California Lemon Law Basics

California’s Lemon Law applies to most consumer vehicles and offers important safeguards if you have purchased or leased a vehicle that does not perform as promised. Lemon Law attorneys in Los Angeles help consumers hold manufacturers accountable for repeated defects that cannot be fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. Under state law, manufacturers are required to offer a replacement or refund for qualifying vehicles, but the process can be complex and highly technical. Our team’s in-depth understanding of California and Los Angeles regulations allows us to guide clients through their options with clarity and confidence. Residents throughout L.A. often depend on reliable vehicles for commuting, so a defective car can significantly disrupt daily life. We help clients interpret California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the Lemon Law), ensuring they know their rights and are prepared before filing a claim. Our lemon law lawyer in Los Angeles is also well-versed in local records requirements and the repair documentation frequently required by Los Angeles courts and local agencies.

Lemon Law Presumption

Under California law, a vehicle may automatically be considered a lemon if:

• The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for over 30 days;
• The manufacturer or dealer has attempted four or more times to repair the same defect; or
• There have been two or more attempts to repair a defect likely to cause serious injury or death.

Additionally:

• Repair attempts must occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles;
• The issues must be covered by the original warranty;
• The problems must substantially impact the car’s performance, value, or safety; and
• The problem cannot be due to actions of the owner.

Importantly, you may still qualify for compensation under the Lemon Law even if you do not meet every presumption identified above. By working with a skilled lemon law attorney in Los Angeles, you can ensure your case is documented properly, taking advantage of all available protections. Our attorneys frequently help clients who have complex service histories and can maximize the value of your case by presenting detailed records to local authorities.

Because Los Angeles drivers often rack up significant mileage and experience extreme stop-and-go traffic, the rules and interpretation of Lemon Law presumptions sometimes play out differently here than in other parts of California. We strongly encourage you to maintain detailed records of all repairs, communications with dealerships, and notes about your time lost due to vehicle downtime or alternate transportation costs. Our lemon law lawyers in Los Angeles can assess your eligibility and ensure your claim is supported with the specific records required by Los Angeles courts. We will adapt our strategy to effectively present your unique circumstances consistent with the expectations and rules that apply in the Los Angeles jurisdiction.

The Lemon Law Claim Process in Los Angeles

Knowing what to expect during a Lemon Law case can help Los Angeles-area consumers better protect their interests. At The Bravo Law Firm, APC, our process starts with a free in-depth consultation and a review of your purchase, warranty, and repair documents—customized to the realities of Los Angeles automotive sales and service environments. We account for the practices of local dealerships and the nuances of city and county requirements. Throughout this stage, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney from our office will identify potential eligibility concerns and ensure records are complete for your case. We explain all your qualifying options, help you organize and submit necessary documentation, and guide you through each step—from pre-claim communications to formal demand letters and potential litigation in Los Angeles County courts.

Lemon Law cases in Los Angeles can involve steps such as negotiating with manufacturers, requesting arbitration, or preparing for hearings in local courts. We handle these interactions while you focus on your life and recovery. Our lemon law lawyers maintain transparency throughout, updating you on your claim’s progress and explaining each available legal path. Should your case proceed to litigation, we are prepared to explain what to expect in the Los Angeles County court, including deadlines, documentation needs, and the hearing process. Our approach emphasizes open client communication, detailed recordkeeping, and diligent legal advocacy to deliver the strongest possible results under California and Los Angeles Lemon Law.