4 Things Car Owners Might Not Know About California Lemon Law

There are four things car owners might not know about California lemon laws.  Most car owners don’t realize not everyone qualifies, there are time limits, settlements depend on the value of the vehicle, and how long does it takes to resolve a claim.

First, if you didn’t buy the car in California it’s not covered by the state’s lemon law.  Only vehicles purchased here are covered by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Song-Beverly Act).

This law, enacted in 1970, ensures consumers receive the benefits of express and implied warranties for all consumer goods. Under the Song-Beverly Act, or Lemon Law, automotive manufacturers are required to maintain service and repair facilities to repair vehicles still covered by their warranties.

Secondly, a typical lemon law settlement for the owner of a defective vehicle in California can range from around $5,000 to $100,00. However, the average claim is in the range of between $40,000 to $50,000 to replace or repair a defective vehicle.

Third, most lemon law claims made in the state will settle in under two years, but some cases will be completed in just two months.

Finally, car owners may not know about the four-year statute of limitations in California. So if you have a valid claim, you should get started as soon as possible. The time limit begins when the consumer first experiences a problem with their vehicle. Otherwise, if a claim is not made within four years, the person will be barred from pursuing a claim.

In summary, here are the four things consumers should know about California lemon laws.

  1.  Only automobiles purchased in California qualify in California.
  2.  Lemon settlements in California can range from $5,000 to $100,000. The average claim tends to be between $40,000 to $50,000.
  3.  A lemon law case could settle in two months or two years.
  4.  The statute of limitations to file a Lemon Law claim in California is four years.

Find out if your vehicle qualifies by contacting Attorney James Johnson to request a free consultation.

Free California Lemon Law Attorney Consultation at 1-(800) 558-1087

Cars with a Major Safety Issue Qualify as a Lemon in California

Do not delay seeking help if you have safety concerns or repeated problems with your vehicle.

Never put yourself or others at risk if you are experiencing repeated problems or a dangerous safety issue. There is no reason to wait for a recall before you reach out to an experienced attorney and get help. California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.

We highly recommend car owners with engine, electrical, or other problems obtain invoices for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 1-(800) 558-1087 or read on for answers to frequently asked questions. 

Published on June 13, 2024

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about vehicles that may be covered by the California lemon law. However, the lemon law has very specific requirements that must be met for your vehicle to be considered a lemon. Every case has a unique set of circumstances and there are specific criteria that must be met for the lemon law to apply. It is imperative that you take immediate action if you believe your vehicle may qualify.

James Johnson ESQ
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