Dealing with a defective vehicle that the dealership or manufacturer can’t seem to fix? You could have grounds to file a lawsuit under California’s Lemon Law. Speak with a trusted San Francisco Lemon Law lawyer at Quill & Arrow, LLP to learn about your legal options.
Lemon Law FAQs San Francisco
Think You Bought a Lemon? We’re Here to Fight
At Quill & Arrow, our mission is rooted in advocating for those who big manufacturers have wronged. We’ve handled thousands of cases involving defective vehicles—and we know how to secure results. Our attorneys go head-to-head with automakers who often try to hide behind legal complexity and deny accountability.
Lemon Law Frequently Asked Questions
Before filing a Lemon Law claim in San Francisco, it’s helpful to understand your legal rights. Below are answers to a few common questions we hear from drivers in your area.
Are used or leased vehicles covered under California’s Lemon Law?
Yes. California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just protect buyers of new personal vehicles. It also applies to used and leased vehicles, provided the defect occurred during the warranty period and repair attempts were made.
For commercial vehicles, coverage is available unless:
- The business owns more than five registered vehicles.
- The vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds in gross weight.
Is arbitration required in a Lemon Law case?
No. Arbitration is optional and often not recommended. Though intended to be fair, the process can favor large manufacturers, who usually use the same arbitrators repeatedly. Instead, Quill & Arrow pursues aggressive litigation strategies that give our clients the upper hand.
What compensation options are available if my vehicle is a lemon?
- Refund: The most common resolution involves refunding your purchase, lease payments, and related costs (minus a mileage deduction).
- Cash Settlement: You keep the vehicle and receive money for its defects, repair costs, and any inconvenience you’ve experienced.
Can I still receive compensation if my vehicle isn’t legally a lemon?
Yes. You may still be able to sue for damages based on the reduced value of your car due to defects, even if it doesn’t meet the full criteria of the Lemon Law.
Do aftermarket modifications hurt my case?
They can—especially if the manufacturer claims the issue stems from the modification. You’ll need to show that the defect was unrelated to the changes.