Fresno Lemon Law Attorney

Top-Rated Lemon Lawyer in Fresno, CA

When you purchase a new or used vehicle in California, it is likely covered in some fashion under an express warranty from the manufacturer. Every warranty has very specific terms and conditions, and some consumers are unaware of their rights under these agreements. If your newly purchased or leased vehicle has caused you nothing but problems since you took delivery, you need to talk to a Fresno lemon law attorney right away.

Helping Consumers in Fresno, CA, Exercise Their Rights Under the Lemon Law

Lemon Law Pro focuses specifically on lemon law claims for clients in Fresno and surrounding communities. Our team of attorneys brings a combined six decades of experience into each case we take on. They have extensive knowledge of California’s lemon law and the nuances that can affect the outcome of a case. When you need strong legal representation, we are here for you.

We know that the average person is likely to find it difficult to parse through the terms and conditions of any manufacturer’s warranty and the verbiage of the lemon law itself. We excel at helping our clients resolve their lemon claims and recover appropriate compensation from liable manufacturers.

While it is technically possible for you to file your lemon law claim on your own, it is risky in several ways, and you would be unlikely to achieve the same results that an attorney could secure for you. Our firm can carefully review the details of your experience and help determine whether the lemon law applies to your vehicle. If so, we can help you resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.

How Does California’s Lemon Law Work?

If a vehicle fails to perform as per the manufacturer’s express warranty within one year of the warranty’s expiration, and no later than six years from delivery, the lemon law might apply. Almost every vehicle purchased or leased in the state includes warranty coverage from the manufacturer.

The term “nonconformity” can apply to any situation in which a vehicle fails to conform to the terms of the express warranty provided by the manufacturer. Warranties are very specific, lengthy, and difficult for an average person to understand. If you are unsure whether your vehicle has violated the terms of an applicable warranty, it’s vital to consult a Fresno lemon law attorney as quickly as possible so they can review the situation.

Generally, if a consumer needs to have the same issue repaired four or more times within the applicable timeframe, and they have directly notified the manufacturer of the problem, it will likely form the basis of a lemon law claim. Alternatively, if the issue at hand could create a condition that could result in severe bodily harm or death, the consumer will have grounds for a claim after two attempts to repair the issue and direct notification of the manufacturer.

Between 2022 and 2023, lemon law filings across California increased sharply, from roughly 15,000 to more than 22,000 cases statewide. Data shows that just four automakers, GM, Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler), Nissan, and Ford, were responsible for over 70% of those claims, reflecting the widespread impact of recurring defects among major vehicle manufacturers.

The lemon law can also apply if your vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days after you take delivery of the vehicle. However, an extension may apply if any forces beyond the manufacturer’s control prevent them from performing necessary repairs within this timeframe.

What Kinds of Defects Can Qualify for Lemon Law Solutions?

There is often confusion among consumers about what kinds of defects can qualify a vehicle for replacement or refund under the California Lemon Law. Generally, qualifying defects are problems that affect the overall operation of the vehicle, the safety of the vehicle, or the vehicle’s value. Some examples include bad transmissions, major suspension problems, faulty brake systems, or issues with the vehicle’s computer system that cause it to malfunction.

Issues that are covered under the vehicle’s manufacturer warranty are generally eligible for lemon law solutions. Less significant problems, such as cosmetic defects, usually do not qualify a vehicle for replacement or refund under the provisions of the lemon law.

Understanding the Lemon Law Process

The process of filing a lemon law claim begins when a car owner documents repeated repair attempts at local dealerships like Lithia Nissan of Fresno or Blackstone Toyota. Once it is clear that the defect cannot be effectively repaired, your attorney can send a demand letter to the manufacturer seeking a refund or replacement.

Both the manufacturer and dealership may be liable if the vehicle was knowingly sold with issues or the warranty obligations weren’t met. If the manufacturer refuses to offer a remedy, the next step may involve arbitration or litigation in Fresno County Superior Court, which is located downtown near the courthouse on Tulare Street.

California’s Lemon Law protections stem from the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California Civil Code §§1790–1795.8) and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §2301 et seq.). Together, these laws ensure consumers can seek refunds or replacements for defective vehicles. Key case law, including Krotin v. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. and Jiagbogu v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, further clarifies manufacturers’ obligations to honor warranties and provide prompt remedies.

In Kahlon v. Mercedes-Benz USA (Fresno Superior Court, Dept. 503), the plaintiffs bought a 2016 Mercedes GL450 from Mercedes-Benz of Fresno. After persistent defects, Mercedes moved to compel arbitration under the contract’s clause, but the court tentatively ruled to deny compelling arbitration.

Refund vs. Replacement Under California’s Lemon Law

The two most common outcomes of a successful lemon law claim in California are that you may be offered a refund or the option to replace your vehicle. A refund is also known as a buyback. Under that agreement, the manufacturer repays the purchase price, including taxes, registration, and out-of-pocket expenses.

The refund may be reduced by a percentage to offset how long the car was driven before the first repair. By contrast, a replacement gives you a new vehicle of comparable value and features. This process may be faster because it avoids the hassle of repurchasing a new car. You would likely be faced with taking ownership of the same manufacturer and model line. Understandably, that option may come with repeated concerns of manufacturer defects.

Why You Should Hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

When you hire a lemon law attorney, they can help you resolve your lemon law claim in a fraction of the time it would take to resolve the issue on your own, and they are more likely to secure a fair offer from the manufacturer. If you attempt to handle your case alone and the manufacturer knows that you do not have legal representation, they may assume that you are unaware of your rights and do everything they can to limit their financial exposure.

Large corporations, such as vehicle manufacturers, have well-resourced legal teams dedicated to protecting the company from financial impacts. As a consumer, you may feel worried about facing them, but choosing an attorney with enough knowledge and experience to successfully advocate for you can help give you the confidence to stand up for your rights.

Our attorneys understand lemon law cases and how to apply the law in a way that protects your interests and helps you protect yourself from financial damage. They can also help you interpret the express warranty from the manufacturer so you know exactly what to expect in terms of your refund or replacement options.

Common signs that you bought a lemon include:

• Repeated trips to the dealership for the same repair issue
• Engine stalling or losing power
• Transmission stalling or hesitating
• Persistent brake problems
• Long repair delays
• Warning lights that return immediately after repairs

Lemon problems are certainly not limited to this short list. If you have a recurring problem with your vehicle that is either new or new enough to still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, you may have a case. Consult your attorney to determine whether California’s lemon law applies to your situation.

FAQs

Does California’s Lemon Law Only Apply to New Cars?

California’s lemon law does not only apply to new cars. Used cars can also be covered under the lemon law if they are still subject to their manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturer’s warranties usually last until a vehicle reaches a certain age or mileage, so many used cars are still covered when their second or even third owners purchase them. This warranty is a selling point for many used cars, so this distinction is important.

Can Manufacturers Avoid Resolving a Case by Continually Attempting Repairs?

No. A vehicle’s manufacturer cannot avoid replacing or buying back a defective vehicle by continually attempting repairs. The lemon law requires that manufacturers be given the chance to repair any defects before further steps can be taken, but repair attempts are limited to a reasonable number. If serious, safety-threatening defects, manufacturers can generally make two repair attempts before the owner can take further action.

Will My Lemon Law Case Go to Court?

It is always possible for a lemon law case to end up going to court, but this outcome is not likely. Most lemon law cases are resolved through settlement long before reaching a courtroom. If a consumer’s case is legitimate, a manufacturer is more likely to want to settle the case rather than go through the time-consuming and expensive litigation process.

When Should I Hire a Lemon Law Attorney?

As soon as you think your vehicle might be a lemon, you should hire a lemon law attorney. A California lemon lawyer can assist you early on in your case by communicating with the manufacturer on your behalf. They can also file a civil claim if necessary, negotiate for you, and represent you in court if your case requires litigation.

Contact Your Fresno Lemon Law Attorney Today

Having trustworthy legal counsel on your side for your lemon law claim helps you feel more confident about the situation and significantly increases your chance of success with the claim. Additionally, you will not need to worry about attorney fees, thanks to the terms of the state’s lemon law. This law requires attorney fees to be paid by manufacturers directly. When you hire Lemon Law Pro for your claim, we will not ask you to pay for anything.

Our firm can provide peace of mind and reliable support through this difficult experience. We know how frustrating it is to purchase a vehicle only to realize that it fails to meet the performance standards you expected.

If you find yourself in this situation, we can help. Contact Lemon Law Pro today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn more about the legal services we can provide.