If your new car has a
serious warranty defect
that the manufacturer
cannot fix, even after
multiple attempts, you
may be eligible to get
your vehicle repurchased
or replaced.
That is California’s
Lemon Law.
PDE_24-184Revised: 6/24
ARBITRATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
ARBITRATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
1625 North Market Blvd. Suite N-112
Sacramento CA 95834
www.LemonLaw.ca.gov
Tel: (916) 574-7350
Fax: (916) 574-8638
Email: [email protected]
CALIFORNIA’S
LEMON LAW
Q&A
DOES CALIFORNIA’S LEMON LAW
APPLY TO MY VEHICLE?
A: The Lemon Law covers the following
new and used vehicles that come with the
manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty:
• Cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs.
• The chassis, chassis cab, and drive train
of a motor home.
• Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators.
• Vehicles purchased or leased primarily for
business use. (Business fleet requirements
are less than five vehicles and gross
vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs.)
• Vehicles purchased or leased for
personal, family, or household purposes.
WHAT IF THE MANUFACTURER OR
DEALER CANNOT FIX MY VEHICLE?
A: If the manufacturer or dealer is unable
to repair a serious warranty defect in your
vehicle after a “reasonable” number of
attempts, the manufacturer must either:
• Replace the vehicle.
• Refund its purchase price (whichever
you prefer).
WHAT IS A “REASONABLE” NUMBER
OF REPAIR ATTEMPTS?
A: California’s Lemon Law Presumption provides
guidelines for determining a “reasonable”
number of repair attempts if one or more of
the following occurs:
• Within 18 months or 18,000 miles after the
purchase or leasing of a new car, whichever
occurs first.
• The manufacturer or dealer has not fixed the
same problem after four or more attempts.
• Your vehicle’s problems could cause death
or serious bodily injury if it is driven, and the
manufacturer or dealer has made at least
two unsuccessful repair attempts.
• The vehicle has been in the shop for more
than 30 days (not necessarily in a row)
for repair of any problems covered by its
warranty.
DO I NEED TO GO TO COURT FOR
THE LEMON LAW TO HELP ME?
A: No. In many cases, your vehicle’s
manufacturer may offer a state-certified
arbitration program that may assist you in
resolving your dispute. If so:
• You must request arbitration to claim the
benefits of the Lemon Law Presumption.
• You may accept or reject the arbitrator’s
decision.
I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE USED WITH
NO NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY. DOES
CALIFORNIA’S LEMON LAW STILL APPLY
TO MY VEHICLE?
A: No. The Lemon Law applies only to
disputes involving the manufacturer’s new
vehicle warranty.
