Buying or leasing a vehicle in California should carry peace of mind. If your car spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, the state’s lemon law is designed to protect you from paying the full price.
In recent years, California has introduced some of the most significant updates to its lemon law in decades. These changes affect filing deadlines, narrow which used vehicles qualify, and expand coverage for RVs.
For consumers, that means the law now offers stronger protections in some cases—while also drawing firmer boundaries in others.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about California’s updated lemon law. You’ll learn how the current rules work, which vehicles are covered, and what steps to take if you believe your motor vehicle might be a lemon.
A Quick Refresher on California’s Lemon Law
California’s lemon law (formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) has long been one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. Its purpose is simple: to keep drivers from being stuck with defective vehicles that the manufacturer cannot fix within a reasonable number of attempts.
Under California lemon law, a vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if:
- The defect arises while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- The manufacturer or dealer has had a “reasonable opportunity” to repair it, usually defined as:
- Two or more repair attempts for a serious safety issue.
- Four or more repair attempts for a recurring problem.
- Or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to repairs.
If a vehicle meets these conditions, the manufacturer is typically required to either:
- A refund (buyback) of the purchase price, minus a mileage offset for use prior to the defect.
- A replacement vehicle of comparable value, supplied by the manufacturer.
Additionally, consumers may also recover incidental damages. This can include expenses such as rental car costs, repair-related travel, or other out-of-pocket losses that directly stem from the defective vehicle.
California lemon law updates have not changed these standards. But they have reshaped when and how vehicle owners can apply them.
The Biggest Changes to California’s Lemon Law
While the foundation of the lemon law remains the same, Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755) and recent California Supreme Court rulings have introduced major updates that car buyers should be aware of. These changes strengthen protections in some areas while narrowing eligibility in others.
Here are some of the most important updates:
Stricter Filing Deadlines
California law now sets clearer limits on when lemon law claims can be filed. Claims must be brought within six years of the vehicle’s original delivery date.
Additionally, courts have ruled that drivers cannot wait indefinitely after the warranty period expires. In most cases, you must act within about one year after warranty expiration. For example, a vehicle purchased in 2020 would hit its absolute deadline in 2026, regardless of its warranty status.
Narrowed Coverage for Used Vehicles
A recent California Supreme Court decision has significantly limited lemon law protections for used cars. Vehicles sold only with the remaining balance of the original factory warranty generally no longer qualify.
Instead, protections are now limited to:
- New vehicles sold or leased in California.
- Manufacturer-certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles sold through same-brand dealerships with a fresh CPO warranty issued at the time of purchase.
Independent dealer “certifications” or third-party warranty programs, no matter how convincing, no longer meet the requirements for lemon law coverage.
Expanded Protections for RV Owners
One of the most notable changes is that new recreational vehicles (RVs) are now treated the same as passenger cars under the California lemon law.
This expansion provides important peace of mind for Californians who purchase RVs for travel or full-time living. Defective new RVs might now qualify for the same remedies as cars — including buybacks and replacements.
Stronger Emphasis on Documentation and Notice
The updated law places more responsibility on vehicle owners to maintain thorough records. Before filing a California lemon law claim, owners must formally notify the manufacturer in writing. Failing to provide this notice could weaken or even jeopardize a lemon law case.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Your Vehicle Is a Lemon
Protecting your rights under California’s lemon law starts with preparation and documentation. Here are the key steps every consumer should take:
1. Keep Detailed Records
Every repair visit counts. Always save service orders, invoices, and notes on the duration of your vehicle’s stay in the shop. These documents are the foundation of any California lemon law claim. Without them, it is difficult to prove the number of repair attempts or days out of service.
2. Report Problems Quickly
Do not delay reporting issues. The earlier you bring a defect to the dealer or manufacturer, the stronger your case will be.
3. Provide Written Notice
Send a letter or email directly to the manufacturer. This step is now required by law and shows you gave them a fair opportunity to fix the problem.
4. Verify Your Vehicle’s Eligibility
Ask yourself:
- Was it purchased new within the past six years?
- If used, was it manufacturer-certified with a CPO warranty from a same-brand dealer?
- If an RV, was it purchased new and delivered on or after January 1, 2025 (or still within the six-year coverage window)?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may qualify.
5. Consult a Lemon Law Attorney Early
Deadlines are strict, and automakers often push back hard against lemon law claims. An experienced California lemon law attorney can review your documents, confirm eligibility, and pursue a buyback or replacement on your behalf.
Protecting Your Lemon Law Rights
California’s lemon law remains one of the strongest in the nation. But recent updates have changed the playing field.
If your new or leased vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you don’t have to face the manufacturer alone. At Cline APC, our California lemon law lawyers know what it takes to hold automakers accountable and secure the buybacks, replacements, or compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team help you protect your investment and peace of mind.
