These updates align with the new requirements under California AB 1755 and the recent California Supreme Court decision in Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC. For full details, you can access the case here: Read the full case. For vehicle owners, understanding these updates is crucial before pursuing a lemon law claim.
Under the new rules, only vehicles manufactured in 2020 or later are eligible to qualify as lemons. This effectively excludes older used cars, creating significant limitations for owners of older models.
Impact on Used Vehicles:
For those considering purchasing a used vehicle, it is now increasingly difficult if not impossible to file a California Lemon Law claim. In 2024, California’s Supreme Court issued its decision in Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC. The Court determined that used vehicles do not qualify for the express warranty remedies offered by California’s Lemon Law., If you suspect pre-existing issues or defects in any used vehicle you are considering, it’s essential to verify warranty terms and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before making a commitment to purchase it.
Another impactful change revolves around stricter timelines for filing claims:
This change means vehicle owners need to monitor their warranties closely and act quickly when they suspect defects—waiting too long could forfeit your ability to file.
Under the revised Lemon Law, as of April 1, 2025, individuals filing claims are now compelled to follow strict rules in order to be eligible for civil penalties against manufacturers. Previously, California’s Lemon Law allowed up to two times the damages if manufacturers willfully violated consumer rights when addressing lemon claims. While this is fairly broad, juries and judges alike often found that something as simple as the manufacturer’s knowledge of the issues was enough. This included situations such as the manufacturer’s engineering department being involved in repairs, the dealership notifying the manufacturer of the issues, or simply the consumer calling the manufacturer directly to express their issues. Unfortunately, this is no longer a valid basis for civil penalties.
California’s legislature has now enumerated that a consumer must extend a formal demand letter to the manufacturer via certified return receipt mail at least thirty days prior to seeking civil penalties in a lawsuit. The letter must notify the manufacturer of the consumer’s name, the VIN, and a brief description of the issues the vehicle has suffered from. The consumer must also demand a repurchase or replacement. Finally, the consumer must have possession of the vehicle at the time the letter is sent.
The new civil penalty legal changes drastically impact a consumer’s potential compensation and they disincentivize manufacturers from handling claims efficiently. This makes it even more critical to present a strong and valid case.
While still technically possible, used car owners face increasing hurdles when trying to file a California Lemon Law claim. These include proving that the issue existed before purchase, making it an implied warranty concern.. Without an ironclad case, many used car claims may not meet the new legal thresholds, emphasizing why expert legal assistance is now necessary.
Consulting Lemon Law attorneys like Johnson & Buxton, is essential to navigating the complexities of evolving legal standards under AB 1755 and recent case law like Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC.
Navigating the current Lemon Law can be daunting due to the recent changes, as even procedural missteps could disqualify your claim. Hiring a qualified lemon law attorney offers several advantages:
Read more about the recent changes to California Lemon Law.
Many people mistakenly think that lemon laws require three or more repair attempts during the first year of ownership. Each law sets its own requirements.
Fortunately, California’s lemon law provides some of the broadest protections to auto consumers in the nation.
A: No. In California, you have up to four years after the warranty expires by mileage or years to file a claim. Repair History:
A: Your car may be considered a lemon if you bring it to the dealer as few as two times for repair of a defect. One of those time s must be within the warranty period.
A: No. California’s lemon law may presume that your car is a lemon if it has been serviced for more than 30 days, consecutive or not.
As this discussion indicates, determining your eligibility under the applicable lemon law can be very fact-specific. If your safety and financial investment are at stake, you will need our legal services. We have the experience you can trust. Schedule your free consultation today. Call 866-761-2317 or contact us online. From our law office in Ventura, we handle cases in the Los Angeles area and throughout California.
Although the protections of California’s lemon law are consumer-friendly, its legal procedures don’t always seem that way. Although you have the right to handle a lemon law claim on your own, you may not end up with the full amount that you deserve. Simply said, automakers do no pay claims willingly. More importantly, why would you put yourself through the hassle when there is no cost for using our law firm?
At the Lemon Law Guys, we will bring nearly 20 years of experience to your case. The process begins with a free initial consultation, where we will evaluate the merits of your case. If we recommend filing a lawsuit, there is still no cost to you. If you win, the manufacturer must pay all your legal fees. Our hourly legal fees and costs do not come out of your recovery. That means there is no cost to you for hiring an attorney. You really have nothing to lose.
To maximize your recovery, it will take an experienced lawyer who knows the law. We know how to litigate a lemon law case to be successful. Get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your case is in good hands. Call 866-761-2317 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. From our law office in Ventura, we handle cases in the Los Angeles area and throughout California.
If you win your lemon law case, the manufacturer can make restitution in several ways.
Repurchase, or buyback, is the most common option, where the manufacturer will compensate you for your down payment, monthly payments, registration, and possibly some additional damages. The manufacturer will then register the vehicle in its own name and mark the certificate as a “lemon law buyback.” The manufacturer may be entitled to make a deduction for miles driven prior to the first repair attempt.
It may seem intimidating to assert your rights against a big manufacturer. However, the law really is on your side. For example, if a car manufacturer unreasonably rejects buyback when it is reasonable, you may be entitled to a civil penalty of up to three times the value of your car.
When you have the experience of the Lemon Law Guys on your side, you won’t have to worry about being intimidated or the legal complexities of the law. You also have nothing to lose, as the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees if you win. Find out today how you can get a lemon off your hands.
To schedule a free initial consultation, call 866-761-2317 or contact our lawyers online. From our law office in Ventura, we handle cases in the Los Angeles area and throughout California.
California’s lemon law applies to used cars if they are certified preowned or still under the original or extended manufacturer’s warranty. California lemon law also applies to leased cars.
Remember, the law also covers your attorney’s fees. Whether you win or lose your case, you never have to worry about the cost of standing up for your rights as a car consumer.
It can be intimidating to go up against a car manufacturer. If you have been sold a lemon, you need an attorney to fight for your rights.
At the law firm of Johnson & Buxton — The Lemon Law Guys, we have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve under the California law. Call 866-761-2317 or contact our lawyers online to schedule your free consultation. From our law office in Ventura, we handle cases in the Los Angeles area and throughout California.
Attorneys Derek Johnson and Jonathan Buxton have more than 20 years of combined experience litigating Lemon Law cases. For years, they worked for the automakers, defending them against Lemon Law claims. Now, they’re working for you! They use the experience they gained representing the automakers to protect the rights of the consumer, making sure you get the settlement that is rightfully yours. Learn more about our Lemon Law experience.
To schedule a free consultation with Derek and Jon, call 866-708-2905 or send us an email. We serve clients throughout California.
There is no cost to you to hire our experienced lawyers. You will not have to pay us any legal fees out of pocket. All of our fees are paid by the auto manufacturer.
