The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who buy or lease a new or used vehicle with mechanical problems or defects. To qualify, your vehicle must have a problem that seriously affects its use, value or safety and that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. If your vehicle fits this definition, you may be entitled to compensation or restitution from the auto manufacturer. But what kind of compensation can you get under the California Lemon Law?
If you have researched lemon law attorneys and found verdict amounts that vary a lot, you may be confused as to what you can personally get for your lemon vehicle. It’s important to know that the amounts are determined by the facts of each individual case. Outcomes vary for a reason.
Under the California Lemon Law, owners and lessees of defective vehicles may be eligible for one of the following:
- Cash Compensation: In some cases, the auto manufacturer may offer a cash settlement, but not take back the vehicle. In this case, the onus of getting rid of the vehicle is still on you. We do not recommend reselling a vehicle you suspected to be defective.
- Vehicle Replacement: If your vehicle is found to be a lemon, your auto manufacturer can replace the vehicle with one that is substantially identical to the one being replaced. All fees and taxes associated with a vehicle purchase have to be compensated by the auto manufacturer. You may also have expenses associated with the vehicle defect reimbursed. You are not obligated to accept a vehicle replacement.
- Vehicle Repurchase, or Lemon Law Buyback: If your vehicle is found to be a lemon, your auto manufacturer may offer you a full refund of your vehicle, minus a mileage offset based on the good miles you got out of your vehicle. You may also have expenses associated with the vehicle defect reimbursed.
If you pursue a lemon law claim and win, the auto manufacturer is also on the hook for your attorney’s fees and costs. Depending on the facts of the lemon law claim, the auto manufacturer may also be on the hook for a civil penalty up to twice your actual damages. Keep in mind, however, that not every case results in high civil penalties.
If you are not sure whether you have a case, learn what kind of defects are covered by the lemon law, prepare for a potential claim, and the benefits of an experienced lemon law attorney.
If you would like more insight into what you can get for your lemon, call our lemon law attorneys for a free consultation at 877-217-7676. Our lemon law services will cost you nothing out of pocket.
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: 2017–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 guides on the California Lemon Law and Used Car Lemon Law for more information.
