Wirtz Law Blog

The choice often seems obvious when deciding whether to buy a reliable car. A dependable vehicle can give you peace of mind, minimize unexpected repairs, and save time and money. But even the best-made vehicles from the most reputable brands can sometimes fail. You may still have options if you find yourself with a faulty vehicle, especially in California. California’s lemon law provides recourse for consumers who end up with a defective car, regardless of the brand’s reputation for reliability.

California Lemon Law Provides a Safety Net for Consumers

California has one of the most consumer-friendly lemon laws in the nation. Under this law, if your car has serious defects that the dealer or manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. The important part to note is that it doesn’t matter if you bought a car from a brand with a strong reputation for reliability. What matters is whether the car has issues that impact its usability, safety, or value.

The Lemon Law applies to new vehicles still under warranty and covers a wide range of defects. This means that even if you think you have made the right choice by purchasing a car that’s supposed to be dependable, the law is still on your side if something goes wrong. Car brands with a reputation for quality are not immune to manufacturing errors, and that’s why the Lemon Law exists—to protect consumers like you when things don’t go as planned.

How the Lemon Law Protects You

Understanding how the lemon law works can help ease concerns about whether your vehicle’s brand affects your rights as a consumer.

Does It Matter Which Car Brand You Buy?

Many consumers aim to buy cars known for their reliability. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are often touted for dependability. However, even these manufacturers have had recalls and issues. Whether your vehicle is from a luxury brand or an economy line, it can still end up having defects. While most modern cars are generally well-made, no manufacturer is perfect.

The California lemon law doesn’t discriminate based on the brand. Whether you purchased a high-end sports car or a budget-friendly sedan, what truly matters is if the vehicle’s defect meets the criteria under the lemon law. To qualify under the lemon law, your car must have a significant issue that impacts its performance, safety, or resale value. The problem must occur while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, and you must have given the dealership or manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair it. So, while reliability is important, the lemon law ensures you won’t be left out in the cold if things go wrong.

What Qualifies as a Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts?

Under California’s lemon law, manufacturers and dealers are required to make a reasonable number of attempts to fix the car’s defect. But what does “a reasonable number” mean? If the car’s defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, then two repair attempts may be enough to get a refund or replacement.  

You don’t have to worry about the brand’s or model’s reputation when it comes to how many repair attempts are needed. The key is documenting each time you bring the car in for repairs and tracking how long it has been in the shop. You may be entitled to a refund or replacement if the dealer cannot fix the issue.

Practical Tips When Dealing with a Lemon Car

If your car may qualify as a lemon, taking proactive steps to protect yourself is essential. Here are some key actions to consider:

• Keep detailed records. Make sure to document all repair attempts, including dates, work orders, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. These records will be critical if you need to pursue a lemon law claim.
• Know your rights. Even if your car is known for its reliability, the law still applies if it has a significant defect. You don’t have to suffer through constant breakdowns or safety risks because of a brand’s reputation.
• Don’t delay. Time is a factor when it comes to lemon law. If your vehicle continues to have issues, make sure to act promptly. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to prove your case.

Taking these steps ensures that you are in the best possible position if you need to pursue a lemon law claim.

Whether your car came from a brand known for dependability or one with mixed reviews, what matters is how the car performs and whether the dealer can fix any significant issues.

By understanding your rights under the lemon law and taking the necessary steps to document your repair attempts, you can protect yourself and ensure you’re not stuck with a faulty vehicle. 

Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney About Your Case Today

If you’ve purchased a vehicle that turned out to be a lemon, don’t let frustration and disappointment take control. At Wirtz Law APC our lemon law attorneys have a proven track record of success, recovering over $70 Million for our clients. With a better-than-98 percent success rate, we are committed to ensuring you get the reliable vehicle you deserve. Act now and reclaim your peace of mind. Schedule a free no obligation consultation with Wirtz Law APC today by calling 858-259-5009 or filling out our secure online contact form. Let us fight for your rights and drive you toward a resolution.