IS YOUR CAR A LEMON?
Lemon Law Lawyer
In Los Angeles
To schedule a free case evaluation anywhere in California, please fill out the form below or get in touch with our team at 866-786-7536
What is California Lemon Law?
A body of consumer protection laws in the state of California. This legislation was given its nickname because people have come to refer to troublesome vehicles as "lemons."
The California Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, some business-owned vehicles, and boats. For the most part, the car must be under warranty. (The vehicle might qualify out of warranty if it had an ongoing problem that required it to be in the shop several times before the warranty expiration).
It applies to purchased or leased new vehicles. It also pertains to used cars certified pre-owned and still under a manufacturer's warranty.
The California Lemon Law safeguards consumers who buy or lease new or used vehicles under a manufacturer’s new car warranty. If the vehicle has major defects affecting its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer can’t fix these after a reasonable number of tries, the law mandates a refund or replacement.
The vehicle is not repaired after multiple attempts is exactly what it sounds like. You have a problem with your vehicle, you bring it to the dealer or manufacturer, but the same problem won’t go away.
You will see all over the internet that if “you bring it in four times, it’s automatically a lemon.” This is often true.
The law specifies that a ‘reasonable number of repair attempts’ are made. If a defect involves a safety issue, such as stalling, it may only require two repair attempts. If a car remains in the shop for ‘too long’ it also may qualify as a lemon whatever the defect(s).
Substantial impairment refers to a defect or issue with a vehicle that significantly affects its use, value, or safety. This can be subjective and depends on the specific situation. In all cases, these problems must persist after a reasonable number of attempts at repair for the vehicle to potentially be considered a “lemon”.
Getting A Refund or A Replacement Car
New or used vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer's written warranty obligate a manufacturer to buy back or replace a car that hasn't been repaired within a reasonable number of repair attempts. If you qualify under the Lemon Law, you can get your vehicle repurchased or replaced.
California Lemon Law remedies may include:
- A complete purchase refund (including registration fees, the down payment, and financing costs) AND having the full balance of your loan/lease paid off in full.
- OR a replacement vehicle.
In addition, regardless of the solution, the manufacturer is responsible for attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses. The Consumer pays nothing.
THE PROCESS
How It Works
First, if you suspect you have a lemon, document everything you are going through with your vehicle. Always ask the dealership for your repair order and invoice every time you take your vehicle in and pick it up. Even if they have not or cannot fix the problem ‘that day,’ ask for the invoice.
Document all calls with the dealer and manufacturer; get the name and title of everyone you talk to.
Understand that the dealer, salesperson, manager, or manufacturer’s rep are not experts in Lemon Law or attorneys. Do this, then call us.
We Work Hard on Your Behalf
We care about every one of our clients and work hard to get impressive results for them. We are as dependent on our vehicles as any Californian is – we know how it feels to have a vehicle that won’t operate the way it should.
We Stay In Communication
We pride ourselves on keeping our clients advised every step of the way. You will never be in the dark wondering what’s happening in your case. You’ll know every step of the way.
Your Case Concludes
Our goal is to get you out of your lemon vehicle so you can get a safe and reliable one as quickly as possible. We know how important it is to you, how you are hamstrung without a reliable vehicle.
What Options Do You Have?
Under California Lemon Law, remedies may include:
- A complete purchase refund (including registration fees, the down payment, and financing costs) AND having the full balance of your loan/lease paid off in full.
- OR a replacement vehicle.
In addition, regardless of the solution, the manufacturer is responsible for attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses. You pay nothing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LEMON LAW
Frequently Asked Questions
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act was enacted in 1970 to provide drivers with relief from persistent problems with their vehicles. It’s more commonly known as the California’s Lemon Law.
Manufacture warranties for motorcycles may be long on the time the bike is covered and noticeably short on miles driven. Watch your mileage. It is vital when evaluating a claim.
California has one of the best Lemon Laws in the country. As a matter of fact, it has been used as the model for other states. It protects consumers by mandating that if you give the manufacturer of your vehicle a reasonable number of attempts to repair your vehicle and it still isn’t fixed, you are then entitled to a new vehicle or your money back from the manufacturer.
The chassis of your Recreational Vehicle falls under the Lemon Law just as cars and trucks do. The coach is covered much like an off road motorcycle – it’s considered a ‘consumer good’ and has the same protections as other consumer goods sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.
The California Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, some business-owned vehicles, and boats.
Boats and watercraft enjoy the same protection as off road vehicles and RV coaches. They have the same protections as other consumer goods.
The law applies to all forms of watercraft, not just the ones with engines. Sailboats have the same protection as jet skis and multi-million-dollar yachts.
Like cars, motorcycles, and RVs, boats and watercraft sold with a manufacturer’s warranty are protected.
Yes. The California Lemon Law applies to purchased and leased vehicles that are under warranty.
California’s Lemon Law applies to all cars purchased or leased in California, even if repairs were completed out of state.
BRANDS
Learn More About Your Manufacturer
When you purchase or lease a car, the manufacturer or its representative must stand by any explicit warranties it makes. If your vehicle turns out to be a lemon you should speak with our Lemon Law Attorney about your legal options.
We handle these and all other vehicle manufacturers.
TESTIMONIALS
Don't just take our word for it!
Discover why our clients rave about our services in our review section. Hear their stories, read their feedback, and see why our services are making a real difference.
I was referred to Liz Gayle by my Corporate Attorney and I am so happy I called Liz, she returned my call and took her time to explain the... Read More
Rosy Hernandez
June 13, 2023
I am more than pleased with the level of service I have received from Liz. I recieved much more than I was expecting to get back and the process was... Read More
Lawton
April 21, 2023
5 Star. 5 Star service, 5 star transparency, 5 star response, 5 star knowledge and 5 star experience. Liz Gayle and her team are top notch. My family and I... Read More
David Washington
January 24, 2023
Do not hesitate to engage with the Gayle Law Group. They are swift, knowledgeable, courteous and a pleasure to work with. I had a great experience working with everyone there!
J.J. Navarro
January 17, 2023
TESTIMONIALS
Don't just take our word for it!
Discover why our clients rave about our services in our review section. Hear their stories, read their feedback, and see why our services are making a real difference.
About California Lemon Car Lawyer "Liz" Gayle
Liz Gayle is considered a top California Lemon Car Lawyer. For more than 20 years, she has been helping consumers get their lemon cars in California bought back by manufacturers. Also, as a former counsel to a major auto manufacturer and highly experienced California lemon law attorney, Ms. Gayle has extensive knowledge of California’s Lemon Law.
As a result, Liz Gayle is one of California's most sought-after Lemon Law Lawyers. A client-focused lawyer, Ms. Gayle has successfully handled cases for many clients – both owners of cars and those leasing vehicles.
Additionally, Ms. Gayle works directly with consumers to dispute cases with auto manufacturers and dealerships concerning vehicles ranging from moderately priced domestic models to exotic and expensive imported autos or recreational vehicles. To learn more about lemon law attorney Liz Gayle, click here
CONTACT
Proven Experience You Can Trust
Other lawyers may ask you to pay a retainer fee or tell you they work on a contingency fee. But conversely, with Gayle Law Group, PC, the manufacturer pays your legal fees if your case is resolved. And if your case is not resolved, you are NOT responsible for any legal fees. So let California lemon car lawyer Liz Gayle fight for you!
