How California’s Lemon Law Protects You

California’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides relief for buyers and lessees of cars that suffer from serious defects. These protections apply to new vehicles and certain certified pre-owned vehicles that remain under the manufacturer’s warranty. If your car keeps breaking down, you don’t have to face the manufacturer alone. Contact Quill & Arrow now for a free consultation. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, there’s no risk, only the chance to get the justice you deserve.

What Conditions Must a Defect Meet to Qualify?

Under California’s lemon law, the defect must substantially impair the car’s use, value, or safety, the original manufacturer’s warranty must cover it, and it must remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. When these conditions are met, consumers may be entitled to compensation. Our team of experienced defective car attorneys in California helps drivers evaluate their situation and enforce their rights under the law.

What Counts as a Car Defect?

Not every problem qualifies under lemon law. To bring a successful claim, the defect must significantly affect performance or safety. Common examples include the following:

  • Persistent engine or transmission problems
  • Brake or steering system failures
  • Malfunctioning airbags or electrical issues
  • Repeated stalling, overheating, or drivability problems
  • Structural defects that undermine safety or reduce value

Trivial or cosmetic issues generally do not qualify. However, when your vehicle becomes unsafe, unreliable, or consistently fails to perform as expected, it’s time to consult a car defect attorney in California to see if your case qualifies.

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How Many Repair Attempts Are Enough?

California law requires the manufacturer or authorized dealer to be given a fair chance to fix the defect.

While the law doesn’t specify an exact number, courts typically recognize the following as “reasonable repair attempts:”

  • Two or more failed repairs for a serious safety issue
  • Four or more failed repairs for a recurring non-safety defect
  • 30 or more cumulative days in the shop for warranty-related problems

If your vehicle meets these standards and the issue still isn’t resolved, Quill & Arrow’s skilled auto defects attorneys in CA can help you build a strong case for relief.

No Out-of-Pocket Fees Free Case Evaluation 24/7

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Filing a Lemon Law Claim in California

The process starts with reviewing key documents such as your purchase contract, warranty, repair records, and service invoices. From there, we file a claim with the manufacturer and aggressively pursue a resolution.

In some cases, claims can be resolved without litigation. But if the manufacturer refuses to act, our litigation-first approach means we are prepared to take the case to court immediately.

As one of California’s largest Lemon Law firms, we’ve secured over $150 million for consumers statewide. And if your claim succeeds, the manufacturer pays your legal fees, not you.

Take Control of Your Defective Car Claim

Don’t let a defective car disrupt your life. With Quill & Arrow, you can work with an experienced defective car lawyer in CA at no out-of-pocket cost. Call (310) 933-4271 today for a free consultation. Our skilled defective car attorneys in California are ready to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

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How Manufacturers Push Back

Automakers rarely accept responsibility without a fight. They may argue that the problem is “minor” or cosmetic, the consumer misused or modified the vehicle, or insufficient repair attempts were made. They may also delay the process or offer low settlements to discourage consumers from pursuing their rights. Quill & Arrow’s attorneys have seen these tactics countless times. We use our experience and resources to counter every defense, keeping pressure on the manufacturer until your rights are honored.

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Are Used Cars Covered?

Yes, California’s lemon law can apply to used cars, provided the vehicle was sold with a portion of the original manufacturer’s warranty that was still in effect when the defect was first reported.

If the car was sold “as is” without warranty coverage, lemon law protections typically do not apply. Our attorneys carefully review warranty terms and service history to determine whether your used car qualifies.

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Why Acting Quickly Matters

Time is critical in lemon law cases. California's statute of limitations is generally four years from when you first discovered the defect. Delaying action may limit your ability to recover compensation, even if the defect is evident.

Keeping thorough records of repair attempts, invoices, and dealership communication strengthens your case. The sooner you involve a car defect attorney in California, the faster we can build a strong claim and maximize your recovery.

Take the Next Step with Quill & Arrow

At Quill & Arrow, we’ve helped thousands of California drivers hold manufacturers accountable for defective cars. With more than 220 employees and a litigation-first approach, we are one of California's largest and most experienced defective car law firms.

Aggressive Strategy

We file lawsuits immediately to maximize leverage.

Proven Results

We’ve recovered more than $150 million for clients.

No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee

You pay nothing unless we win, and the manufacturer covers fees.

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Free Case Evaluation Find Out if You Have a Lemon Today

Our team will ask you simple questions to determine if we can help you receive a cash settlement or refund for your vehicle.

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