San Diego Lemon Law Attorney

If your car has ongoing problems after multiple repair attempts within the warranty period, it may be a lemon. Contact our San Diego lemon law attorney for a free evaluation.

In California, a vehicle is a lemon if:

1. It has a significant defect affecting its use, value, or safety.
2. It’s been in for repairs at least four times for the same issue or out of service for 30+ days.
3. The defect occurs within the warranty period (usually 18 months or 18,000 miles). You may be eligible for a refund or replacement if any of these apply.
4. You may qualify for a refund or replacement if any of these apply.

Under California’s Lemon Law, if a vehicle has a defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, the manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of attempts to fix it. Generally, the law says you have given the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts if:

1. The same problem has been repaired four or more times, and the problem still exists.
2. The vehicle has been out of service for repair for 30 or more days due to the defect. These are just guidelines.

In California, the time limit for filing a lemon law claim is typically four years from the date of the vehicle’s purchase. However, acting as soon as possible is crucial, as delays can weaken your case.

California lemon law applies to used cars if certain conditions are met. The law covers buyers of used vehicles still under warranty and found to be defective or can’t be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

In California, the Lemon law time limit for used cars generally falls within the warranty period or 18 months from the date of purchase, whichever comes first. However, ensuring the vehicle has defects covered under the law is crucial. Always consult a qualified attorney for specific guidance.

To prove your used car is a lemon under California Lemon Law, you must show a significant defect impacting its use, safety, or value. Provide documentation of repair attempts, including receipts and evidence of notifying the manufacturer. If the car has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue or has been out of service for 30 days, you may qualify for a lemon claim.

To qualify for California’s lemon law, your new vehicle must have a significant defect that affects its use, value, or safety and be under the manufacturer’s warranty. It would help if you had given the manufacturer or dealer multiple attempts to repair the defect—usually four or more—or if the vehicle had been out of service for 30 days or more. Additionally, the defect must occur within the warranty period, usually 18 months or 18,000 miles. You may be eligible for a refund or replacement if you meet these conditions.

Lemon law payouts in California vary greatly depending on the vehicle, defect, usage, and repair attempts. On average, they range from $10,000 to $30,000 but can be more if the vehicle’s problems are severe or if additional damages or costs occur.

You can file a lemon law claim in California by documenting all defects and repair attempts. Then, write to the manufacturer about the problems and ask for a replacement or refund. If the manufacturer doesn’t fix the problem, talk to a Lemon Law attorney about what to do next, which may involve mediation or a lawsuit.

You don’t need a lawyer for a Lemon Law claim in California, but it can help. A lawyer can guide you through the process, ensure proper documentation, and handle negotiations or litigation with the manufacturer. Many Lemon Law attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.

In California, if your car is a “lemon,” you may be entitled to either a full refund of the purchase or lease price, including taxes and fees, or a replacement vehicle of the same make and model. You may also be reimbursed for related expenses such as rental cars and repair costs. Talk to a lemon law attorney to get the compensation you deserve.

California doesn’t have a specific time limit for how long a dealership can keep your car for repair, but repairs should be done in a reasonable time. You may be eligible for lemon law relief if your vehicle is out of service for 30 days or more due to a significant defect. For unresolved issues, talk to a lemon law attorney.

If you bought a car for $15,000 and put 12,000 miles on it before fixing it, you can use the Lemon Law buyback formula to calculate your refund. Your refund will be the purchase price minus a mileage offset. Always check the mileage with the dealer to ensure your math is correct.

California’s rules for returning a used car depend on the situation. You may have options under Lemon Law or the warranty if the vehicle is still under warranty. If the car was sold “as-is,” returns are usually impossible without fraud or misrepresentation. Review the dealer’s return policy and seek legal advice if needed.

First, to file a Lemon Law claim in California without an attorney, make sure your vehicle qualifies. Get your repair records and warranty information. Send a demand letter to the manufacturer and ask for a refund or replacement. If the problem persists, you can file with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or take it to small claims court.

Yes! California has the Vehicle Retirement (VAVR) program, also known as car scrappage or old car buyback. This is a great program for getting rid of your older, more polluting vehicles.

The Lemon Law was enacted in 1970 to protect consumers from significant defects in new vehicles.

California’s Lemon Law only applies to passenger vehicles, not commercial vehicles. However, commercial vehicles may be covered under other laws or warranties. If a commercial vehicle has defects that affect its use or safety, review the warranty terms and seek legal advice to see your repair or replacement options.

The settlement timeframe can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity and negotiations involved.

The Lemon Law applies to cars registered and used in California, even if purchased out of state, provided they meet the Lemon Law criteria.