California Lemon Law Attorney | Product Defect Lawsuits

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Published on:
August 26, 2025
Updated on:
August 27, 2025

California has some of the strongest lemon law protections in the country, offering consumers powerful legal recourse options. If you purchased or leased a vehicle in California and it has repeated problems that the dealer or manufacturer cannot repair, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At The Lyon Firm, we represent California consumers in lemon law lawsuits, holding auto manufacturers accountable for defective vehicles when they fail to deliver safe and reliable vehicles.

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s lemon law is part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a statute designed to safeguard buyers when manufacturers sell defective products. Under this law, if a defect covered by the original warranty significantly affects the vehicle, and the manufacturer cannot fix the issue within a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer has the right to pursue legal remedies.

When Can You File a Lemon Law Lawsuit in California?

You may have a valid lemon law claim if the following apply:

  • The defect is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • The problem impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
  • The manufacturer or dealer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts.

California law presumes a vehicle is a lemon if:

  • Two or more repair attempts were made for a serious safety defect.
  • Four or more repair attempts were made for the same non-safety defect.
  • The vehicle has been out of service for thirty or more days due to repairs.

Vehicles Covered Under California Lemon Law

California’s lemon law protections extend beyond brand-new cars. The following vehicles may be covered, provided they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty:

  • New and used passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
  • Certified pre-owned vehicles
  • Leased vehicles carrying manufacturer warranties
  • Motorcycles
  • Recreational vehicles (special rules may apply for the chassis and living quarters)

Filing a Lemon Law Lawsuit in California

Consumers are encouraged to:

  1. Save all repair invoices and service records.
  2. Give the manufacturer a fair opportunity to correct the defect.
  3. Consult with an experienced lemon law attorney if problems persist.

Most lemon law attorneys, including The Lyon Firm, work on a contingency basis. That means no upfront fees. If you win your case, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney’s fees under California law.

Statute of Limitations in California

California lemon law lawsuits must typically be filed within four years from the date the defect was first discovered. Because deadlines can make or break a claim, consumers should contact an attorney as soon as ongoing problems appear. Quick action not only preserves your rights but also strengthens your case by ensuring the necessary documentation is secured.

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Common Vehicle Defects in Lemon Law Cases

The Lyon Firm has handled a wide variety of claims involving defective vehicles. Common in California lemon law lawsuits include:

Why Hire The Lyon Firm for Your California Lemon Law Claim?

At The Lyon Firm, we focus on protecting California consumers and ensuring manufacturers honor their obligations. We have extensive experience in consumer protection and product defect litigation nationwide, and we bring that expertise to every case we handle. Our clients benefit from proven results and clear communication and transparency.

The Lyon Firm can guide you through the process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact The Lyon Firm today for a free consultation.

Contact Us

Request a Free Consultation

Taking the first step doesn’t have to be complicated. In just a few minutes, you can share the basics of your case, and our team will guide you from there:

  • It begins with a few simple questions about your situation.
  • From there, a member of our legal team reviews your case.
  • Together, we’ll chart the path forward, helping you take the next step toward resolution.
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