If your newly-purchased vehicle spends more time in the shop then on the road or in your driveway, chances are, you have a lemon. In most states, a lemon is defined as a car that has a defect covered by the Factory warranty that caused an interruption within a designated period or number of miles after purchase, and the issue is not fixable after a “reasonable number of attempts” at repair. Thankfully for Californians, the California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase vehicles that do not meet quality standards.
California Lemon Law Explained
The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, requires vehicle manufacturers to repair, refund, or replace any new or leased vehicle that does not conform to warranty standards after a “reasonable number of repair attempts” have been made or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 cumulative days. The set number of reasonable repair attempts in California is 4 or, 2 repair attempts for a safety defect that could cause serious bodily injury or death. The California Lemon Law covers the following types of new and used vehicles in California that are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty:
The California Lemon Law applies throughout the duration of the original Factory warranty period. The manufacturer is also responsible for paying the sales tax, use tax, license and registration, and any other fees associated with the purchase of the automobile. This includes towing, repair, rental cars, and finance charges.
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Along with the California Lemon Law, consumers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This federal legislation regulates products that are still under warranty that does not meet quality standards in the area of product performance. This law applies to all warranties, written or expressed, and service contracts. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from fraudulent warranty practices and warranty language that is unclear and difficult to understand. Warranties must meet specific requirements so that in the event of a product defect, including cases involving the purchase of an automobile, the consumer’s rights to a replacement product or full refund is protected. This act is also referred to as the federal lemon law.
What to do If You Have a Lemon? Contact the California Lemon Attorneys
If you find yourself in possession of a lemon, as described by California Lemon Law, have made several attempts to have it repaired and are still not satisfied, a California Lemon Law attorney can help. California Lemon Attorneys know the language of lemon laws and are experienced when it comes to protecting consumers from faulty products and warranties. Our experienced lawyers can help you understand your rights, communicate with the manufacturer on your behalf, and keep you from making costly mistakes in the process. We help you take action against the manufacturer and get the compensation you are entitled to.
Call us today to get started! 1-800-558-1087
- What is Lemon Law? - September 25, 2017