actions seeking restitution or replacement, staying most discovery until mediation concludes. This can accelerate resolution in straightforward cases, but in contested ones it compresses the timeline for building a case. Together, the pre-suit notice and mediation requirements make early legal consultation more important than it was under prior law.

The SB 26 Opt-In Variable

SB 26, signed April 2, 2025, allows manufacturers to opt in or out of the AB 1755 procedures. Manufacturers that don’t opt in remain subject to the existing lemon law rules. This means the applicable process for a Ford lemon law claim may vary depending on which Ford entity is responding and whether it has opted into the new framework. An attorney familiar with current manufacturer positions can assess which rules apply to your specific claim.

Lemon law filings in California courts rose from approximately 14,892 in 2022 to more than 25,000 in 2024. That volume contributed to the legislative pressure behind AB 1755. The new rules reflect a legislative intent to streamline a high-volume docket, but the tradeoff for consumers is a tighter timeline and more procedural requirements before litigation can begin. If your Ford has had repeated repair issues, contacting an attorney now, before your warranty expires, can be a protective step.

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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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