What Consumers Should Know About Lemon Law
The complexities of the California Lemon Law can leave even the savviest consumer looking for answers. At the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, we have the answers you are looking for. You can rely on us for honest and aggressive representation focused on asserting your consumer rights.
From our location in Woodland Hills, California and our additional locations in Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania, we represent consumers in Los Angeles and throughout the nation. Call us today at 323-285-3255 or send us an email.
Nationwide Lemon Law Information
Is my car a lemon?
In California, a vehicle may be considered a “lemon” if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility has been unable to repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period. This applies to new and certain used vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and more.
If your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, or if it’s been out of service for an extended period (typically 30 days or more), you may have a valid claim under the California Lemon Law.
Other states like Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania also have lemon laws, but the qualifying criteria and types of vehicles covered can vary. For example, in Pennsylvania, the law generally only applies to new cars, trucks, and SUVs purchased for personal use within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
What is the Lemon Law?
In California, the Lemon Law is officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It is designed to protect consumers who purchase or lease new or certified pre-owned vehicles that turn out to be defective. The law requires manufacturers to either replace the defective vehicle or refund the consumer if they are unable to repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts.
Additionally, the California Lemon Law includes a provision called the Tanner Consumer Protection Act, which further defines what qualifies as a “reasonable number of repair attempts.”
Other states have similar laws, although they may have different names and apply differently. For instance, in Illinois and Pennsylvania, the lemon laws primarily protect new vehicle purchasers and may not extend the same level of protection to used or leased vehicles as California does.
Are recreational vehicles such as motor homes and campers covered by the Lemon Law?
Yes, in California, certain parts of recreational vehicles (RVs), such as the drivetrain and chassis, are covered under the Lemon Law if the RV was purchased or leased for personal use and is still under warranty. However, the “house” portion of the RV—like plumbing and cabinetry—is typically not covered unless those parts are also warranted by the manufacturer.
In contrast, states like Ohio and Pennsylvania limit Lemon Law coverage to vehicles used primarily for personal transportation. This often excludes most RVs unless the chassis or engine itself has a defect and is under warranty.
Are boats, Jet Skis, and other watercraft covered by the Lemon Law?
In California, the Lemon Law generally does not cover boats, Jet Skis, or other watercraft under the Song-Beverly Act. However, you may still have rights under other consumer protection laws or warranty statutes such as the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which applies to consumer goods with written warranties.
In states like Ohio or Illinois, watercraft are typically not included under state lemon laws either, but similar protections may be available under federal law or through breach of warranty claims.
Do I need an attorney to pursue a Lemon Law claim?
While hiring an attorney is not required, it is highly recommended. California’s Lemon Law is complex, and manufacturers often have legal teams working to minimize or deny your claim. An experienced Lemon Law attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation, negotiate effectively with the manufacturer, and, if needed, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Best of all, California law requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees if your claim is successful—meaning legal representation typically comes at no cost to you. The same fee-shifting provisions are available in other states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, making it financially sensible to work with a qualified attorney.
How many repair attempts are required before a vehicle is considered a lemon?
In California, the law does not specify a set number of repair attempts, but it does provide guidelines. A vehicle may be presumed to be a lemon if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles:
The manufacturer has made two or more attempts to repair a defect that could cause serious injury or death.
There have been four or more attempts to repair the same non-life-threatening issue.
The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days total due to repairs for any combination of defects.
These are presumptions, not requirements. Even if your situation doesn’t meet these exact thresholds, you may still qualify depending on the severity and frequency of the problem. Other states have different benchmarks. For example, in Pennsylvania, the law applies if the defect persists after three repair attempts or 30 cumulative days out of service within the first year or 12,000 miles.
What is my next step?
If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, your next step should be to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney to evaluate your case. At the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., we offer free consultations where you’ll speak directly with an attorney—not a paralegal or intake coordinator. We’ll walk you through your rights, assess the strength of your claim, and explain what to expect.
Our firm has offices in Los Angeles, CA, and additional locations in Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, and we’ve successfully helped thousands of consumers fight back against manufacturers. Let us handle the legal headaches so you can get back on the road with confidence.
