Buying a 2020 or newer vehicle in California should mean peace of mind. Modern safety features, reliable performance, and the confidence that you’re protected if it turns out to be a lemon.
But recent updates to the law have changed the rules. And many drivers don’t realize their protection may be more limited than they thought.
California’s lemon law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, has long been one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. Yet with the passage of AB 1755 (effective 2025), new timelines and filing limits now apply.
If you bought or leased a 2020 or newer car and it keeps breaking down, now is the time to get clarity. In this guide, we’ll break down how California’s updated lemon law works, the deadlines you can’t afford to miss, and what steps to take if you think your defective vehicle is a lemon.
California Lemon Law Basics
California’s lemon law is designed to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. But not every car problem qualifies, the law sets specific standards for what counts as a “lemon.”
To be presumed a lemon in California, your vehicle must meet the following conditions:
- Warranty Coverage: The defect must appear while the car is still covered under the manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty.
- Serious Defect: The issue must substantially impact the car’s use, value, or safety.
- Repair Attempts: A “reasonable number” of repair attempts must be made, which usually means:
- At least two attempts for a defect that poses a substantial safety risk.
- At least four attempts for other recurring issues.
- Extended Downtime: If your vehicle is in the shop for 30 or more days (cumulative) due to a substantial problem, it may also qualify.
If your car meets these conditions, the manufacturer may be required to provide you with a buyback (refund of your purchase price, minus mileage offset) or a replacement vehicle of similar value.
Keep in mind: These criteria create a presumption that your car is a lemon. However, a California lemon law claim may still succeed outside these exact thresholds. Also, problems caused by neglect, misuse, or unauthorized modifications generally don’t qualify.
The Impact of AB 1755 on California Lemon Law Claims
AB 1755 introduced stricter timelines that every California car owner needs to know. These new deadlines work together to determine whether your lemon law claim is even valid.
- One-Year Window After Warranty Expiration: You now have only one year after your warranty ends to file a lemon law claim. Waiting longer can disqualify your case, even if the defect is severe.
- Six-Year Absolute Cutoff: No matter what, all lemon law claims must be filed within six years of the vehicle’s original delivery date. After that, your rights under the lemon law expire.
Why does this matter? For drivers of 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, the clock is already ticking, and in many cases, running out.
For example:
- If you bought a 2020 vehicle in June 2020, your final deadline to file a claim is June 2026. Even if the warranty is still in effect, the six-year limit sets a hard cutoff.
- If your warranty expired in June 2023, you must file by June 2024, even though the six-year window would have given you until 2026. The one-year rule controls here.
With these stricter limits, waiting too long can mean losing your lemon law rights entirely. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your options and take action before the deadlines run out.
Used Cars and the California Supreme Court Ruling
A recent California Supreme Court decision also changed how the state’s lemon law applies to used vehicles. Under the ruling, most standard used cars sold with only the remaining balance of the factory warranty no longer qualify for lemon law protection.
Now, protections are generally limited to:
- New cars purchased or leased from an authorized dealer.
- Manufacturer-certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles that include a new CPO warranty at the time of sale.
That distinction matters for anyone who bought a used 2020 or later model. If you purchased a standard used car with only leftover factory coverage, you may not be protected under the lemon law. However, if you purchased a CPO vehicle with its own warranty, you may still be eligible for lemon law remedies.
For car buyers unsure which category their vehicle falls into, reviewing the sales contract and warranty terms is essential.
Steps to Take If You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If your 2020 or newer vehicle keeps breaking down, don’t wait and hope the problem disappears. Taking the right steps early can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful lemon law buyback or vehicle replacement.
Check Recall Notices
Start by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the NHTSA recall database. This will tell you if your car is part of an active recall. Even if the recall work has already been done, it helps establish a record of known defects.
Document Everything
Keep a folder (digital or physical) with every repair order, service invoice, and dealership communication. Note the dates of each visit, the mileage at the time, and what the dealer attempted to fix. The more detailed your records, the stronger your claim.
Formally Notify the Manufacturer
California law now requires that you notify the manufacturer in writing before filing a lemon law claim. A clear, written notice not only satisfies this requirement but also shows you gave the automaker a fair chance to resolve the issue.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney
Automakers have experienced legal teams dedicated to limiting payouts. An attorney specializing in California lemon law can level the playing field, handle negotiations, and ensure deadlines are met.
California law requires the auto manufacturer to pay your lemon law attorney fees, court costs, and expenses if you prevail. That means you never pay out-of-pocket for legal representation.
Why Act Now if You Own a 2020–2021 Vehicle
If you drive a 2020 or 2021 model, time isn’t on your side. Under AB 1755, lemon law claims must be filed within one year after your warranty expires and no later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date.
That means many 2020 vehicles will reach their final cutoff in 2026. Waiting too long could permanently eliminate your right to pursue a lemon law claim — even if your car still has ongoing defects.
Don’t miss out on your chance to receive a refund or replacement vehicle. The sooner you start, the stronger your lemon law case can be.
Final Thoughts
California’s new lemon law rules are reshaping how consumers can pursue claims. If you purchased or leased a 2020 or newer vehicle and it keeps breaking down, you may still qualify, but only if you act within the strict new timelines.
Don’t wait until the deadlines close the door on your rights. At Cline APC, we’ve dedicated our practice to protecting California drivers against automakers who don’t play fair.
Let our California lemon law lawyers fight to get you the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
