LemonBuddy is the California lemon law practice of attorney Lior Katz. We help California drivers with defective vehicles understand whether they may qualify for a refund, replacement, or other available Lemon Law remedy. If your car, truck, or SUV has a problem the manufacturer cannot fix, you may qualify — start with a free, two-minute case review. Under California Lemon Law, prevailing consumers may be able to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the manufacturer.
How It Works
- Free case review. Tell us about your vehicle in about two minutes. No cost, no commitment.
- We build your case. We gather your repair orders and warranty history and put the manufacturer on notice.
- Resolution. If your claim succeeds, you may receive a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. The manufacturer typically pays the attorney fees.
Potential Remedies
- Vehicle Buyback — the manufacturer repurchases your defective vehicle.
- Replacement Vehicle — a comparable working vehicle.
- Cash Settlement — compensation while you keep the car.
California Lemon Law
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — better known as the California Lemon Law — protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles, and some used vehicles sold with a new warranty. If a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts, it must buy the vehicle back or replace it. You may also qualify if your vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law is the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It requires a vehicle manufacturer to repair a defect covered by warranty, and to replace or buy back the vehicle if it cannot be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. It protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles, and some used vehicles sold with a new warranty.
Does my car qualify as a lemon in California?
You may qualify if your vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty that has not been fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, or if it has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty repairs. The defect generally must affect the vehicle's safety, value, or use.
How many repair attempts are required before a car is a lemon?
California does not set one fixed number. Generally a 'reasonable number' of attempts is required — often two to four visits for the same serious defect, or 30 cumulative days in the shop. Repair orders documenting each visit strengthen the claim.
Does California Lemon Law cover used and leased vehicles?
Leased new vehicles are covered. Used vehicles are covered only sometimes. After the California Supreme Court's 2024 decision in Rodriguez v. FCA US, a used vehicle bought with only the remaining balance of the original factory warranty generally does not qualify for the Lemon Law's refund-or-replace remedy. Used vehicles sold with a new warranty issued at the time of sale, such as certified pre-owned vehicles, may still qualify. Other laws, including the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, may provide remedies for used-car buyers.
What can I get: refund, replacement, or cash settlement?
A qualifying owner may receive a full refund (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement while keeping the car. The manufacturer may also reimburse related costs such as repairs, towing, and rental cars. The right option depends on the defect and your preference.
What is the difference between a buyback and cash-and-keep?
A buyback (repurchase) means the manufacturer takes the vehicle back and refunds you, minus a mileage offset for the miles you drove. Cash-and-keep means you keep the vehicle and receive a cash payment instead. Buyback suits owners who want out; cash-and-keep suits those who want to stay in.
How much does a lemon law claim cost?
California Lemon Law may allow prevailing consumers to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the manufacturer, so a claim often costs you little out of pocket. LemonBuddy starts with a free vehicle review, and fee arrangements and eligibility depend on the individual matter.
How long does a lemon law claim take?
It varies with the facts and the manufacturer. Many claims resolve through negotiation without a trial, but the length depends on how quickly the manufacturer responds and whether the case settles early. Ask for a realistic estimate for your specific vehicle.
What documents do I need for a lemon law claim?
The most important records are your purchase or lease agreement, warranty booklet, all repair orders and invoices, and any correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. Repair orders listing the date, mileage, and defect are especially valuable because they document the recurring problem.
How long do I have to file a lemon law claim in California?
It depends on the vehicle's manufacturer. For manufacturers that have opted in to the AB 1755 procedures, a claim generally must be filed within one year after the express warranty expires, and no later than six years from the vehicle's original delivery date. For other manufacturers, the traditional four-year limitation period generally applies. Because these deadlines can be short, have your specific dates reviewed as early as possible. Learn more about the 2025 lemon law changes (AB 1755).
Do I have to go to court to get a lemon law settlement?
No. Most California lemon law claims resolve through negotiation or mediation without a trial. If a manufacturer will not make a reasonable offer, an attorney can pursue the matter further, but litigation is not required to begin a claim.
What kinds of vehicles and defects qualify?
Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, RVs, and motorcycles bought or leased new in California with a manufacturer warranty can qualify, as can some used vehicles sold with a new warranty. Qualifying defects are not limited to the engine or transmission — recurring electrical, software, infotainment, battery, charging, brake, or steering problems can count too.
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