What can I get under the Lemon Law?
If your vehicle fails to meet the manufacturer’s warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts, then it is a “lemon” and you are entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. If it is determined that your vehicle is not a lemon, you may be entitled to receive thousands of dollars in cash compensation to settle your claim.
*This Does Not Constitute A Guarantee, Warranty, Or Prediction Regarding The Outcome of Your Legal Matter
In California, the lemon laws apply to new or used, purchased or leased vehicles that are sold with a written warranty.
If you qualify for lemon law protection, the following remedies may be available to you:
Refund / Lemon Buyback
If you purchased/ leased your vehicle and it is a “lemon,” your refund will consist of the following:
- Monthly payments and down payment; This includes payments being made to a lien holder if the vehicle has been financed or payments made under a Lease if the vehicle has been leased.
- Collateral charges related to the purchase/ lease of the vehicle. Which could include sales tax, finance charges, and prorated registration.
- Incidental and consequential expenses that are related to the lemon, which include rental car expenses, tow expenses, and
- Payment of your loan balance or Payment of any remaining lease obligations.
* If you are not the original owner of the vehicle, your refund will be based on your purchase price, not the original owner’s purchase price.
Replacement Vehicle
If your vehicle is a “lemon” and you get a replacement vehicle, whether it was purchased or leased, the replacement vehicle must:
- Be substantially identical to your vehicle as it existed at the time you purchased or leased it;
- Include the same service contract, if applicable;
- Include any undercoating, rustproofing or other factory/dealer options that came with the original vehicle; and
- Reimburse you any incidental and consequential expenses that are related to the lemon, which include rental car or tow expenses.
* The manufacturer is responsible for any sales tax, license and registration fees for the replacement vehicle. The balance of your finance or lease term will remain with the replacement vehicle. Before receiving the replacement, it is advised that you contact your lender to learn how they will deal with your existing loan or lease as you may need to make a new loan with different terms. You will be responsible for any difference in price between the original and replacement vehicle.