Anyone who purchased or leased their vehicle from a California dealership – whether new or used – should look out for these four tell-tale signs that their vehicle is a lemon:
1. Too Many Serious Repairs
Not every single problem means a vehicle is a lemon. However, when your vehicle keeps breaking down – due to either the same problem or many unrelated problems – and you’ve had to take it to the dealership for several repairs, there is a high likelihood that your vehicle may be a lemon.
Be on the lookout for problems that affect the use, value or safety of your vehicle.
2. Long Visits to the Dealership
If your vehicle has been in the dealership for repair(s) for more than 30 cumulative days, it is presumed to be a lemon under the California Lemon Law.
3. Problems Persist
Problems that cannot be repaired, despite several attempts to repair them, can be a big sign that your vehicle is a lemon.
4. Widespread Problems
Everyone with the same vehicle as you seems to be having the same problems. This may be an indicator of a widespread problem for a certain model. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for any recalls or investigations that show your problems to be a result of inherent faults.
Originally by Paula Quiroz
Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2019–Present vehicle models only.
However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.
To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.