California Lemon Law Basics
Understanding the Protections Designed to Safeguard Your Consumer Rights
California Lemon Law Basics
Are you a resident of California who recently purchased or leased a vehicle that turned out to be a lemon? Don’t worry, you have rights! In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the basics of California lemon law and guide you on exercising your consumer rights effectively.
At Norman Taylor & Associates, our team of experienced California lemon law attorneys has advocated for consumer rights for over 37 years. We’ve compiled this information to help you navigate the complexities of lemon law, but if you have any further questions, please contact us.
What Is a Lemon?
A lemon is a new or used vehicle, including Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, that fails to meet the promises made by the warranty; this includes any car that was guaranteed to be free from defects for a certain period but remains defective even after multiple repair attempts.
What Is California Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law is a set of regulations that protects consumers who have purchased or leased a lemon vehicle. Under this law, manufacturers are obligated to replace the defective product or provide a refund to the consumer after a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made.
It’s important to be aware of your rights under California’s lemon laws and take appropriate action if they have been ignored.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?
No, as of late October 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled that the Lemon Law remedies no longer apply to used vehicles against auto manufacturers. So even if your used vehicle came with the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty and you repeatedly had work performed under that warranty, you are not entitled to Lemon Law refund or replacement remedies.
How Does the Lemon Law Work?
If you think you’ve purchased or leased a lemon car, it’s essential to understand how the lemon law works and what steps you should take. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the lemon law process:
- Document Your Vehicle Issues: Keep detailed records of all the problems you experience with your vehicle, including dates, repair attempts, and communication with the manufacturer or dealership.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Inform the manufacturer via email or through their 800 number about the issues you’re facing with your vehicle and request repairs under warranty. Keep a copy of this notification for your records.
- Give the Manufacturer a Reasonable Opportunity to Repair: The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the vehicle under warranty through their authorized dealerships. Whether you’ve given them a reasonable opportunity depends on your specific situation.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If the manufacturer fails to remedy your vehicle defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you should seek legal assistance. Our California lemon law team can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Is My Car a Lemon? What Qualifies as a Lemon in California?
Determining whether your car qualifies as a lemon under California lemon law can seem complicated. However, several factors can help you make that determination. Generally, if your vehicle meets the following criteria, it may be considered a lemon:
- The vehicle has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety.
- The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The manufacturer has been given a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defect.
Consulting our knowledgeable California lemon lawyers can provide you with a clear understanding of whether your car qualifies as a lemon and what legal actions you can take.
Know Your CA Lemon Law Rights!
If you believe you have a lemon car and want to explore your options under California’s lemon law, Norman Taylor & Associates is ready to assist you! Schedule a FREE consultation with our firm today to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action.
