California Lemon Law Myths and Facts

Myth: Your Vehicle Has to Be Completely Unusable

Fact: A vehicle does not necessarily have to stop running completely for a potential Lemon Law claim to exist.

California law considers whether a qualifying nonconformity substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety, along with other circumstances.

Recurring engine, transmission, electrical, braking, steering, or other significant problems may deserve further evaluation even when the vehicle remains driveable.

Myth: Four Repair Attempts Automatically Make a Vehicle a Lemon

Fact: Four repair attempts can be important, but they do not automatically guarantee a refund or replacement.

California's Lemon Law contains a rebuttable presumption concerning a reasonable number of repair attempts under specified circumstances. Other factors can also affect a claim.

Your complete repair history should be reviewed rather than relying on a single number.

Myth: Every Used Car Is Covered by the Lemon Law

Fact: Used-vehicle cases can be different from new-vehicle cases.

California's enhanced Lemon Law remedies apply specifically to qualifying new motor vehicles, while other warranty protections may apply to used vehicles sold with written warranties.

The vehicle's warranty, purchase circumstances, and repair history are important when determining what legal protections may be available.

Myth: A Recall Automatically Makes Your Car a Lemon

Fact: A recall by itself does not automatically establish a Lemon Law claim.

A recall means the manufacturer has identified a safety or compliance issue requiring a remedy. Whether you may have a Lemon Law or warranty claim depends on additional circumstances, including the defect, warranty coverage, and repair history.

Myth: You Can't Have a Claim If You Lease Your Vehicle

Fact: Leased vehicles can be covered by California's Lemon Law under qualifying circumstances.

The California Lemon Law recognizes certain leased new motor vehicles within its definition of a new motor vehicle.

If you lease a vehicle experiencing ongoing warranty problems, don't assume that leasing automatically eliminates your rights.

Myth: You Need to Figure Everything Out Before Calling an Attorney

Fact: That's what a case evaluation is for.

You don't need to know whether your vehicle legally qualifies before contacting California Lemon Lawyers, APC. Providing your vehicle information, warranty details, repair history, and supporting documents can help the firm evaluate your circumstances.

Keep copies of your: