While owning a home may be the American dream, owning a car is a reality for nearly all Americans. A reported 91% of households in the country have access to at least one vehicle. We rely on our cars to take us everywhere we need to go, to and from work, school, the store, vacation and more.

When there’s a serious problem with our car, it creates a serious problem in our lives. If you find yourself at the dealer way too often for the same problem with a car you bought or leased or even a motorcycle, you might have a lemon—and you should consider filing a Lemon Law claim before the deadlines make a claim impossible.

What Is the California Lemon Law?

Most products are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty. It is like a promise that the product should last for a certain amount of time and if something goes wrong before that time is up, the manufacturer will repair the product for you. If they cannot fix it after a few tries, then that product is commonly referred to as a “lemon.” In California, consumers who have purchased “lemons” are entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement at the expense of the manufacturer.

The lemon law was established to protect consumers who have purchased or leased a new or used car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a dealership in California. This law holds vehicle manufacturers accountable for producing vehicles with serious defects or issues that are difficult or impossible to repair.

Does my lemon qualify for a refund or replacement?

There are several criteria your vehicle must meet before qualifying for as a lemon and filing a claim:

  • You must have purchased or leased a new or used car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle from a dealership in California.
  • The dealer or manufacturer gave you a warranty for the vehicle.
  • You’ve taken the vehicle to the dealer several times during the warranty period and they are still unable to fix the same defect after multiple repair attempts.
  • The reoccurring issue substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle.

If you meet all of these conditions, you could have the right to file a lemon law claim.

Filing a lemon claim – Beat the Deadlines

Be aware: there are deadlines to file Lemon Law claims, so if you think you might have a case, don’t wait!  Calculating the deadlines can get very complicated so be sure to reach out to a lemon law attorney before it’s too late. While hiring a Lemon Law attorney is not required, car owners are in a better position to receive a better settlement and their case is resolved more quickly when they have legal representation.

There is no cost to the consumer for hiring a lawyer. The California Lemon Law says that if you have a lemon and prevail, the manufacturer has to pay your attorney fees and costs, not you.

Think you have a claim? Get a free, no-obligation case evaluation from Sotera L. Anderson, California Lemon Law Attorney, here or call  1-855-96-LEMON, or (858) 247-0050.