If your car has been spending more time in the shop than on the road, you’re not alone. Many California drivers deal with ongoing vehicle issues without realizing they may have legal protections. April is the perfect time to take a closer look at your situation and understand your rights under California Lemon Law.
This guide breaks down what qualifies as a lemon, what to do if your car keeps breaking down, and how used or certified pre-owned vehicles may still qualify.
What Qualifies as a Lemon in California?
Not every car problem makes your vehicle a “lemon.” Under California law, a vehicle may qualify if it has a serious defect that affects its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer has failed to fix it after a reasonable number of attempts.
Common qualifying scenarios include:
- Repeated repairs for the same issue
- Your vehicle is in the shop for 30 or more total days
- Ongoing safety-related problems that are not resolved
- Major defects that impact drivability or reliability
These issues typically must occur while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, the key factor is not just the defect itself, but the failure to properly fix it.
What to Do If Your Car Keeps Breaking Down
If you suspect your car may be a lemon, what you do next matters.
Start by documenting everything:
- Keep all repair orders and invoices
- Track how long your car is in the shop
- Note recurring issues and how often they happen
Continue taking your car to an authorized dealership for repairs so there is a clear record that the manufacturer had opportunities to fix the problem.
Most importantly, avoid waiting too long. Many drivers delay action, hoping the issue will resolve itself, but that can hurt your claim.
Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand your options and ensure your case is handled properly from the start.
Lemon Law for Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Lemon Law only applies to brand new cars. That is not always true.
Used and certified pre-owned vehicles may still qualify if:
- They are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty
- The defect occurs during the warranty period
- The same issue continues despite repair attempts
This is especially important in today’s market, where many drivers are purchasing pre-owned vehicles expecting reliability. If those expectations are not met and the problems persist, you may still have a valid claim.
You Don’t Have to Keep Dealing With a Defective Vehicle
Dealing with constant repairs, safety concerns, and unreliable transportation is frustrating and stressful. You should not have to keep adjusting your life around a vehicle that isn’t working properly.
California Lemon Law exists to protect consumers and hold manufacturers accountable.
At BNG Legal Group, we take every case personally. We guide our clients through the process, build strong claims, and fight for outcomes that make a real difference.
If your car keeps breaking down and you’re unsure what to do next, it’s time to find out where you stand.
Free consultations. No upfront costs.
Call 818.810.5466 to see if you have a claim.