Temecula Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon Lawyer in Temecula, CA

Buying a car can be exciting, but when the car begins to have problems, it can be difficult. If you have recurring problems with your vehicle, we understand how frustrating it can be. You may have grounds for a claim under the California Lemon Law. If this is the case, a Temecula lemon law attorney can help you fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

What Is the California Lemon Law?

California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is a powerful consumer protection law for buyers and lessees of defective vehicles. It covers most new cars and, in many cases, used cars that are still under the manufacturer’s or certified pre-owned warranty.

A vehicle is considered a lemon if it has a substantial defect that affects the vehicle’s safety, value, or use, and the manufacturer or dealer had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect but failed to do so. Typical examples of substantial defects are recurring mechanical or electrical issues or safety system failures.

California Assembly Bill 1755, which went into effect in 2025, changes how Lemon Law cases work for car buyers and manufacturers who choose to follow it. It gives both sides a clearer, faster process to fix warranty disputes.

If you want to file a claim for civil penalties, you have to first send the manufacturer a written notice and give them a chance to buy back or replace the car. The law also requires early mediation before most court steps can happen. There are strict timelines for action and penalties if deadlines aren’t met, with the goal of resolving cases more quickly and fairly.

Common Signs You Have a Lemon

Some repairs are routine when it comes to vehicles. However, others can point to signs of a lemon, especially if there have been repeated attempts at a remedy. Some warning signs to look for include:

• Repeated repairs for the same issue: If you have taken your car to the dealer multiple times to have the same issue fixed with no luck, this could be a sign that you have a lemon.
• Extended time without use: Your car may be classified as a lemon if it has been out of use for an extended period of time shortly after purchasing the car.
• Major issues: This can include transmission, engine, or electrical issues that affect the driveability of the car.
• Safety issues: If you have any issues that affect the safety of the car, such as brakes, airbags, or steering issues, this is a serious matter and can be grounds for a lemon law claim.
• Issues covered under warranty: If there are issues that are covered by the warranty but the dealer does not want to make the repairs, this can be a red flag.

For fiscal year 2023-2024, a total of 274 vehicle purchase complaints were reported by the Bureau of Automotive Repair in California. The 274 total vehicle purchase complaints consisted of 38 new car/lemon law complaints, 128 vehicle warranty complaints, and 108 repair warranty complaints.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, you may have a lemon, and a lemon law lawyer can help you discover if you do and take the proper legal measures to correct the situation.

What To Do If You Have a Lemon?

If you suspect that you have a lemon, there are a few things that you can do to begin protecting your interests and future. Keep all repair orders, service orders, and any documentation of when the car was in the shop and what work was done. This will be the evidence to prove your claim. Know your warranty and make sure that the defect is one that is covered under your warranty. California Lemon Law only applies to defects that occur during the warranty period.

Inform the dealer that the problem has recurred and ensure that it is documented in the service records. Reject vague labels like “general maintenance” or “driveability” when reporting problems. Be specific in describing what is wrong. Keep track of how many times the same problem has been repaired. The law in California generally requires multiple attempts to repair a safety issue or substantial defect.

Consult with a lemon law attorney early in the process. An experienced attorney will be able to review your claim, deal with the manufacturer, and file your claim before any statute of limitations runs out.

About Lemon Law Pro

At Lemon Law Pro, we only work on California Lemon Law cases. We work with clients in Temecula and all over California. Our services come at no cost to you because manufacturers cover our fees when we successfully win your case. We do everything for you, from the inspection of the vehicle to appearing in court at the Riverside County Superior Court, Southwest Justice Center, to protect your rights.

FAQs About Temecula Lemon Law

Q: Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Lemon Law Settlement in California?

A: Typically, the refund component of a California Lemon Law settlement is not taxable income. This is because the refund is considered to be a reimbursement of the purchase money you spent on the defective vehicle. However, if you are awarded any additional cash compensation beyond what you originally paid for the vehicle, it may be subject to taxation. Consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific circumstances.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Lemon Law Case in California?

A: The timeline for a California Lemon Law case can vary, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. A simple case with compelling evidence may resolve more quickly than a complex case that requires litigation and can take longer to settle or go to trial. An experienced lemon law attorney can often expedite the process and help reach a resolution more quickly.

Q: What Do You Get Back Under the Lemon Law in California?

A: The California Lemon Law requires manufacturers to provide you with a replacement vehicle of equal value while also offering the option of a purchase/lease refund or cash settlement in lemon law claims. The law allows for reimbursement of towing expenses, rental car payments, and repair costs. The manufacturer has an obligation to reimburse your reasonable attorney costs upon a successful claim resolution.

Hire a Temecula Lemon Law Attorney Today

Having car issues can be a hassle, but when the problem becomes serious and persistent, it can be a nightmare. If this has happened to you, you may have a lemon, and you need to hire a lemon law attorney. Lemon Law Pro is experienced in Temecula lemon law cases and can help you. Contact us today for your free consultation.