How California’s Lemon Law Protects You

California’s Lemon Law, formally called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, offers strong protections for buyers and lessees of defective vehicles. These protections extend to both new cars and certified pre-owned vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty. If your vehicle suffers from repeated mechanical or safety issues, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Contact a defective car attorney in San Francisco at Quill & Arrow today for a free consultation. Our no-win, no-fee guarantee ensures you face zero financial risk.

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 auto defects attorneys in San Francisco help drivers assess their circumstances and enforce their legal rights.

What Counts as a Car Defect?

Not all issues fall under lemon law protection, but many significant problems do. Defects that interfere with function or safety are most likely to qualify. Common examples include:

  • Persistent transmission or engine issues
  • Brake or steering system failures
  • Electrical malfunctions or defective airbags
  • Chronic overheating or stalling
  • Structural problems that reduce safety or value

Superficial or cosmetic concerns generally don’t qualify. But if your vehicle becomes unsafe or unreliable, it’s time to speak with a car defect attorney in San Francisco to explore your legal options.

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How Many Repair Attempts Are Enough?

The law requires that dealerships or manufacturers be given a fair opportunity to fix the problem.

While the number varies case by case, California courts generally recognize:

  • Two or more failed attempts for a serious safety defect
  • Four or more failed repairs for a non-safety issue
  • 30 or more days out of service due to warranty-related repairs

If you’ve met any of these thresholds, our auto defect attorneys in San Francisco can evaluate your case and help you take the next steps.

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

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Filing a Lemon Law Claim in San Francisco

The first step is gathering essential documents like your purchase contract, warranty, repair orders, and invoices. From there, we file a claim against the manufacturer and push for a fair outcome.

Some cases resolve outside of court, but Quill & Arrow takes a litigation-first approach, ensuring you have leverage from the start.

As one of California’s most established Lemon Law firms, we’ve recovered over $150 million for consumers. If your claim is successful, the manufacturer—not you—pays all legal fees.

Take Control of Your Defective Car Claim

Don’t let a faulty car dictate your daily life. With help from an experienced auto defects attorney in San Francisco, you may be entitled to a refund or cash settlement. Call Quill & Arrow today at (310) 933-4271 for a free consultation and let a defective car lawyer in San Francisco fight for your rights.

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How Manufacturers Push Back

Car manufacturers rarely admit fault. They often claim the problem is minor or blame the consumer for misuse. They may also argue that not enough repair attempts were made, or delay the process to frustrate your efforts. At Quill & Arrow, our attorneys are well-versed in these tactics. We use aggressive strategy and deep legal experience to push back at every step, ensuring your claim isn’t brushed aside or undervalued.

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Are Used Cars Covered?

Yes. California’s lemon law may apply to used vehicles as long as they were still under the manufacturer’s original warranty when the defect was first reported.

Vehicles sold “as is” typically aren’t covered. However, our defective car attorneys in San Francisco carefully review warranty terms and service records to determine if your used vehicle qualifies.

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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

California gives you four years from the date you discover the defect to file a Lemon Law claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation—even if the defect persists.

Early action allows us to build a stronger case. Collecting repair records, communications, and dealership notes now gives your auto defect attorney in San Francisco the tools to win maximum recovery on your behalf.

Take the Next Step With Quill & Arrow

We’ve helped thousands of California drivers stand up to automakers and get the compensation they deserve. As one of the state’s largest Lemon Law firms, our 220+ team members are committed to every case we take on.

Aggressive Strategy

We file lawsuits immediately to give your claim more power from day one.

Proven Results

Over $150 million recovered for California consumers.

No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee

You don’t pay unless we win—and even then, the manufacturer covers all 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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