How California’s Lemon Law Protects You

California’s Lemon Law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with significant defects. These protections cover both new and certain certified pre-owned cars under a valid manufacturer’s warranty. If your vehicle has a serious issue that the dealer can’t fix, you may be entitled to compensation. With a dedicated auto defect attorney in Los Angeles on your side, you don’t have to take on the manufacturer alone. Call Quill & Arrow today for a free consultation. Thanks to our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you risk nothing by pursuing the justice you deserve.

What Conditions Must a Defect Meet to Qualify?

Under California’s lemon law, a qualifying defect must impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, and remain unresolved after reasonable repair attempts. If these standards are met, compensation may be available. Our experienced defective car attorneys in Los Angeles help clients assess their situation and assert their legal rights.

What Counts as a Car Defect?

Not all problems meet the legal threshold. To qualify for protection, the issue must significantly affect safety or performance. Some common defects include:

  • Engine or transmission malfunctions
  • Brake or steering failures
  • Faulty airbags or persistent electrical issues
  • Constant stalling, overheating, or shutdowns
  • Structural or manufacturing flaws that lower vehicle value

While minor issues don’t typically qualify, any defect that leaves your car unreliable or unsafe should be reviewed by a car defect attorney in Los Angeles.

Banner media

How Many Repair Attempts Are Enough?

California law allows manufacturers a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem, but what’s “reasonable?”

These general benchmarks help determine whether you have a valid claim:

  • Two or more repair attempts for a serious safety concern
  • Four or more repairs for the same non-safety issue
  • 30+ cumulative days in the shop for warranty-covered problems

If your vehicle meets any of these standards, it’s time to call an auto defects attorney in Los Angeles for guidance.

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

Contact us media

Filing a Lemon Law Claim in Los Angeles

Your claim begins with a close review of your purchase documents, repair records, and warranty coverage. Once your documentation is confirmed, we file a demand with the manufacturer and fight for your full compensation.

Many firms wait for a response. We don’t. Our litigation-first approach means we file suit quickly, pushing the manufacturer to resolve the issue or face trial.

With over $150 million recovered for clients statewide, Quill & Arrow has the resources and experience to lead your case to victory. And when your claim succeeds, the manufacturer pays our legal fees; you don’t.

Take Control of Your Defective Car Claim

There’s no need to let a defective car disrupt your life any longer. With help from a defective car lawyer in Los Angeles, you can seek compensation without paying a dime upfront. Call (310) 933-4271 today for your free consultation. Our legal team is ready to evaluate your case and take immediate action.

gear shift selector

How Manufacturers Push Back

Manufacturers don’t hand over compensation willingly. In fact, many will go to great lengths to avoid accepting responsibility for a defective vehicle. They may try to minimize the problem by calling it “minor” or claiming it doesn’t impact the car’s performance or safety. Some will argue that the issue was caused by driver misuse, aftermarket modifications, or poor maintenance—even when the facts say otherwise. Others may insist that you haven’t given them enough repair attempts, or that the vehicle no longer qualifies due to time or mileage.

These tactics are designed to frustrate you into giving up or settling for less than you deserve. At Quill & Arrow, we’ve seen it all—and we know exactly how to respond. Our attorneys are trained to dismantle weak defenses, push back with the evidence, and keep pressure on manufacturers until your rights are fully enforced.

Background media

Are Used Cars Covered?

Yes. California’s Lemon Law can protect used cars if they were sold with some portion of the original manufacturer’s warranty still intact when the defect first occurred.

If your used vehicle was sold “as is” without a valid warranty, your case might not qualify, but don’t assume anything. A knowledgeable defective car attorney in Los Angeles can examine the terms of the sale and determine if protection applies.

Office media
Office media
Office media
Office media
Office media

Office Tour Where Results Are Made

Take a tour of our offices and see the spaces where our team works to deliver results for clients across California.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Timing is critical in Lemon Law cases. California’s statute of limitations is generally four years from the date you first noticed the defect. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation, even if the issue is ongoing.

Our advice: document everything. Keep your repair orders, dealership communications, and warranty paperwork organized. Then contact a car defect attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible to build your strongest claim.

Take the Next Step With Quill & Arrow

At Quill & Arrow, we’ve helped thousands of California drivers recover money for defective vehicles. With more than 220 employees and a trial-ready approach, we are one of the largest and most aggressive Lemon Law firms in the state.

Aggressive Strategy

We file lawsuits right away—giving us maximum leverage from the beginning.

Proven Results

Our clients have received more than $150 million in compensation.

No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee

You pay absolutely nothing unless we win, and the manufacturer covers your legal costs.

Background media

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.

This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Submit
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (888) 399-7211.
Check if You Qualify