What Does “Substantially Impaired” Mean Under California Lemon Law?

When a vehicle experiences ongoing problems, one of the key questions is whether those issues are serious enough to qualify under California’s lemon law. This is where the concept of “substantially impaired” comes in, but what does “substantially impaired” mean under California lemon law?

In simple terms, it refers to defects that significantly affect the car’s safety, value, or ability to function as intended. Minor inconveniences like a rattling noise may not qualify, but repeated brake failures or electrical problems usually do. Understanding how courts and statutes define this phrase is essential for determining whether your vehicle’s problems rise to the level of protection under California’s lemon law.

Hire a Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon Law Pro is a trusted statewide California firm dedicated exclusively to lemon law representation. Our California lemon law attorneys bring years of experience, a proven record of results, and a strong reputation for client-focused advocacy.

By offering completely free legal services, we ensure every consumer has access to justice, regardless of financial circumstances. Known for professionalism, reliability, and depth of knowledge, Lemon Law Pro provides dependable guidance to clients throughout California in pursuing fair resolutions.

How California Defines “Substantially Impaired”

A vehicle is “substantially impaired” under the California lemon law when the defects or nonconformities in question significantly impact the vehicle’s safety, use, or market value. This standard is used to differentiate between more serious issues that affect a vehicle’s functionality or value and minor problems that are more of an inconvenience.

Serious issues, such as malfunctioning brakes, ongoing engine stalling, or repeated electrical failures, would typically meet the “substantially impaired” standard, whereas aesthetic concerns or minor inconveniences would not. The manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect. A vehicle qualifies as a lemon under the law if repeated repair attempts fail to fix the problem.

Why the Standard Matters for California Drivers?

The real-world implications of whether a defect “substantially impairs” a vehicle are felt by thousands of drivers each year. In fact, over 22,000 lemon law claims were submitted in California alone in 2023, which demonstrates the frequency with which California consumers experience the types of issues that the lemon law is intended to address.

For consumers, this means that protection is in place when defects make their vehicles unsafe, unreliable, or unable to function as consumers would reasonably expect. Without the substantial impairment standard, many more owners would have no legal recourse and be left to deal with chronic repairs themselves.

By providing a clear threshold, California ensures fair treatment for drivers who are experiencing significant, unaddressed problems with their vehicles.

Contact a California Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon Law Pro is a California-based law firm that practices throughout the state. Our attorneys are experienced, results-oriented, and caring, providing representation for all lemon law matters. Lemon Law Pro is a reputable and well-known law firm, and our attorneys are committed to putting the needs of our clients first.

We offer free legal services to consumers so that everyone has the opportunity to pursue a case and have their day in court. We take pride in the professionalism, dependability, and knowledge of our attorneys. Contact us today to hire a lemon law attorney.