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Lemon Law

Per County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs:


What does California's Lemon Law cover?

The California Lemon Law covers new cars. It covers used cars too if there is still time remaining on the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Lemon Law covers: Cars, pickup trucks, vans and SUV’s. It also covers the chassis, chassis cab, and drive train of a motor home. After-market parts such as van conversions are not included. Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators. Vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household purposes. Many vehicles that are purchased or leased primarily for business use.

What does California's Lemon Law NOT cover?

The Lemon Law does not cover: Vehicles that are not registered under the California Vehicle Code, such as off-road vehicles. Vehicles that have been abused.

When does the Lemon Law apply?


When does the Lemon Law apply? California’s Lemon Law applies when a “reasonable” number of repair attempts have been made. This is called the Lemon Law Presumption.

 

The Lemon Law Presumption applies if all the following are true:

  • The problems your car is having are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

  • The problem first occurred within 18 months of delivery, or within 18,000 miles, whichever came first. (For major defects after this time frame, talk to an attorney.)

  • The problem reduces the use, value or safety of the vehicle to you, and the problems were not caused by abuse.

  • If the warranty or owner’s manual requires it, you have notified the manufacturer about the problems. (It’s best to have this in writing).

  • And if any one of the following is also true:

    • You’ve taken the car in for repairs four or more times for the same problem and it’s still not fixed.

    • You’ve taken the car in for repairs two or more times for a problem that is severe enough to cause death or serious bodily injury and it’s still not fixed.

    • The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 days (not necessarily in a row) for repair of any problem covered by the warranty.

If your vehicle meets these criteria, the Lemon Law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made and you may be entitled to a replacement or a refund.

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