Los Angeles

LEMON LAW

UNDERSTANDING

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In heavy Los Angeles traffic, a safe, reliable vehicle is essential.

When a vehicle turns out to be a lemon, these expectations are replaced by frustration, stress, and unacceptable risk.

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Unfortunately, not all vehicles meet this test.

Most Common Lemon Vehicles

Just a few vehicle manufacturers have been involved in nearly half of all lemon law claims in California from 2018 to 2021.

These include:

GENERAL MOTORS

29% of all cases

FIAT CHRYSLER

17% of all cases

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

13.5% of all cases

Additionally, Consumer Reports rates the following vehicles poorly for reliability:

2022 Ford Explorer Reliability: 8/100

Unreliable Vehicles

2022 Ford Mustang Reliability: 9/100

According to Consumer Reports

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2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Reliability: 17/100

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Not all unreliable vehicles are lemons

Under California lemon law, a vehicle must have continuing issues despite at least two attempts to fix the problem. The vehicle must also meet the following requirements:

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It has a defect or defects that substantially impair its use, value, or safety.

A car may be a lemon if:

It has been repaired two or more times during warranty.

The automaker cannot keep the vehicle free from defects.

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Cars that meet those criteria must also meet the following purchase and warranty requirements:

California lemon law requirements:

The vehicle must be purchased new or certified pre-owned (CPO) from a manufacturer or dealership.

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California lemon law requirements:

An original manufacturer’s or CPO warranty must apply to the vehicle and the problem.

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California lemon law requirements:

The vehicle must be purchased for personal use or specific business purposes.

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California lemon law doesn’t apply to all vehicles currently operating on Los Angeles streets.

The consumer purchased the vehicle in a private sale.

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California lemon law does not apply when:

In a private sale, the buyer accepts the vehicle in its existing condition.

The defects first appeared after the warranty expired.

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California lemon law does not apply when:

An extended warranty doesn’t qualify a vehicle for lemon law protection.

The issue stems from add-on or aftermarket components.

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California lemon law does not apply when:

California lemon law only applies only to issues covered by the original or CPO warranty.

How can you protect yourself?

You can take steps to help your lemon law claim succeed. Start by collecting any paperwork you have that is related to your vehicle and its issues.

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The following types of paperwork can help support your lemon law claim:

Your vehicle’s manual & sales brochures

These documents contain helpful information about how your vehicle should function and what was stipulated in the sale.

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Keep purchase and/or lease agreements in a safe place, and be sure to include a copy of the vehicle warranty.

Purchase or lease agreements

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Gather copies of all service records from the manufacturer or mechanic showing what repairs were attempted and any dates repairs were made.

Service and repair records

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California law requires an automaker to pay attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses if your case succeeds.

So no cost or risk to you.

A replacement vehicle is not your only option

You can choose to receive a refund, or “buyback,” which  is calculated using a formula in California’s lemon law.

You may be entitled to damages

You may receive civil penalties if you can prove the automaker intentionally did not comply with California’s lemon law.

If you think you have a lemon talk to an experienced Los Angeles lemon lawyer so that you can learn about your legal options.

We help Southern California consumers get the compensation they deserve after purchasing a lemon. Talk to a winning trial attorney:

free no obligation evaluation

(858) 879-3557