Introduction
If you bought or leased a defective vehicle in San Mateo, California, you have powerful legal rights under the California Lemon Law (Civil Code §1793.2). This law can force a manufacturer to repurchase or replace your vehicle — and you pay nothing out of pocket.
Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys represent San Mateo consumers against some of the world’s largest automakers. Our attorneys know exactly how manufacturers fight these claims because they once defended them — and now that knowledge works entirely for you.
Whether your vehicle is a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or RV, you deserve to know your rights. Read on to find out how we can help.
About Ventura, CA
San Mateo is a thriving city on the San Francisco Peninsula, home to roughly 105,000 residents and a strong commuter culture that keeps vehicles on the road every single day. Located in San Mateo County, the city sits along the US-101 and Highway 92 corridors, making reliable transportation a daily necessity for families and professionals alike.
The Bay Area’s tech-driven economy means many San Mateo residents invest heavily in newer vehicles — including electric vehicles and luxury cars. When those vehicles repeatedly fail, the financial and personal impact can be significant.
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers statewide, including every driver in San Mateo County. Understanding how that law works in your specific situation is the first step toward getting relief.
Services Available in Ventura, CA
Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys offer the full range of California Lemon Law services to San Mateo residents — at absolutely zero cost to you. Under California law, manufacturers must pay your attorney’s fees when you win, so you never receive a bill from us.
California Lemon Law Claims
If your vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim. The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem before a buyback or replacement is required. We evaluate your situation for free and tell you exactly where you stand.
Lemon Law Buyback / Repurchase Cases
A manufacturer repurchase means you get back your down payment, monthly payments, registration fees, and remaining loan balance — minus a small usage fee. We fight to maximize every dollar of your repurchase calculation. Learn more about what happens when the dealer says it’s fixed but the problem keeps coming back.
New Vehicle Lemon Law
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers new vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. If your new car, truck, or SUV has repeated defects within the warranty period, you likely qualify for a repurchase or replacement. The law applies to vehicles purchased anywhere in California, including San Mateo dealerships.
Certified Pre-Owned & Used Vehicle Lemon Law
Many people don’t realize that used vehicles sold with a remaining manufacturer’s warranty can also qualify under California’s Lemon Law. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles often carry significant warranty coverage, which means defects that appear after purchase may still be covered. We review your warranty documents and repair history at no charge.
Leased Vehicle Lemon Law
Leasing a defective vehicle can feel like a trap — you’re making payments on something you can’t rely on. California law protects lessees just as it protects buyers, and a successful claim can mean lease termination plus reimbursement of your payments and fees. You should never be stuck paying for a lemon.
Motorcycle & RV Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law covers more than just cars. Motorcycles and recreational vehicles (RVs) purchased with a manufacturer’s warranty are protected under the same statute. If your motorcycle has a recurring engine defect or your RV’s systems keep failing, you have legal options. Our team handles these cases regularly for San Mateo County clients.
Manufacturer Fee Recovery
Under California Civil Code §1794, manufacturers must pay your attorney’s fees and costs if you prevail. This means Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys are completely free to you. We recover our fees directly from the manufacturer — not from your settlement.
Before filing your claim, make sure you have your paperwork in order. Our California Lemon Law Documentation Checklist walks you through everything you need to build a strong case.
If you drive a Chevrolet Silverado and have experienced repeated issues, you may also want to read about common Silverado problems and your rights.
Why Choose Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys
Attorneys Derek Johnson and Jonathan Buxton bring a unique and powerful advantage to every case: they spent years on the other side of the table, defending automakers against Lemon Law claims. They know every tactic manufacturers use to delay, deny, and minimize consumer recoveries.
Now they use that insider knowledge exclusively to fight for California consumers. When you work with Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys, you’re not just hiring an attorney — you’re hiring someone who has sat in the manufacturer’s strategy meetings and knows exactly how to counter their moves.
The firm’s representation is risk-free and cost-free. There are no upfront retainers, no hourly bills, and no fees at the end. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. If we do win, the manufacturer pays our fees by law.
San Mateo consumers deserve an advocate who treats them as more than a case number. Our team provides direct communication, honest evaluations, and aggressive representation from the first call to the final resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many repair attempts qualify my vehicle as a lemon in California?
California law presumes your vehicle may be a lemon if the same defect has not been repaired after two or more attempts for issues that could cause death or serious injury, or four or more attempts for other substantial defects. Your vehicle may also qualify if it has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days during the warranty period. Every case is fact-specific, so a free consultation is the best way to know for sure.
Does California’s Lemon Law cover electric vehicles?
Yes. California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act applies to any motor vehicle sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty, including electric vehicles such as Teslas and other EVs. Battery defects, software failures, and charging system problems can all form the basis of a valid claim.
What if I’m still making payments on my leased or financed vehicle?
A successful Lemon Law repurchase covers your down payment, all monthly payments made, and the remaining loan or lease balance. The manufacturer essentially buys the vehicle back from you and pays off any financing. You are not required to keep paying on a defective vehicle while your case is pending.
How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim in California?
California has a four-year statute of limitations for Lemon Law claims, measured from the date you knew or should have known about the defect. However, waiting can hurt your case — repair records may be harder to obtain and evidence can be lost. Contact us as soon as possible after repeated failed repairs.
Will I have to go to court?
Most California Lemon Law cases settle before trial. Manufacturers often prefer to settle once they understand the strength of the consumer’s claim and that they face paying attorney’s fees. Our team is fully prepared to litigate if necessary, but in many cases you receive your resolution without ever setting foot in a courtroom.
Can I still file a claim if the manufacturer offered me a partial settlement?
Yes. You are not required to accept any offer from a manufacturer or dealer. If you believe an offer is too low — or covers the wrong items — we can evaluate it for free and negotiate a better outcome on your behalf. Manufacturers often make low initial offers hoping consumers won’t push back.
Contact Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys
San Mateo residents with a potentially defective vehicle are encouraged to reach out to Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys today. Your consultation is completely free, and there is no obligation.
Our team will review your repair history, warranty documents, and vehicle details to give you an honest assessment of your claim — usually within 24 hours. You have nothing to lose and potentially thousands of dollars to recover.
Visit us online: https://calemonlawguys.com
Ready to get started? Contact Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys here for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Johnson & Buxton or any of its attorneys. Every Lemon Law case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. California Lemon Law statutes and regulations may change; always consult a qualified California Lemon Law attorney for advice specific to your situation. Johnson & Buxton is licensed to practice law in the State of California only.
