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Understanding Your Lemon Law Rights as a California Vehicle Owner
Buying or leasing a new vehicle should bring peace of mind, not constant frustration. But if your car spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, you may have purchased a lemon. Fortunately, California’s Lemon Law offers strong protection for consumers stuck with defective vehicles.
The key question most people have is simple: Do I qualify for Lemon Law protection?
At BLVD Law Group APC, we help California drivers answer that question every day. Our attorneys specialize in identifying qualifying cases, proving manufacturer liability, and securing refunds, replacements, or cash settlements under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, this guide explains how to know for sure, and how our firm can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, often called the California Lemon Law, protects consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles that manufacturers fail to repair within a reasonable number of attempts.
If your car has been repeatedly serviced for the same issue, or if a serious defect has not been fixed, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
The law applies to a wide range of vehicles, including:
New and certified pre-owned vehicles
Passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles
Vehicles purchased or leased in California with a manufacturer’s warranty
Most importantly, California’s Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees if your claim is successful, so there’s no financial risk to pursuing your case with BLVD Law Group APC.
Basic Lemon Law Qualification Requirements
To qualify for Lemon Law protection, your situation must meet several key criteria. These determine whether your car is legally considered a lemon.
1. Your Vehicle Must Have a Substantial Defect
A “substantial defect” is a problem that impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Examples include:
2. The Defect Must Occur Under Warranty
Lemon Law protection applies to vehicles covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. That includes both new and certified pre-owned vehicles, as well as some used cars that still have warranty coverage at the time of purchase or repair.
If your warranty has expired but the issue first appeared while it was active, you may still qualify.
3. The Manufacturer Must Have Had a Reasonable Opportunity to Fix the Problem
California law gives manufacturers a “reasonable number of repair attempts” to fix a defect before a vehicle qualifies as a lemon. This usually means:
If the problem continues after those repairs, or if your vehicle has been in the shop for an unreasonable amount of time, you likely qualify for protection.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?
Our firm handles Lemon Law claims involving virtually every major car manufacturer. You may qualify if your vehicle has persistent issues like:
|
Manufacturer |
Common Defects Reported |
|---|---|
|
Ford |
Transmission shuddering, engine stalling |
|
Toyota |
Hybrid system errors, fuel pump issues |
|
Tesla |
Battery defects, touchscreen malfunctions |
|
BMW |
Electrical failures, steering defects |
|
Chevrolet |
Transmission jerking, stalling |
|
Volkswagen |
Emission and engine problems |
|
Jeep |
Transmission hesitation, airbag lights |
|
Honda |
Brake issues, infotainment screen failure |
These examples represent patterns we see regularly in Los Angeles and throughout California. No matter what make or model you drive, BLVD Law Group APC can help determine if your vehicle qualifies.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars?
Yes, in many cases. California’s Lemon Law covers certified pre-owned vehicles and used vehicles that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
For example, if you buy a used 2021 car that still has two years left on its warranty, and it experiences recurring defects that the manufacturer cannot fix, you may be entitled to protection under the Lemon Law.
If the dealership sold you the vehicle with a written warranty, even if it’s not from the manufacturer, you may also have rights under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act and Used Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights.
How to Check if You Qualify
The easiest way to find out if your vehicle qualifies is to contact BLVD Law Group APC for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys will:
Review your repair history and warranty details
Identify patterns that show manufacturer fault
Confirm your eligibility under California Lemon Law
Explain your options for a refund, replacement, or settlement
We know how to identify hidden Lemon Law cases that other firms might overlook. Even if your manufacturer already denied your claim, our team can reopen the case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What You May Be Entitled To Under the Law
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be eligible for one or more of the following remedies:
1. Repurchase (Full Refund)
You may receive a refund for your down payment, monthly payments, registration, and taxes, minus a small deduction for mileage before the first repair.
2. Replacement Vehicle
The manufacturer may be required to provide you with a new vehicle of equal value at no additional cost.
3. Cash Settlement
You may accept a cash payment to keep your vehicle, compensating you for inconvenience, reduced value, and repair time.
4. Reimbursement for Costs
You can recover out-of-pocket expenses such as towing, rental cars, and repairs, as well as all attorney fees and court costs.
Because the manufacturer is responsible for legal costs, you pay nothing upfront when you work with BLVD Law Group APC.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Filing a Lemon Law claim without legal help can be risky. Manufacturers often use complicated legal arguments or deny claims outright, hoping consumers will give up.
That’s where we come in.
Founder Robert Kaladzhyan built BLVD Law Group APC on a foundation of deep legal experience and a passion for protecting consumers. Before becoming an attorney, Robert worked in nearly every role within a law firm, gaining insight into case management, insurance defense, and corporate tactics. He now uses that inside knowledge to fight back on behalf of California drivers.
Our firm’s approach is client-first. We understand that every case involves more than a car—it involves your time, money, and peace of mind. We provide clear communication, personalized attention, and strategic representation from start to finish.
When you hire BLVD Law Group APC, you’re not just getting an attorney. You’re getting a team that knows how to take on manufacturers and win.
Common Reasons Manufacturers Deny Claims
Even valid Lemon Law claims can be denied for technical or procedural reasons. Some of the most common include:
Our attorneys know how to overcome these objections. We review your claim carefully, gather supporting evidence, and build a persuasive case that forces the manufacturer to honor its obligations.
Testimonials From Our Clients
“From the initial consultation to the resolution, they were on top of every detail and kept me informed every step of the way. They delivered exactly as promised in handling my lemon car case. Highly recommend them if you’re dealing with a lemon law issue. Thank You!!!”
– GevorgThese stories reflect our mission to deliver results, reduce stress, and help our clients move forward with confidence.
Why Los Angeles Drivers Choose BLVD Law Group APC
Los Angeles is one of the largest car markets in the nation, and with more vehicles comes more defects. Drivers across Downtown LA, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Burbank trust our firm to identify qualifying Lemon Law claims and recover compensation.
We know how frustrating it is to deal with endless repairs, unreturned calls from dealerships, and unhelpful manufacturer representatives. Our firm takes that burden off your shoulders. From start to finish, we manage the entire process with precision and care.
We’ve successfully represented clients against nearly every major manufacturer, and we can do the same for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Lemon Law
Contact Our Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I qualify for Lemon Law protection?”, the answer is just one call away.
At BLVD Law Group APC, we make it easy to find out. Our team offers free consultations, no upfront fees, and a proven track record of success. We’ll review your vehicle’s history, determine whether it qualifies, and guide you through every step of the claim process.
When you work with our firm, you risk nothing and stand to gain everything.
Call our Los Angeles office today or fill out our quick online form to get started. When life gives you lemons, BLVD Law Group APC gets you paid.
