Buying a vehicle is undoubtedly one of the most important investments a person can make. It’s an exciting moment, but what happens when the car you’ve dreamed of becomes a source of stress and frustration? That’s where California’s Lemon Law steps in to protect consumers from defective cars that fail to meet quality and performance standards.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of California’s Lemon Law, how it applies to you, and the steps to take if you suspect your car is a lemon.

What is California’s Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides strong legal protections for consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with significant defects. Suppose a car cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts and continues to have issues that impair its use, value, or safety. In that case, the law allows the buyer to seek a refund or replacement.

Does My Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon?

Not all defective vehicles qualify under the Lemon Law. Specific criteria must be met, including:

  1. Covered Under Warranty: The defect must occur during the manufacturer’s warranty period.
  2. Substantial Defects: The problem must affect the functionality, safety, or value of the vehicle (e.g., transmission problems, engine failure, or defective brakes).
  3. Reasonable Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or dealership must have had multiple opportunities to repair the issue. Generally, this means:
    • At least two attempts for a problem that could cause serious injury or death.
    • At least four attempts for other significant issues.
    • The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs.

Additionally, the defect cannot be caused by misuse or unauthorized modifications made by the owner.

What Are My Options Under the Law?

If your vehicle meets the conditions of the Lemon Law, you are entitled to one of the following solutions:

  1. Vehicle Replacement: The manufacturer may provide you with a comparable new vehicle.
  2. Refund: Refunds may be issued in whole or in part, depending on the circumstances, and may include:
    • The purchase price of the car.
    • Taxes, registration fees, and any other costs associated with the purchase of the vehicle.
    • Deduction for mileage driven before the defect occurred.

What Steps Should You Take?

If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, follow these steps to protect your rights:

  1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of repair attempts, invoices, and communication with the manufacturer.
  2. Request Repair Records: Ensure you have copies of all work orders and diagnoses from the repair facility.
  3. Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Navigating a Lemon Law claim can be complex. An experienced attorney can help adequately handle your case and maximize your chances of success.

Why Legal Representation Matters

While California’s Lemon Law is consumer-friendly, manufacturers often fight claims to avoid financial loss. They may argue that the defect isn’t significant or that the car doesn’t meet the requirements. This is where an experienced Lemon Law attorney becomes crucial.

At GB Law, we specialize in handling Lemon Law cases and understand manufacturers’ tactics to deny claims. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and making sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

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