California Lemon Law for Used Cars
Los Angeles Lemon Lawyers Serving California
The California Used Car Lemon Law provides legal protections for consumers who purchase or lease a used car, or any other used vehicle covered under the manufacturer's warranty, from being stuck with a lemon. Although many people mistakenly believe that used cars are not protected by California’s lemon laws, this is simply not the case. Even if you purchased a used car, your rights as a consumer are still protected. If your car is under warranty and you have been experiencing issues that cannot be readily repaired, now is the time to talk to a lawyer about your options and rights. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a claim to compensation in the form of a refund, vehicle replacement, or cash.
To get started, call (424) 262-1000. When you work with The Bravo Law Firm,, it’s personal.
California Lemon Law Information
Manufacturers Have a Duty to Repair
Under California's Used Car Lemon Law, auto manufacturers and dealers are provided a reasonable number of attempts to repair defects or nonconformities in used vehicles covered by a warranty before they are required to buy the vehicle back or compensate the owner. In other words, you must give a manufacturer the chance to remedy the issue with your car before filing a lemon law claim.
Guidelines on Attempts to Repair Your Vehicle
The "reasonable number of opportunities" may be exceeded if:
- 1 or 2 attempts have been made to fix a serious safety defect, such as faulty brakes
- 2 or more failed attempts have been made to fix a defect which poses a serious risk of bodily injury or death if the vehicle is continued to be driven
- 4 or more failed attempts have been made to fix the same nonconformity or defect
- The vehicle is in for repairs for any number of defects or nonconformities for 30 days or more
There are certain exceptions to this rule. Manufacturers do not have to issue a refund or replacement for a vehicle if the issues were caused by abuse after the vehicle was delivered to the consumer or if the terms of the vehicle's warranty and maintenance were not properly followed.
Were you sold a lemon car? Get in touch with a skilled Los Angeles used car lemon law attorney at The Bravo Law Firm now: Call (424) 262-1000 or complete our form.
What Types of Cars are Covered Under California's Used Car Lemon Law?
California's lemon law covers used cars that fall within the following categories:
- Used cars or vehicles purchased primarily for personal or household purposes
- Company vehicles with gross weights below 10,000 pounds, where 5 or fewer vehicles are registered to the business
- Used cars are sold with a written warranty
- Lemon vehicles that are repurchased by manufacturers and resold to consumers
California's used car lemon law does not apply in situations where the problems that a car or vehicle is experiencing are caused by abuse, or if the terms of the vehicle's warranty for maintenance and proper use were not properly followed by the owner.
Used Car Warranty in California and Compensation
If you have a used car that qualifies as a lemon under California’s consumer protection laws, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle, plus additional compensation for any related losses.
Your used car may be covered by lemon laws if:
- You purchased the vehicle with a warranty
- It has been in multiple times for the same repair
- It has been in for repairs for 30 days or more
Even if your used car does not meet the above criteria, it pays to speak with an attorney. You could still be covered. If you purchased the vehicle without a warranty, the manufacturer's warranty may still be in place. This will typically apply if the vehicle is less than 3 years old and/or has less than 36,000 miles on it. Or, if the warranty provided by the used car dealership has expired, but it was misrepresented in any way, you may still have a valid case.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$332,973.00 D.C. v. BMW
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$200,000 J.S. v. Mercedes-Benz
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$162,746.00 D.C. v. Mercedes
Our FAQs
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The term “lemon” is used to describe a consumer product, most often a type of motor vehicle, which is defective. A vehicle that is in constant need of repairs or that cannot be repaired even after multiple attempts may be a lemon. When you call The Bravo Law Firm, APC, we can talk to you about your vehicle to see if you have a lemon on your hands.
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While many Lemon Law claims in Los Angeles resolve outside of court through negotiation, mediation, or direct settlements, some cases do require court filings if the manufacturer or dealership is unwilling to settle. If litigation becomes necessary, your claim will typically be filed in the appropriate Los Angeles County court. At The Bravo Law Firm, APC, we are ready to represent you at every stage of the legal process, preparing detailed demand letters, negotiating firmly with the opposition, and advocating for you in court if needed. Our Lemon Law attorneys explain your options and keep you informed, so you understand the implications of each step and can confidently proceed with the best approach for your unique situation in Los Angeles.
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The duration of a Lemon Law case in Los Angeles County depends on the situation’s complexity, the responsiveness of the manufacturer, and how quickly documentation is gathered and submitted. Many straightforward claims are resolved within a few months, particularly when negotiations are conducted directly with the manufacturer. If your case requires mediation, arbitration, or must be filed in Los Angeles County courts, it could take six months or longer. By partnering with The Bravo Law Firm, APC, you benefit from proactive, organized representation focused on advancing your case efficiently and clearly communicating next steps so you can make informed decisions at every phase of the process.
