What You Need to Know About California’s Lemon Law
What Is the California Lemon Law?
No other city is more associated with cars than Los Angeles. But what happens when your vehicle — new or used — starts having serious problems and the dealership can't fix them?
If your vehicle is under warranty and has a persistent, unrepairable defect, you may qualify for protection under the California Lemon Law.
At Gayle Law Group PC, we have over 20 years of experience helping Los Angeles consumers resolve Lemon Law cases involving new, used, electric, hybrid, and specialty vehicles.
What Does the California Lemon Law Cover?
The California Lemon Law — part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — protects buyers and lessees of vehicles that develop a substantial defect covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Covered vehicles include:
- Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Motorcycles (as consumer goods)
- RVs and motorhomes (chassis and coach)
- Certified pre-owned and used vehicles under warranty
- Certain business-use vehicles under 10,000 lbs
- Boats and trailers (as consumer goods)
What Makes a Vehicle a Lemon?
To qualify under the Lemon Law, your vehicle must have:
- A substantial defect affecting use, value, or safety
- Repeated failed repair attempts under warranty or
- Been in the shop for 30+ cumulative days
The law doesn’t require a specific number of repairs — it must be “reasonable”, depending on the defect.
Your Vehicle Must Be Under Warranty
You must have had a manufacturer’s warranty when the issues started. This includes:
- New or certified pre-owned vehicles
- Vehicles with a manufacturer’s extended warranty
- Issues that started during the warranty period, even if you're out of warranty now
Even used vehicles may qualify if they were under warranty at time of purchase or lease.
Common Vehicle Defects
Gas & Hybrid Vehicles
- Engine overheating
- Transmission lag or failure
- Brake system issues
- Paint defects
- Air conditioning malfunctions
- Electrical system faults
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Battery failure or inability to hold charge
- Charging system malfunctions
- Software glitches
- Sudden power loss
- Regenerative braking problems
- Instrument cluster blackouts
Motorcycles Are Covered Too
Motorcycles are considered consumer goods in California. If your bike is under warranty and has a persistent safety or usability defect — and repair attempts haven’t worked — it may qualify. Common motorcycle defects:
Gas & Hybrid Vehicles
- Fuel system problems
- Starting failure
- Electrical shorts
- Brake vibration or failure
- Oil leaks
- Power loss
Trucks and Business Vehicles
If you bought or leased a light-duty truck (under 10,000 lbs) for personal or business use, it may be covered — even if registered under a business, as long as the business has fewer than five vehicles.
Myths like “trucks aren’t covered” are false — trucks can be lemons too.
RVs and Motorhomes
- Chassis (engine, drivetrain): Covered under the standard Lemon Law
- Coach portion (living quarters): Covered as a consumer good
Towables like fifth-wheel trailers and campers also qualify if sold with a warranty.
If your RV has persistent mechanical or safety defects — or has been in the shop more than 30 days — you may be eligible for relief.
How to Document Your Lemon Law Case
To strengthen your Lemon Law claim:
- Get a repair order and invoice every time your vehicle is serviced
- Make sure the problem description is detailed and accurate
- Don’t let the dealership leave your ticket “open” — always request documentation
- Keep a timeline of repair dates and symptoms
The more organized your records, the stronger your case.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to:
- A full refund, including registration, taxes, and loan/lease payoff
- A replacement vehicle
- Additional compensation for inconvenience or expenses
The manufacturer pays all legal fees. You owe nothing if we take your case.
Contact a California Lemon Law Attorney
We’ve helped thousands of Los Angeles drivers, business owners, and families hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe or unreliable vehicles. With over two decades of experience helping Californians win their Lemon Law claims, we’ve handled:
- Cars, trucks, EVs, hybrids, motorcycles, and RVs
- Cases involving all major manufacturers
- Clients across Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and throughout California
When your vehicle keeps failing you — we make sure the manufacturer doesn’t.
