Lemon Law California
The Song-Beverly Act provides the nation's strongest vehicle defect protections
Lemon Law California, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, offers the most comprehensive vehicle defect protection in the United States. This powerful law covers new vehicles, used vehicles with warranties, and leased vehicles, providing consumers with strong remedies when manufacturers fail to repair substantial defects.
California's lemon law goes beyond federal standards, offering civil penalties, attorney fee recovery, and presumption rules that favor consumers over manufacturers.
The Song-Beverly Act Covers:
- New vehicles purchased or leased in California
- Used vehicles sold with manufacturer's warranty
- Dealer-warranted used vehicles
- Business vehicles under 10,000 lbs gross weight
Your vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if within 18 months or 18,000 miles:
Same substantial defect not fixed after 4 or more attempts
Serious safety defect not fixed after 2 attempts
Vehicle unavailable for 30+ cumulative days for warranty repairs
Lemon Law California provides comprehensive remedies:
Repurchase (Buy-Back)
- • Full purchase price refund
- • Down payment and monthly payments
- • Registration and license fees
- • Sales tax
- • Incidental and consequential damages
- • Minus mileage offset (usage before first repair)
Replacement Vehicle
Comparable new vehicle of same year, make, and model with similar options
Civil Penalties
Up to 2x actual damages if manufacturer willfully violates the law
Lemon Law California uniquely protects used car buyers:
Covered Used Vehicles
- ✓ Certified pre-owned vehicles
- ✓ Used cars with manufacturer warranty
- ✓ Dealer-warranted vehicles
- ✓ Extended warranty vehicles
Implied Warranties
Even vehicles sold "as-is" may have implied warranty protections unless properly disclaimed
Under Lemon Law California, manufacturers must:
- Maintain Service Facilities
Sufficient authorized repair facilities in California
- Prompt Repair Attempts
Complete repairs within 30 days of receiving vehicle
- Comply with Arbitration
Participate in state-certified arbitration if requested
- Brand Titles
Mark repurchased vehicles as "Lemon Law Buyback" on title
- 1Document Everything
Keep all repair orders, invoices, and communications
- 2Allow Reasonable Repairs
Give manufacturer opportunity to fix defects
- 3Send Demand Letter
Notify manufacturer of lemon law claim in writing
- 4Arbitration or Lawsuit
Pursue state arbitration or file civil lawsuit
- 5Receive Remedy
Get refund, replacement, or settlement
Take Action Under California Lemon Law Today
California provides the strongest lemon law protections in the nation. Don't let manufacturers ignore your rights. Start your claim with professional documentation now.
Instant documents • California-specific forms • Expert guidance
Frequently asked questions
What is Lemon Law California?
California Lemon Law, officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles. It covers new vehicles, used vehicles with warranties, and leased vehicles, requiring manufacturers to repurchase or replace vehicles with substantial defects after reasonable repair attempts.
How many repair attempts qualify under California Lemon Law?
California presumes a vehicle is a lemon if: 4+ repair attempts for the same problem, 2+ attempts for a serious safety defect, or 30+ days out of service for repairs. These must occur within 18 months or 18,000 miles of purchase.
Does California Lemon Law cover used cars?
Yes, California Lemon Law covers used vehicles sold with a manufacturer's warranty or dealer warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles and used cars still under original warranty are protected. The law also covers vehicles bought 'as-is' if sold with implied warranties.
What compensation can I get under California Lemon Law?
You can receive either a replacement vehicle or full refund including purchase price, down payment, monthly payments, registration, and incidental damages, minus a usage fee. California law also provides for civil penalties up to 2x actual damages if manufacturer willfully violates the law.