For many Californians, an RV is more than just a vehicle. It is a second home, a way to explore the coast, and sometimes even a full-time lifestyle. But when your brand-new RV spends more time in the repair shop than at your favorite campsite, that freedom quickly turns into frustration.
Until recently, many RV owners in California had little recourse. RVs and motorhomes were treated differently from passenger cars under the state lemon law. As such, the process for holding manufacturers accountable was complicated and often less favorable to buyers.
That’s all changed with California’s updated RV lemon law. Under AB 1755 (effective 2025), new recreational vehicles are now covered just like cars. For RV buyers, this means more protection. More leverage. And more confidence that your investment is secure.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the updated lemon law works, which RVs qualify, and the steps you should take if your new RV turns out to be a lemon.
How Does the California Lemon Law for RVs Work?
California’s lemon law, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, has long protected consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. Now, thanks to recent changes, those same protections extend to new recreational vehicles.
This means that if your newly purchased RV has a substantial defect, and the manufacturer cannot fix it within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to relief. That relief typically comes in the form of:
- Buyback (repurchase): A refund of what you paid for the RV (minus a mileage offset), plus reimbursement for taxes, registration, and certain incidental expenses.
- Replacement RV: A comparable vehicle of equal value, provided directly by the manufacturer.
When an RV Qualifies as a Lemon
To be presumed a lemon in California, an RV must meet the same criteria as a passenger car:
- The defect must have been reported while the RV was still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The issue must substantially impair the RV’s use, value, or safety.
- A “reasonable number” of repair attempts must have been made:
- At least two attempts for a serious safety defect.
- At least four attempts for other recurring problems.
- Or, the RV has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to repairs.
Why This Matters for RV Owners
RVs are complex machines. Unlike standard motor vehicles, they combine both automotive and “home” systems — engines, transmissions, slide-outs, electrical wiring, plumbing, and more. A single recurring defect can sideline your travel plans for weeks and cost thousands in repair bills.
In the past, RVs were covered under different, narrower rules that often left owners without strong remedies, even when their motorhome was clearly defective. California’s updated law closes that gap, giving RV owners access to the same rights to seek compensation available to car buyers.
Which RVs Qualify Under California’s Lemon Law?
Not every RV on the road qualifies for lemon law protection. Lemon law updates set clear eligibility standards designed to protect recent buyers while preventing older or third-party sales from being pulled into the process.
Here’s what qualifies:
- New RVs: Recreational vehicles purchased or leased new in California within the last six years qualify if they meet the defect and repair criteria.
- Manufacturer-Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) RVs: Used RVs sold as CPO by the same-brand manufacturer’s dealership are also covered. These vehicles come with a fresh, manufacturer-backed warranty at the time of sale.
And here’s what does not qualify:
- Older RVs: Anything more than six years past its original delivery date falls outside the scope of the California lemon law.
- Standard used RVs: If you bought your RV used with only the balance of the factory warranty (and no new warranty), you’re likely not covered.
- Third-party or independent dealer sales: “Certified” labels from non-manufacturer dealers don’t count. These RVs might come with a limited dealer warranty, but they don’t trigger California lemon law protections.
These eligibility rules are especially important for 2020, 2021, and 2022 RVs, since those models are already approaching the six-year cutoff. If you own one of these vehicles, waiting too long could mean losing your legal rights to a buyback or replacement.
That’s why acting early (and confirming whether your RV is new, manufacturer-certified, or simply used) is critical to protecting your investment.
Steps to Take if Your RV Might Be a Lemon
If your new RV is spending more time in the repair shop than on the road, don’t wait for things to get worse. Taking the right steps early will not only strengthen your lemon law case but also ensure you don’t miss California’s strict filing deadlines under AB 1755.
1. Document Every Repair
Keep a detailed file that includes:
- Repair orders and invoices (with dates, mileage, and work performed).
- Written notes from service advisors or technicians.
- Photos or videos showing the defect (e.g., leaks, electrical failures, or dashboard warnings).
- Dates when your RV was out of service.
The more thorough your documentation, the harder it is for an RV manufacturer to dispute your California lemon law claim.
2. Track Days Out of Service
California lemon law requires proof that your RV was out of service for at least 30 cumulative days OR went through repeated repair attempts. Logging this downtime is crucial, especially with RVs, where repair backlogs can extend for weeks.
3. Formally Notify the RV Manufacturer
Before you can file a lemon law claim in California, you must provide written notice to the manufacturer. This shows that you gave them a fair chance to fix the problem. A formal letter, sent via certified mail, creates a paper trail that can be invaluable later.
4. Consult a California Lemon Law Attorney
RVs are big-ticket purchases, and manufacturers often fight hard to avoid buybacks or replacements. A lemon law attorney who focuses on California lemon law for RVs can:
- Review your repair history and warranty coverage.
- Make sure the manufacturer doesn’t stall or apply the wrong mileage offset.
- Handle negotiations on your behalf — and escalate to court if necessary.
Best of all, the RV lemon law in California requires the manufacturer to cover your attorney fees, costs, and expenses if you win. That means you never pay out-of-pocket for legal representation.
Protect Your RV Investment
An RV should give you freedom — not frustration. With California’s updated lemon law, new RV owners finally have the same protections as car buyers.
The key is acting quickly. Under AB 1755, claims must be filed within one year after your warranty expires and no later than six years from the RV’s original delivery date. Missing that window could mean losing your rights altogether.
At Cline APC, we’ve helped countless California drivers and RV owners hold manufacturers accountable. Our lemon law lawyers know how to navigate the complexities of RV lemon law cases. Best of all, you’ll never pay out-of-pocket for our services.
Don’t get stuck with a defective RV. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
