Santa Clara Lemon Law Attorney

Santa Clara Lemon Law Lawyer

You might qualify for California’s Lemon Law if your leased or new vehicle in Santa Clara has been in the repair shop more than it has been driven on the road. A Santa Clara Lemon Law attorney at Lemon Law Pro focuses on assisting consumers to receive either compensation or a replacement vehicle they are entitled to under the Lemon Law.

We recognize how disheartening it feels to spend money on a vehicle that fails to operate properly. Our extensive experience with Lemon Law claims across the Bay Area drives our efforts to hold car manufacturers responsible. We provide guidance throughout your entire experience with repeated defects or warranty repair denials.

What Qualifies as a Lemon in California?

The California Lemon Law safeguards buyers who do not realize they have purchased defective vehicles. A vehicle becomes a lemon if it contains a significant defect that impacts its operation, safety, or value, which remains uncorrected after numerous repair attempts by the manufacturer.

The law extends to new vehicles that remain under their original warranty and selected certified pre-owned vehicles. Under California law, a vehicle becomes a presumed lemon if it develops a defect within either 18 months or 18,000 miles and multiple repair attempts or a cumulative downtime of more than 30 days fails to resolve the issue. The engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems represent common areas for covered defects.

Common Defects Impacting Santa Clara Drivers

Santa Clara residents need dependable vehicles because their daily travel includes heavy traffic and lengthy driving distances. Some vehicles experience persistent problems that repair attempts cannot fix. These defects are typically considered valid reasons to classify a vehicle as a lemon, according to California regulations.

• Brake failure or abnormal wear
• Power steering issues or loss of steering control
• Transmission slips, jerks, or fails
• Engine stalls, misfires, or fails to start.
• Electrical system problems, such as defective sensors, lights, or dashboard alerts
• Air conditioning or heating problems
• Fuel system problems or leaks
• Persistent check engine light despite repairs
• Malfunctioning backup cameras
• Malfunctioning safety technology

How California’s Lemon Law Protects You

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly referred to as the Lemon Law, offers among the strongest consumer protections in the United States. More than 22,000 Lemon Law claims were filed in 2023.

Manufacturers are legally obligated to replace or buy back vehicles that cannot be adequately repaired. Successful cases must include manufacturer compensation for consumer legal fees, as mandated by law, which helps establish equal footing. The law protects vehicles like cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs when they are bought or leased for personal, family, or household use and reach the repair attempt limit.

Steps to Take if You Suspect You Have a Lemon

For a vehicle that frequently breaks down, you must maintain comprehensive records. Make sure to maintain complete documentation of each repair visit, including dates of service, repair invoices, and detailed descriptions of mechanical issues. Request repair orders from the dealership and ensure your complaints are documented accurately. It’s important to act promptly because California imposes deadlines for filing Lemon Law claims.

Negotiating settlements directly with manufacturers is not advisable, as they tend to offer minimal compensation. Collect all necessary documentation and understand your legal rights before seeking assistance from a legal advisor to evaluate your case. A rapid response helps maintain the validity of your claim while improving your likelihood of a positive result.

FAQs About Santa Clara Lemon Law

Q: What Does the California Lemon Law Cover?

A: Under the California Lemon Law, manufacturers must address significant vehicle defects that impact safety, value, or functionality unless they remain unresolved after reasonable repair efforts. New cars, leased vehicles, and certain used cars still under warranty qualify as covered vehicles.

The issue needs to develop during the warranty period and remain unresolved, regardless of repair attempts, to qualify. Consumers have the option to request a replacement vehicle, a buyback from the manufacturer, or financial compensation.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Claim in California?

A: The deadline to submit a Lemon Law claim in California begins four years after you initially discover the defect. You need to pursue legal proceedings within four years after the discovery of the defect that makes your vehicle eligible as a lemon. You should take prompt action because delaying could reduce the strength of your claim or cause you to exceed the filing deadline. Always document repair attempts and communication clearly.

Q: Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Vehicles in California?

A: Used vehicles can receive protection under the California Lemon Law provided they are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty or certified pre-owned warranty. Protection eligibility may be available when repair attempts for recurring defects in your used vehicle fail. The decisive consideration is whether the defect happened during the warranty period, instead of whether the car was purchased as new or used.

Q: What Are Common Signs That a Vehicle Might Be a Lemon?

A: Persistent repairs for the same problem, constant dashboard warning lights, and failing safety systems are common indicators of a lemon vehicle. Your vehicle could qualify under the law for lemon status if it remains under warranty and multiple repair attempts fail to fix the defect. Maintain a record of the total number of days your vehicle has been unavailable for use.

Contact a Santa Clara Lemon Law Attorney

Repeated car problems in Santa Clara need immediate attention to prevent further damage. The Lemon Law in California allows consumers to request a new vehicle replacement, receive a refund, or obtain cash compensation when their vehicle meets the necessary requirements. To safeguard your rights, you must maintain thorough repair documentation and follow legal deadlines.

Our team offers support for problems related to your engine, brakes, transmission, or electrical system. Lemon Law Pro operates solely on Lemon Law cases and stands ready to empower customers to demand accountability from vehicle manufacturers.

We recognize the challenges of operating a defective vehicle and can help you navigate through the entire legal procedure at no cost to you. We serve clients across the entire state of California and provide free legal representation, meaning you won’t pay any fees out of pocket. Contact us today to book a consultation.