Understanding Lemon Law in California

What is California's Lemon Law?

California's Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is a consumer protection law that protects buyers of new vehicles from defective or faulty products. The law requires manufacturers to repair or replace defective vehicles free of charge within a reasonable time frame. If you have purchased a vehicle in California and it has turned out to be a lemon, you may be eligible for compensation under this law.

The law applies to all types of motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even RVs. It is essential to understand that the law only covers new vehicles, not used ones.

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

To qualify for compensation under California's Lemon Law, the vehicle must have a defect that affects its safety or performance. This can include issues such as faulty brakes, transmission problems, or engine failure. Additionally, the manufacturer must have been unable to repair the issue after multiple attempts.

It is crucial to note that minor cosmetic defects do not qualify as lemons under this law.

What Can You Do If Your Vehicle is a Lemon?

If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, the first step is to contact the manufacturer's customer service department and report the issue. They will then have the opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle free of charge. If they fail to do so within a reasonable time frame, you may be eligible for compensation under California's Lemon Law.

It is essential to keep detailed records of all interactions with the manufacturer, including dates, times, and descriptions of conversations.