Have you ever felt trapped with a Honda that just doesn’t work right? Have you ever been in a situation where you have had constant vehicle repairs without a permanent solution in sight? Instead of a smooth ride, you’re stuck in an endless cycle of mechanical failures. If this sounds familiar, you may have a Honda Lemon on your hands, and that’s where the Honda Lemon Law buyback program comes in.
The law grants you the right to seek financial compensation from the automaker for your lemon vehicle. So how do you know if your Honda is eligible for this compensation? This guide breaks it all down so you can take swift action and protect yourself, along with your investment.
Uncovering the Mystery of the Honda Buyback Program
The California Lemon Law offers a few different remedies known as the buyback or repurchase (refund). This provision compensates you for your lemon, the issues it has, and any expenses incurred when buying, leasing, or maintaining it. It is these protections that gave birth to the Honda Lemon Law buyback program.
In simple terms, the Honda repurchase program is a legal solution for defective car owners. It occurs when the manufacturing company agrees to buy the vehicle back from the consumer and covers:
- The full amount paid for the car
- Any sales and finance charges incurred during the purchase
- Registration fees and sales tax
- Down payments or monthly payments paid
- The remaining loan balance if you financed the car
- Reimbursement for related expenses, like towing, rental vehicles, etc.
This law protects California consumers from remaining stuck with a vehicle that’s unsafe, unreliable, and costly to maintain.
Does Your Honda Qualify for a Buyback?
Not all Honda vehicles qualify for a Lemon Law buyback. Your car must meet certain requirements under the Honda Lemon Law California protections:
The Defect Must Occur Under Warranty
Your Honda must have a defect that started while the vehicle was covered by the automaker’s warranty. For example, your Accord’s transmission might fail at 17,000 miles, and the dealer may have been unable to fix it. In this situation, you would likely qualify.
However, if the problem started at 80,000 miles (outside the warranty period) you may not have an eligible case.
The Issue Must Be Substantial
The fault must affect the car’s safety, use, or value. This includes:
- Safety Defects: Faulty brakes, airbag failures, and steering issues.
- Functional Problems: Transmission slipping, engine stalling, and excessive oil consumption.
- Electrical Failures: Infotainment system failures, key fob malfunctions, faulty sensors, etc.
Minor problems like a squeaky door or a loose cup holder do not qualify unless you prove it affects your car’s reliability or value.
The Dealership Must Have Tried (and Failed) to Fix It
You must have given Honda or an authorized dealership a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem. California law defines this as:
- At least two repair attempts for a serious safety issue (like brakes or airbags)
- At least four repair attempts for a non-safety issue (like a faulty transmission or infotainment system)
- The car has been in the repair shop for a total of 30+ days for warranty-related issues
If Honda hasn’t been able to fix the defect, you may be eligible for a buyback.
The Car Must Be Relatively New
The Lemon Law applies to new and used vehicles still under the original factory warranty. For example, you may qualify if you bought a 2022 Honda Civic and started having engine problems in 2023. However, if you purchased a 2015 Honda Pilot and it started failing in 2024, your case will likely not be covered under the lemon law.
This is because California’s lemon law only covers vehicles under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Examples of Honda Lemon Law Issues That Can Trigger a Claim
Various Honda models have defects that are unique to each of them. However, some common issues have been observed across multiple models, including:
- Transmission failures, common in Accords and Civics
- Excessive oil consumption found in 1.5L turbocharged engines
- Electrical malfunctions, such as touchscreen, keyless entry, and dashboard warnings
- Braking system issues like premature wear and tear or outright brake failure
- Paint peeling and premature fading are common in Honda CR-V and Civic models.
If your Honda has been in and out of the dealership for any of these issues, you may qualify for a buyback.
How to Kickstart the Buyback Process
The buyback process is quite straightforward and involves the following steps:
Get a Lawyer
As the owner of a defective vehicle in California, you can hire the services of a Lemon Lawyer. The law allows you to do so without paying any upfront fees, because the manufacturer usually pays their legal bills. Your attorney will handle your claim from beginning to end, allowing you to focus on your day-to-day activities.
Gather Your Evidence
Before filing a claim, you’ll need all the necessary paperwork to strengthen your claim. This may include repair invoices, work orders, documents showing a timeline of the defects and repairs, as well as your Honda’s warranty information.
Negotiate or Take Legal Action
Your attorney will organize your documents and initiate a case against Honda. After doing so, negotiations will begin with the goal to have Honda refund your vehicle’s original purchase price. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, your lawyer may argue for additional compensation to cover any damages.
FAQs About the Honda Lemon Law Buyback
What if Honda offers a settlement different from the buyback?
If Honda offers a different settlement, you can review it to see if it meets your needs. They might offer cash compensation, extended warranties, or repairs instead of a full buyback. You don’t have to accept the offer if you don’t think it’s fair, and you can talk to a Lemon Law attorney for advice.
How long does the Honda buyback process take?
The buyback process usually takes about 1-3 months, depending on your case and the availability of evidence to support your claim. It can take longer if Honda disputes your claim or if legal steps are required. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll get your refund or replacement faster.
Can I get a buyback on a leased Honda?
Yes, leased Hondas can qualify for a buyback under the California Lemon Law. If your lease has a serious defect that Honda can’t fix, they may refund your payments and end the lease. You may also get back any money you’ve paid, like the down payment and monthly fees.
Protect Yourself from a Bad Deal
If you’re dealing Honda lemon law in California, now is the time to take action. Persistent defects and repeated repair attempts can be frustrating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Work with an experienced Lemon Law attorney to determine if your vehicle qualifies for a buyback or compensation.
Quill & Arrow LLP specializes in helping Honda owners like you navigate the Lemon Law process and fight for the best possible outcome. Don’t let a defective car disrupt your life any longer. Contact our attorneys today and take the first step toward getting the buyback settlement you deserve!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions