How The California Lemon Law Works

What is the California Lemon Law?

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly referred to as the California lemon law, can be found in California’s Civil Code beginning with section 1790. The California lemon law was enacted to help consumers with defective products, most often new and used car lemons.

How do I qualify?

A new or used car that is purchased with a warranty may qualify as a lemon if the manufacturer, through its local dealerships, have been unable to repair it after a reasonable number of opportunities to do so. Each time the dealership is given an opportunity to repair the vehicle counts as a repair visit, even if the manufacturer did not do any repair work. In most cases, the dealership must be given at least 2 opportunities to fix the car, boat or RV.

What am I entitled to?

If your new or used car qualifies for the lemon law the manufacturer must promptly buy-back or replace your car. If you choose to have your car repurchased, the California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to refund the purchase price of the car, including, but not limited to, paying off the vehicle loan or lease, finance charges and vehicle registration, among other miscellaneous items.

Seek California Lemon Law attorney assistance—it is free.

For a qualifying new or used lemon car, the California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay all reasonably incurred attorneys’ fees, court costs and expenses. Because the California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to refund the purchase price of your car, mistakes made early on can be extremely costly. If you think you need the help of the new or used car lemon law, protect your potential California Lemon Law case by seeking the assistance of a qualified lemon law lawyer.

Should you have questions about the California Lemon Law or how the Lemon Law applies to your new or used lemon car, please call or contact us online. Mr. Cline, or one of our California lemon law lawyers, will speak with you about your potential lemon law case. Even if your vehicle does not qualify under the California Lemon Law we are happy to discuss your concerns.

For your free consultation call 888.982.6915 or email to info@clineapc.com.  You may also fill out the free lemon law case evaluation form to the right of this page and we will contact you shortly.

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Cline APC, A Lemon Law Legal Group

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Se A.

Brian took my case and in no time had made the necessary arrangements to get me my money. Camille kept me informed at all times and returned calls... promptly. They were always available to answer questions in a courteous and professional manner. I highly recommend this firm. Thank you so much for all your work, I am truly grateful.read more

Peter Q.

Brian and his team were excellent throughout my lemon law process. It took a little longer than I initially thought it would( 7 months) but mainly... because Hyundai were stalling the case and playing hardball even though my case was a homerun. John was my point of contact for the last few months and he really was prompt, kind and professional. Camille and Nia were similarly very helpful early in my case. I would highly recommend using this law firm if you feel you have a lemon law case. Thank you Cline APC.read more

Yolanda K.

I want to say, Thank You so very much Mr. Brian Cline and your awesome team for your professional assistance dealing with the Lemon Law proceedings... on my...read more

John Paul V.

My experience was as great as it can be! This law firm helped me achieve a full buy back + more for my lemon vehicle. The best part of this firm is... that no...read more

Johanna D.

I was terrified to take legal action with my car situation. But luckily, I was referred to Brian Cline by my friend James Roe which is also an... attorney. From the beginning to the end everyone was so helpful. I didn’t have to worry about too much. They made this stressful experience kind of easy to be honest. The car was bought back completely plus a little extra. My case was assigned to Eric Natenstedt. It was a pleasure working with him. He kept me in the loop with my case. Everyone was great and professional. Don’t hesitate and have them represent you! You won’t regret it!Thank you Camille, Brian and Eric for all your help! It was a pleasure working with all of you!read more

Johanna D.

I was terrified to take legal action with my car situation. But luckily, I was referred to Brian Cline by my friend James Roe which is also an... attorney....read more

Rob Z.

I engaged Cline APC to represent me and my claim against FCA. I was represented by Attorney Nia Perkins and my case was settled amicably prior to my... scheduled court date. While I hope to never be in need of another "Lemon Law" legal team, Cline APC will be the first call I make if I ever do.read more

Andrew M.

Brian Cline and his team did a stellar job. Wish I could give more stars.After our first conversation, I knew they were the right team to... represent me...read more

Bob K.

A lemon lawsuit is never a pleasant thing, but it makes all the difference to work with a lawyer and legal staff that know what they're talking... about, know...read more

Andrew M.

Brian Cline and his team did a stellar job. Wish I could give more stars.After our first conversation, I knew they were the right team to... represent me with my Camaro lemon. They were professional, answered all of my questions, and fought hard to get me an amazing settlement. Thanks again to Brian Cline, Jeffrey Moses, and the whole team for going beyond my expectations. Highly recommended.read more

Shay H.

Brian Cline and team did an outstanding job! They were able to get every cent back! They are professional and courteous. I can not recommend this... firm...read more

Robert K.

A lemon lawsuit is never a pleasant thing, but it makes all the difference to work with a lawyer and legal staff that know what they're talking... about, know what they're doing, and perform with a high level of professionalism. Brian Cline and Cline APC were great to work with. They explained everything clearly, provided great advice, and got us the settlement we hoped for. Brian is very intelligent and capable, and I can't recommend him and his team highly enough.read more

Ilia A.

Hi,to whom it may concern,I just wanna say if you need the lawyer for your lemon car,please call and hire the Cline lemon law firm,because they are... the best of the west,I’m not joking,they are the best lawyers of the west.read more

Mercedes M.

I was recommended to Cline APC and I'm extremely pleased I was. As intricate as my Lemon was, Brian Cline took on the case and achieved it with... excellence....read more

John W.

I came to Mr. Brian Cline as a referral of a referral, but, never the less, a total stranger. He spent considerable time with me discussing my... situation,...read more

Carol C.

I had an excellent experience with this law firm. I mostly dealt with Michael Devlin, who was excellent as well, but anyone I spoke with here... answered my questions quickly and efficiently. I have absolutely no complaints. They kept me informed all the way through and they made a normally unpleasant experience, a pleasant one.read more

Inho C.

Jeff helped me with my 2018 BMW430i. He was able to get a Cash and Keep settlement for more than expected. Other law firms didn't want to take this... case but...read more

Yolanda K.

I want to say, Thank You so very much Mr. Brian Cline and your awesome team for your professional assistance dealing with the Lemon Law proceedings... on my 2015 Corvette. You turned a very upsetting experience into a positive outcome. Shawnee, (One of Mr. Cline's team member) supported me, guided me and kept me up to date throughout the whole process. I was extremely pleased with the final outcome and want to express my sincere appreciation. THANK YOUread more

ting Z.

Brian Cline is excellent! I received an notice of the Class action which including my car last August . Since this is the first time I met this... problem, I just google it online what is class action and what happens with my car. I was so lucky to find this lemon law legal Group and contact them. After some simple question, Brian told me I'm qualify with the lemon law and I can go ahead to work with him have my car been repurchased by the manufacturer. As I said, it is the first time I met this, I couldn't believe this at first. Brain was so nice, and explain with my in detail about what is the lemon law, what is advantage, what could be the risk for both of us, and what will be the process of my lawsuit later, which make me feel comfortable and trust him. the following steps is as usual, He and his team help me win the case, get my money back. Every step is smoothly, and I got my money back now. Thanks Brain and his assistant Camille who is always willing to help and answer any questions very quickly. If you have any lemon law problem I'll recommend Brain Cline and the lemon Law legal Group.read more

Amanda E.

Unfortunately, I had a 2013 Nissan Altima that was a Lemon and I went through a couple consultations with other lawyers before I came across Cline... APC,...read more

I A.

Hi,to whom it may concern,Just so you know if you're looking for law firm for a lemon law don't hesitate to call Cline lemon law firm,because they... know...read more

Tony G.

My Experience with Brian, Jeff and his firm staff was Great!. the process took some time and every time I requested update, i received the response... very promptly. staff was very courteous and efficient. very profesional. exceeded my expectations.I would refer them or use their service again for sure.read more

Kierra

Late review. First thank you guys for your help. Originally when I started looking for help nobody wanted to help, but Brain gave me a chance. It... took sometime, but it is definitely worth it.read more

marilyn G.

My first new car was sadly defective. I previously had a different lemon law lawyer but ended up looking else where (they were terrible at... communication) while browsing though the many law firms on yelp i found this firm and im so glad i did. I cant say enough good things about working with them. My main contact at the firm was Jeffrey Moses he was super informative and very responsive he helped me settle my lemon law case and now the car company is buying their defective car back!... I hope im never in this situation again but if i am this is the firm id be working with to settle it. Thanks again for your amazing work Jeffrey! 🙂read more

Amanda E.

Unfortunately, I had a 2013 Nissan Altima that was a Lemon and I went through a couple consultations with other lawyers before I came across Cline... APC, Attorneys at Law. I am so glad that I chose this firm to represent me. They were professional and efficient and friendly. If you are moving forward with a Lemon Law case be patient it takes a while to complete however it is worth it. I worked with Brian and John. Both were great, during the latter of the case I worked with John who was fantastic with communicating the step by step processes and procedures and what I needed to do on my end. I am a very busy person, so they were great with emailing all information and forms so I can respond when I had a chance. I didn’t have to go down to any offices everything was completed virtually. The only physical thing I needed to do was go to my dealership to meet with a Transfer agent who was nice, quick and efficient. I was in and out within 10 minutes. After your car is turned in it takes a couple weeks to receive the settlement so save for transportation between turning in your lemon and waiting for settlement. I did a lot of thinking and hesitation when I had problems with my car, I even contemplated just trading it for something else, but I am so glad I decided to act and trust Brian Cline with my case and get the settlement I deserved for a malfunctioning non-trustworthy car. When I turned the car in, I had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Thanks again Brain and John! I will defiantly keep your information close and recommend to anyone having Lemon issues.read more

Savanna L.

I had a lemon law, Brian, Camille, and John helped settle my case. They are very quick on responses, very professional, and extremely sweet. I would... recommend Cline APC to any and everyone. Thank you all once again.read more

marilyn G.

My first new car was sadly defective. I previously had a different lemon law lawyer but ended up looking else where (they were terrible at... communication) while browsing though the many law firms on yelp i found this firm and im so glad i did. I cant say enough good things about working with them. My main contact at the firm was Jeffrey Moses he was super informative and very responsive he helped me settle my lemon law case and now the car company is buying their defective car back!... I hope im never in this situation again but if i am this is the firm id be working with to settle it. Thanks again for your amazing work Jeffrey! 🙂read more

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