California Lemon Law Attorney | Product Defect Lawsuits

California has some of the strongest lemon law protections in the country, offering consumers powerful rights. If you purchased or leased a vehicle in California and it has repeated problems that the dealer or manufacturer cannot repair, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or financial compensation. At The Lyon Firm, we represent California consumers in lemon law lawsuits, holding auto manufacturers accountable for defective vehicles when they fail to deliver safe and reliable vehicles.

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s lemon law is part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a statute designed to safeguard buyers when manufacturers sell defective products. Under this law, if a defect covered by the original warranty significantly affects the vehicle’s use, safety, or value — and the manufacturer cannot fix the issue within a reasonable number of attempts — the consumer has the right to pursue legal remedies.

When Can You File a Lemon Law Lawsuit in California?

You may have a valid lemon law claim if the following apply:

• The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
• The problem substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
• The manufacturer or dealer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts.

California law presumes a vehicle is a lemon if:

• Two or more repair attempts were made for a serious safety defect.
• Four or more repair attempts were made for the same non-safety defect.
• The vehicle has been out of service for thirty or more days due to repairs.

Even if your circumstances do not fall within these exact guidelines, you may still qualify for relief. The Lyon Firm can review your repair records and advise whether your case is valid under California law.

Vehicles Covered Under California Lemon Law

California’s lemon law protections extend well beyond brand-new cars. The following vehicles may be covered, provided they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty:

• New and used passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs

• Certified pre-owned vehicles

• Leased vehicles carrying manufacturer warranties

• Motorcycles

• Recreational vehicles (special rules may apply for the chassis and living quarters)

Vehicles used for large-scale commercial purposes — such as fleets with more than five vehicles or trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds — may be excluded.

Filing a Lemon Law Lawsuit in California

Consumers are encouraged to:

1. Save all repair invoices and service records.

2. Give the manufacturer a fair opportunity to correct the defect.

3. Consult with an experienced lemon law attorney if problems persist.

Most lemon law attorneys, including The Lyon Firm, work on a contingency basis. That means no upfront fees. If you win your case, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney’s fees under California law.

Statute of Limitations in California

California lemon law lawsuits must typically be filed within four years from the date the defect was first discovered. Because deadlines can make or break a claim, consumers should contact an attorney as soon as ongoing problems appear. Quick action not only preserves your rights but also strengthens your case by ensuring the necessary documentation is secured.

Common Vehicle Defects in Lemon Law Cases

The Lyon Firm has handled a wide variety of claims involving defective vehicles. Common in California lemon law lawsuits include:

• Transmission problems such as slipping, jerking, or failing to shift.
• Engine issues including stalling, overheating, or sudden power loss.
• Electrical system defects, including battery drain, sensor malfunctions, or infotainment system crashes.
• Brake and safety defects, such as faulty ABS systems or malfunctioning airbags.
• Hybrid and electric vehicle issues, including battery failures, charging system defects, and autopilot malfunctions in electric cars like Teslas.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the lemon law apply to used cars in California? If the car was sold with a manufacturer’s warranty, including certified pre-owned vehicles, the law may apply.
• Do I need a lawyer? While you are not required to hire an attorney, auto manufacturers aggressively defend lemon law cases. An experienced firm like The Lyon Firm levels the playing field and maximizes your chance of recovery.
• What if the defect was eventually fixed? You may still qualify for relief if the defect impaired the vehicle’s use, value, or safety during the warranty period, even if it was later resolved.
• What does it cost to hire The Lyon Firm? There are no upfront costs. If your claim is successful, California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm for Your California Lemon Law Claim?

Choosing the right attorney is critical in a lemon law case. At The Lyon Firm, we focus on protecting California consumers and ensuring manufacturers honor their obligations. We have extensive experience in consumer protection and product defect litigation nationwide, and we bring that expertise to every case we handle.

Our clients benefit from proven results, personalized legal strategies, and a client-first approach that emphasizes clear communication and transparency. Because manufacturers must pay your legal fees in successful cases, you can pursue your rights with no financial risk.

If your vehicle has turned out to be a lemon, you do not have to face the manufacturer alone. The Lyon Firm can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact The Lyon Firm today for a free consultation.