What Qualifies as a Lemon?

Serving California for Over 30 Years

What Qualifies as a Lemon in California?

Lemon Laws in California

In California, the lemon law protects consumers who have purchased new or used vehicles with substantial defects or a multitude of problems causing the vehicle to be in the shop an unreasonable amount of time. The California lemon law protects consumers from a potential sour deal and holds manufacturers responsible for conforming their product to the written warranty within a reasonable number of attempts.

Vehicles and consumer goods covered by California lemon laws include:

Get started with a free case evaluation by calling Barnes Law Firm at 949.446.1668.

How Does a Car Qualify for Lemon Law?

Before holding a manufacturer responsible for defects or problems, several qualifications must be met in order to ensure that the vehicle is covered under California’s lemon law. If your vehicle meets these qualifications, you may have the right to seek recourse or take legal action. We encourage you to contact an experienced Orange County lemon law attorney as soon as possible.

The general qualifications are:

  • The car must have a substantial impairment in use, value, or safety.
  • The problems with the car must have been covered by a warranty.
  • The owner must have attempted to get the vehicle repaired multiple times or the car must be in the shop an unreasonable amount of days.
  • The defects must have appeared within the manufacturer's original warranty period.
  • The defects must not have been caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications by the owner.

Does Lemon Law in California Have a 30-Day Limit?

The California Lemon Law incorporates a 30-day rule in specific situations. A car could be a 'lemon' if it's been under repair for over 30 days (cumulative, not consecutive) for problems covered by warranty. 

Contact Our Orange County Lemon Lawyers

Barnes Law Firm in Orange County is well known by auto manufacturers as a firm that is well versed and knowledgeable in the lemon law of California. If we are not able to resolve your case directly with the manufacturer, we bring our extensive knowledge of the California lemon law into the courtroom. 

California Lemon law may vary on what is considered a reasonable opportunity for repair depending on the nature of the problem with the vehicle in question. Generally speaking, if these three qualifications are met, chances are likely that you have a lemon on your hands.

If it still isn't clear whether or not you have a lemon, our Orange County lemon law lawyer is ready to assist you. Barnes Law Firm has a long history of success in lemon law cases and we have helped thousands of individuals receive compensation. When you retain our firm, you can rest assured your case will be given the attention that it deserves.

For more information, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced California Lemon Law firm.

Meet Stephen G. Barnes

Attorney Barnes was one of the early pioneers to exclusively handle Lemon Law cases in California. His goal is to provide every client with dedicated one-on-one attention as they navigate their Lemon Law case.

Do You Think You Have a Lemon Law Claim?

Start your case with a free initial consultation. Fill out the following form or call us at 949.446.1668.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are the 3 General Qualifications for a Lemon?

    The three general qualifications are:

    • The car must have a substantial impairment in use, value, or safety
    • The problems with the car must have been, covered by a warranty
    • The owner must have attempted to get the vehicle repaired multiple times or the car must be in the shop an unreasonable amount of days

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  • What Does It Cost to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

    In most cases, it costs nothing to hire Barnes Law firm to handle your lemon law case. We will collect our attorney fees from the manufacturer if your claim is successful.

  • Does the California Lemon Law Apply if I’ve Purchased a Faulty Used Vehicle?

    The short answer is yes if you purchased the car with a warranty. The lemon law covers a used car if you bought it with a warranty, have a substantial problem covered by that warranty, and have given the warrantor a reasonable opportunity to repair the car. If you have bought a faulty used car, it is important that you speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney to get you the results you deserve.

  • Am I Required to Go Through Arbitration Before Hiring a Lemon Law Lawyer?

    No. You are not required to go through arbitration before hiring a lemon law attorney. In most situations, you would not be required to go through arbitration, and you should get the advice of an experienced lemon law lawyer before taking such a step.