Is your car a lemon? Are the problems severe enough to cause death or serious bodily injury? California Lemon Law provides specific protections for consumers if their vehicle is defective and a dealership can’t fix the problems after multiple attempts. This law applies to new and used vehicles still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
If you bought a car from a dealership and noticed problems with the vehicle right away, you might wonder how many miles does the lemon law cover. Let’s explore the mileage limits and provisions of California’s Lemon Law in depth.
From 0 to 18,000 miles
The first 18,000 miles or 18 months after purchasing or leasing a car are important. During this time, if you’ve experienced ongoing car repairs for the same problem, and the manufacturer or dealer cannot resolve these issues after a number of reasonable repair attempts, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
Lemon Law covers new and used vehicles under a manufacturer’s vehicle warranty such as:
- Cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs.
- The chassis, chassis cab, and drivetrain of a motor home.
- Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators.
- Vehicles purchased or leased for business use.
- Vehicles purchased or leased for personal or family use.
How can you find out if your car is considered a lemon? If you suspect your car is a lemon, start keeping detailed records of repair visits, including service dates, descriptions of the problem, and repair invoices. Next, review your warranty and determine if the issues significantly impair your car’s use, value, or safety. Gathering evidence will help you determine your next steps and if you have a potential lemon law claim.
The dealer is not your friend
Engine and brake failure, power steering loss, suspension issues, water leaks—buying a lemon from a dealer can be a stressful experience. The time and money spent on repairs can add up quickly, especially when the issue is still not fixed. And while dealers may appear helpful, remember that their primary goal is to avoid liability. When that happens, remember you have consumer protection rights.
If you suspect your car is a lemon, you need to contact a lemon law attorney like Brennan Law immediately. Brennan Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Take action today and get the legal help you deserve.