Steps to Take If Your Car Is a Lemon in California

Did you know that according to legal site Nolo, an estimated 150,000 cars each year (or 1% of new vehicles) are “lemons”—cars with repeated, unfixable problems?

Lemon laws are present in every state and these laws aim to safeguard consumers from faulty vehicles and other products. Roseville lemon law attorney LaDawna Fleckenstein says consumers are protected from faulty vehicles by Lemon Law. If your car turns out to be a lemon, or has significant defects such as engine failures or brake issues, you have a couple of options: you can either get your money back or get a replacement vehicle. The typical parts of the refund include the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and fees. 

Here are the steps to take if your car is proven to be a “lemon.”

Understanding California Lemon Law

California Lemon Law protects your rights if you buy a defective vehicle. If your California-sold or leased car is a lemon, this law allows you to get a refund or a replacement vehicle if the vehicle has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety and persists after a reasonable number of repairs.

These defects must have occurred within 18 months or 18,000 miles of purchase. If your car meets these criteria, you may have a California Lemon Law claim.

Documenting Vehicle Issues

To effectively document vehicle issues for potential Lemon Law claims, diligently keep records of all problems and repair attempts. Create a detailed log that includes dates, descriptions of the issues experienced, and documentation of each time you took the car in for repairs. Make sure to keep copies of all repair orders, invoices, and receipts related to the repairs. 

Take notes during conversations with mechanics or dealership representatives, noting down what was discussed, agreed upon, and the proposed solutions. Remember to keep any correspondence with the manufacturer or dealership, including emails, letters, or messages related to the ongoing issues with your car. 

Accident injury lawyer Lorenzo C. Merritt says that if your lemon car is involved in an accident, you’ll need to seek guidance from an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can guide you on what you should do next.

Notifying the Manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer directly by phone or email and provide them with a detailed account of the persistent issues you have been experiencing with your car. Include the dates of your repair attempts, the issues you faced, and any important documents, like repair invoices and service records.

When you talk to the manufacturer, keep your cool and stay professional. Make sure to express your concerns and what you expect clearly. Request a resolution to the ongoing problems, whether it be a replacement vehicle or a refund. 

Manufacturers are often willing to collaborate with consumers to address lemon law disputes, as they understand the importance of keeping their customers happy.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Consider consulting with a lemon law attorney in order to receive good advice on what steps you need to take.

Your lawyer can help you understand your rights under California’s lemon laws and guide you on how to proceed with your case. By seeking legal assistance, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of reaching a favorable resolution.

Lemon law attorneys are experienced in dealing with car manufacturers and can negotiate on your behalf to secure a refund, replacement vehicle, or monetary compensation for the issues you’ve faced. Besides, a lawyer can represent you in court if your case escalates to a legal battle. Consulting with a lemon law lawyer is the best thing you can do to get the help you need with your lemon car.

Conclusion

You just learned about California Lemon Law rights. If your car is a lemon, report all vehicle issues to the dealer and the manufacturer. You should also have a lawyer who can negotiate with other parties on your behalf. 

Don’t forget that you have rights as a consumer and you can advocate for your rights to be upheld.

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