Lemon Law in California
State-specific overview · General Legal
California requires four repair attempts or two attempts for a safety defect, or 30 days out of service within warranty period.
How California treats Lemon Law
California's lemon law, codified in the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is among the nation's strongest. A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if the manufacturer cannot repair a defect after four attempts, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, all within the warranty period. Consumers can recover the full purchase price, a replacement vehicle, or a refund, plus attorney fees and costs. California law applies to new and demonstrator vehicles and covers defects discovered during the warranty period.
The general definition of Lemon Law
State laws protecting consumers who buy defective vehicles that the manufacturer cannot repair.
Lemon laws are consumer protection statutes that give buyers the right to a refund or replacement if they purchase a new vehicle with serious defects that the manufacturer cannot fix within a reasonable number of attempts. These laws vary by state but generally apply to vehicles still under warranty. If a car qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must either replace it or refund the purchase price, minus a small deduction for mileage. Lemon laws protect consumers from being stuck with expensive, unreliable vehicles.
Read the full Lemon Law entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.