Buying a new car should be exciting. You expect it to get you where you need to go, not spend weeks or months between your driveway and the repair shop.

If you’ve found yourself making repeated trips to the dealership for the same problem, you might have looked into the state’s Lemon Law. But what do these new California Lemon Law rules in 2026 mean for you?

In short, some consumers may have to complete an extra step before filing a lawsuit. That is the AB 1755 Pre-Suit Notice. Here is what that might mean for you.

What Is a Pre-Suit Notice?

The AB 1755 Pre-Suit Notice is a formal heads-up to the vehicle manufacturer. Before filing certain Lemon Law lawsuits, a consumer may be required to send a written notice. This explains that they are seeking a repurchase or replacement of their vehicle. 

The notice gives the manufacturer an opportunity to review the claim. The consumer has to make the demand within 30 days before suing. Once the manufacturer receives the notice, they have 30 days to respond (and 60 to fulfil the request). In some cases, they can resolve the issue before the dispute ends up in court.

This is more than another piece of paperwork. It is an important part of the claims process.

Does Every Claim Require One?

The new procedures will not automatically apply to every California Lemon Law case. This will depend on whether the vehicle manufacturer has chosen to participate in the process. 

That could mean that two consumers with similar vehicle problems could have different procedural requirements depending on the manufacturer involved.

What Goes Into the Notice?

If a pre-suit notice is required, you need to have enough information for the manufacturer to evaluate your claim.

That includes:

• Your name and contact information
• Your vehicle’s VIN
• A summary of the issues you’ve experienced
• Information about repair attempts
• A request that the manufacturer repurchase or replace the vehicle

With that, the manufacturer has a clear picture of what is happening with your vehicle.

Once the manufacturer receives a qualifying notice, it has an opportunity to review your claim and decide how it wants to respond.

In some cases, the issue may be resolved without filing a lawsuit. On the other hand, the claim may move ahead if the parties cannot reach a resolution.

Does This Mean California’s Lemon Law Is Weaker?

Many people hear about new legislation and immediately worry that consumers have lost important rights. But that is not the case.

California’s Lemon Law continues to protect consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. This legislation changes how certain claims begin, not whether consumers still have legal rights.

While the process may look a little different, the purpose of the law remains the same. There is still a path to help consumers when a manufacturer cannot repair a vehicle covered by the warranty after a reasonable number of attempts.

You Don’t Want to Wait Too Long

If you think you may have a Lemon Law claim, you don’t want to put it on the back burner. California law still includes deadlines for filing Lemon Law claims. If you wait too long, that could affect your legal options.

Remember that acting sooner rather than later also makes it easier to collect repair records, warranty information, and other documents that may be vital to your case.

You Still Have Options Under California’s Lemon Law

The new California Lemon Law rules in 2026 change the process, but you are still protected. Now, depending on your vehicle manufacturer, you may have to send a pre-suit notice.

If you’re wondering whether the new AB 1755 pre-suit notice requirements apply to your situation, you will want to speak with an experienced California Lemon Law attorney. 

At BLVD Law, we can help you understand the next steps of the process and determine whether you have to take these extra steps. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.