Whiskeytown Lemon Law Lawyers

Buying a vehicle is a major investment, and when it turns out to be defective, it can leave you feeling frustrated and financially burdened. California’s Lemon Law protects consumers from being stuck with cars that have ongoing mechanical issues. If your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the same or different problem and remains unfixed, you may be eligible for compensation, a replacement, or a refund.

In recent years, vehicle defects have become increasingly common. More than one in four vehicles on U.S. roads—totaling 72.7 million—carry at least one open recall. In 2024 alone, automakers recalled 6.1 million vehicles in Q4 due to safety and performance issues. Consumers should take legal action when manufacturers fail to take responsibility for selling defective vehicles. Wirtz Law, a Whiskeytown Lemon Law firm, aggressively represents clients in these cases, holding automakers accountable and helping vehicle owners secure the compensation they deserve.

With a 98% success rate and over $70 Million recovered for clients, Wirtz Law has the experience and resources to fight for you. If your car qualifies as a lemon, our attorneys will ensure your case is handled correctly from start to finish.

Does Your Vehicle Qualify Under California’s Lemon Law?

California provides some of the nation’s most comprehensive consumer protections for vehicle owners facing persistent mechanical issues. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the California Lemon Law, ensures that consumers are not stuck with defective vehicles that manufacturers refuse to fix. However, not every car with problems qualifies. Several key factors must be considered to determine if your vehicle is covered under the law.

Does the Defect Substantially Impact Safety, Use, or Value?

For a vehicle to qualify under California’s Lemon Law, the defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s safety, its use, or value. Some of the most common issues that meet this standard include:

• Engine problems–stalling, overheating, excessive oil consumption, or complete engine failure;
• Transmission malfunctions—rough shifting, slipping gears, delayed acceleration, or total transmission failure;
• Electrical failures—non-functioning infotainment systems, dashboard errors, battery drain, or power loss; and
• Brake system defects—unresponsive brakes, sudden failure, or premature wear that compromises stopping power.

Minor inconveniences, such as a broken interior light, typically do not qualify unless they are part of a broader pattern of failure that affects the car’s safety, use, or value.

How Many Repair Attempts Have Been Made?

The manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect before the vehicle can be classified as a lemon. Generally, this means:

• At least two unsuccessful repair attempts for the relevant defects;
• Alternatively, if the car has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs, it may qualify even if fewer attempts were made.

Manufacturers and dealerships sometimes delay repairs or claim they cannot duplicate the issue. Keeping detailed records and notes of every repair visit is critical in proving your case.

Was the Issue Reported While the Vehicle Was Under Warranty?

For a Lemon Law claim to be valid, the defect must have been reported to the manufacturer while the vehicle was still covered by its original warranty. However, the claim does not have to be filed before the warranty expires. If you first reported the problem while the warranty was active, you may still be eligible for relief under the Lemon Law, even if the issue persists beyond the warranty period. Presently, you have up to four years to file a claim, but no more than six years from the date of delivery to you.

If you are uncertain whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, an experienced Whiskeytown Lemon Law attorney can review your purchase documents, repair records, and warranty details to determine if you have a valid claim.

Why Lemon Vehicles Are Dangerous

A defective vehicle is more than an inconvenience—it can be a serious safety hazard. Many lemon vehicles suffer from persistent mechanical failures that put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk. While some defects may seem minor, others can lead to accidents, breakdowns, or even life-threatening situations.

Brake and Steering Failures Can Lead to Accidents

Braking system defects are among the most dangerous issues found in lemon vehicles. Millions of vehicles in the U.S. have open recall notices related to brake failure, making it one of the most common safety concerns. A car that loses braking power unexpectedly can cause rear-end collisions, rollovers, and major roadway hazards. Similarly, steering malfunctions—where drivers experience a sudden loss of control—can lead to devastating crashes.

Electrical Failures Can Cause Fires and Sudden Power Loss

Electrical system defects are a growing problem in modern vehicles, with 6.3 million vehicles recalled for electrical issues in 2024 alone. Problems such as battery shorts, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning sensors can lead to dashboard failures, unexpected stalling, or even fires. Some vehicles have been recalled because of exploding batteries or malfunctioning airbags, which pose severe risks.

Engine and Transmission Defects Increase the Risk of Stalling

A car that stalls in the middle of traffic—especially on highways or busy intersections—puts drivers in immediate danger. Transmission and engine defects frequently cause unexpected shutdowns, loss of acceleration, or failure to restart. If manufacturers fail to address these issues properly, the vehicle remains a road hazard.

If you are experiencing recurring issues with your car, it is important to take action. An expert Whiskeytown Lemon Law attorney can help you pursue a refund or replacement before a mechanical failure leads to an accident.

Which Vehicles Are Most Commonly Recalled?

Certain automakers produce more defective vehicles than others. In 2024, Tesla led the industry in recalls, with 5.1 million vehicles recalled. While Tesla resolved all of these issues through Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, recalls from other manufacturers required physical repairs.

The most significant recalls from Q4 2024 included:

• Honda. 2,250,000 vehicles (2021-2024 Accord, CR-V) – Faulty fuel injectors posed a fire risk due to potential fuel leaks.
• Chrysler/Stellantis. 1,150,000 vehicles (2022-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee) – ABS software errors could disable stability control, violating federal safety standards.
• General Motors. 615,000 vehicles (2024 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra) – A defective electronic brake control module could prevent warning lights from activating.
• Hyundai. 450,000 vehicles (2020-2023 Tucson, Santa Fe) – A potential short circuit in the ABS increased fire risks.

If your vehicle is under recall and the manufacturer has failed to complete necessary repairs, you may have a valid claim under California’s Lemon Law. Your best decision is to contact the winning Whiskeytown Lemon Law lawyers at Wirtz Law to evaluate whether you qualify for compensation.

Common Signs That Your Vehicle Might Be a Lemon

A vehicle may qualify under California’s Lemon Law if it has ongoing defects that impact its safety or performance. Many consumers continue driving their cars without realizing they may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

Some of the most frequently reported defects in Lemon Law claims include:

• Braking system failures—loss of stopping power, premature wear, or unresponsive brakes;
• Engine malfunctions—stalling, overheating, or total engine failure;
• Transmission problems—slipping gears, rough shifting, or failure to engage; and
• Electrical issues—dashboard errors, battery drain, or non-functioning infotainment systems.

Legal action may be necessary if you experience any of these issues and repeated repairs have not resolved them. The Whiskeytown Lemon Law Lawyers at Wirtz Law can help hold the manufacturer accountable for you by seeking maximum damages for you.

5 Steps to Take If You Suspect You Have a Lemon

Following the right steps when dealing with a defective vehicle ensures a strong Lemon Law claim. Proper documentation and early action can make all the difference in securing compensation.

1. Keep a record of every repair attempt. Save receipts, invoices, and work orders from the dealership or manufacturer’s repair shop.
2. Request documentation from the service department. Ensure the repair orders clearly state the reported issue and the work performed.  Insist on getting paperwork for every visit to the dealership, even if they didn’t do any work or refuse to give you paperwork. You are entitled to it.
3. Check for recalls. In 2024, automakers recalled 27 million vehicles, 6.3 million of which were due to electrical system failures alone. Recall databases can reveal whether your issue is widespread.
4. Limit your vehicle use if it’s unsafe. If a defect risks you or others, avoid driving the vehicle whenever possible.
5. Consult a Whiskeytown Lemon Law lawyer. An attorney ensures that your case is properly filed and prevents the manufacturer from delaying or denying your claim.  The experienced lemon law attorneys at Wirtz Law know all the tricks tried by the manufacturer’s army of defense lawyers.  Level the playing field with making your best decision to check in with Wirtz Law.

Car buyers often believe that manufacturers will voluntarily offer a replacement or refund. Unfortunately, most automakers try to avoid liability. Seeking legal help is the most effective way to resolve your case.

How Can a Dealership Dispute My Lemon Law Claims?

Even when a vehicle qualifies as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law, dealerships and manufacturers often try to dispute claims to avoid taking financial responsibility. They aim to sell cars and minimize buybacks and refunds, leaving car owners frustrated and without a resolution. Understanding dealerships’ common tactics to challenge Lemon Law claims can help you prepare a strong case.

Claiming the Issue Is Not Significant

One of the most common arguments dealerships make is that the defect does not substantially impair the car’s safety, usability, or value. They may insist that the problem is merely an inconvenience rather than a serious issue. Sometimes they claim a software re-coding that fixes a defect in the programming is just an upgrade or beneficial improvement, like some new feature they just added.  Other times, defects such as stalling engines, faulty brakes, or persistent electrical failures that pose significant safety risks are downplayed as normal or minor.  Keeping a detailed repair record and hiring expert lawyers can counter these arguments.

Saying the Vehicle Was Improperly Maintained

Dealerships often claim that owner negligence or improper maintenance caused the defect. They might argue that you voided the warranty if you missed a scheduled service appointment or used aftermarket parts. While the lack of maintenance needs to be connected to the defect alleged, to protect your case, you should always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and keep records of all oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. Don’t give the automakers any arguments you don’t need to.

Arguing That the Defect Was Fixed

Some manufacturers will insist that repeated repairs eventually resolve the issue, even when the same problem keeps reappearing. They may claim that the vehicle is operating normally despite ongoing breakdowns. If your car continues to experience the same failures, documenting each repair attempt and test drive results can strengthen your case.

How a Whiskeytown Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

Handling a Lemon Law claim alone can be overwhelming. Manufacturers have teams of lawyers ready to dispute consumer complaints, making it difficult to secure a fair resolution without your own legal representation. Working with the Whiskeytown Lemon Law attorney at Wirtz Law levels the playing field and increases your chances of success.

Wirtz Law can:

• Assess your repair history to determine if your vehicle qualifies; 
• Gather necessary documentation to strengthen your claim; 
• Negotiate with the manufacturer for a fair settlement or replacement; and
• Take the case to trial if needed. Wirtz Law tries more Lemon Law cases to jury verdict in a single year than most attorneys do in a lifetime.

California law requires manufacturers to pay attorney fees, costs, and expenses for successful Lemon Law claims. This means legal representation costs you nothing out of pocket. The best lemon law attorneys will take your case at no cost to you on a contingency basis.

Speak with an Experienced Whiskeytown Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you purchased a new or certified used vehicle in Whiskeytown and suspect you may have a lemon on your hands, you don’t have to handle the situation alone. The experienced Whiskeytown Lemon Law attorneys at Wirtz Law APC have a proven track record of holding manufacturers accountable and securing compensation for consumers who were sold defective vehicles. With a 98 percent success rate and millions recovered for clients, our team knows how to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the refund or replacement you deserve. We will fight for maximum additional money for incidental and consequential damages as well as civil penalties up to two times your actual damages. At Wirtz Law, we understand your frustration, and we are committed to providing personalized support, guiding you through the Lemon Law process, and aggressively pursuing justice against auto manufacturers who fail to uphold their warranties. We pride ourselves on the amount of communication we have with our clients so they can understand the status of their case at any time.  Schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Whiskeytown Lemon Law attorney at Wirtz Law by calling 858-259-5009 or reaching out through our secure online contact form.