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Understanding the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act

file a lemon claim under the Song-Beverly Act

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is a cornerstone of California consumer protection law, designed to shield car buyers from defective vehicles, commonly called lemons. Under this law, if your new or used car develops serious defects that impair its use, safety, or value, you may be entitled to a replacement or a refund. Many car owners are unaware of their rights and miss the opportunity to pursue a legal claim. At My Lemon Law Lawyer, our experienced attorneys help California drivers navigate the complex warranty process, ensuring manufacturers are held accountable and our clients receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
California’s Lemon Law, under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, covers both new and used vehicles sold with a warranty. It protects buyers when a car has significant defects that the manufacturer cannot fix within a reasonable number of repair attempts. Consumers can pursue legal action to obtain a replacement vehicle, a refund of the purchase price, or reimbursement for incidental costs such as towing and rental cars. Filing a claim requires careful documentation of repairs, communications with the dealer, and adherence to specific timelines. Our attorneys specialize in guiding clients through this process efficiently to maximize their outcomes.

Key Points for Filing a Lemon Law Claim

  • Document all repairs and service visits to show repeated issues.
  • Verify that the defect substantially impairs the car’s use, safety, or value.
  • Notify the manufacturer in writing about the ongoing problems.
  • Maintain clear records of communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
  • Consult a qualified Lemon Law attorney to navigate timelines and legal requirements.

Important Facts Every Car Buyer Should Know

Many consumers do not realize that Lemon Law protections apply to both new and certified pre-owned vehicles sold with warranties. Understanding the scope of coverage ensures you know your rights if problems arise.

The law defines what constitutes a lemon, including recurring issues that remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Knowing this standard is crucial for building a successful claim.

California also allows consumers to recover additional costs such as rental car expenses, towing, and incidental damages. An experienced Lemon Law lawyer can help identify all potential recoverable amounts, ensuring full compensation.

Take Action on Your Lemon Today


If your car is giving you trouble, do not wait. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides a legal path to get the replacement, refund, or compensation you deserve. Contact My Lemon Law Lawyer today for a free consultation. We handle the legal work, communicate with the manufacturer, and fight to maximize your recovery. With our guidance, you can hold the manufacturer accountable and regain peace of mind.

California Lemon Law FAQs

What vehicles are covered under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act?
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers new and used vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty in California. This includes cars, trucks, and SUVs purchased or leased from licensed dealers. Vehicles without a warranty, such as private sales with no guarantee, are generally not covered. Certified pre-owned vehicles sold with a warranty may also qualify. Coverage applies to defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, safety, or value, even if the vehicle has been repaired multiple times. Understanding which vehicles are covered is essential for pursuing a legal claim and ensuring your rights are protected.
How do I know if my car qualifies as a lemon?
A vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts. The defect must impair the car’s safety, use, or value. Evidence typically includes service records showing repeated repairs, communications with the dealer, and documentation of the issue’s impact on driving or safety. California law generally considers a vehicle a lemon if unresolved problems persist within the warranty period. Consulting a Lemon Law attorney early can help you evaluate your case and determine whether your vehicle meets the legal criteria for a claim.
What remedies are available under California Lemon Law?
Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, consumers may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund of the purchase price. Additional recoverable costs include rental car expenses, towing fees, and incidental damages related to the defective vehicle. Legal fees may also be covered in many cases, allowing consumers to pursue claims without upfront costs. An attorney can negotiate with manufacturers or file a lawsuit to ensure all entitled remedies are obtained, helping car owners recover both financial losses and peace of mind.
How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim?
California law requires that Lemon Law claims be filed within the applicable warranty period or within a reasonable time after the defect is discovered. Specific timelines depend on the manufacturer’s warranty and the nature of the defect. Prompt action is crucial because waiting too long may limit your legal options. Consulting an experienced Lemon Law attorney ensures deadlines are met, documentation is accurate, and your claim is filed correctly. Acting quickly increases the likelihood of successfully recovering a replacement, refund, or compensation for a defective vehicle.
Do I need a lawyer to pursue a Lemon Law claim?
While it is possible to file a Lemon Law claim without an attorney, hiring a qualified lawyer greatly improves your chances of success. Attorneys understand California’s complex Lemon Law regulations, handle all communications with manufacturers, and ensure that all documentation and repair records meet legal standards. Lawyers also fight to maximize compensation for replacement vehicles, refunds, and additional expenses. At My Lemon Law Lawyer, we offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win, giving clients peace of mind throughout the process.

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