You’re probably familiar with what a “lemon” is, and you’ve probably heard of the California Lemon Law. As you may know, before your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under the California Lemon Law, specific criteria must be met. For example:
- The California Lemon Law applies if the vehicle still has the original factory warranty. The problem needs to be discovered within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles after the purchase.
- The vehicle must have a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, such as faulty brakes or steering.
- The vehicle should continue to have the defect after a number of repair attempts.
If your car turns out to be a lemon — a vehicle with repeated, unfixable problems — you are entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle.
But what if you discover vehicle problems after 18,000 miles or 18 months after the purchase? Well, you may still have a claim!
You May Still Have a Claim When Your Vehicle Doesn’t Meet the Exact Requirements of Lemon Law
There’s a common misconception that consumers are only protected under California’s Lemon Law if the defect occurs within the first 18 months or the first 18,000 miles after the purchase. In fact, there are many other factors that play a role in determining if a vehicle is a lemon. Simply put, you may still qualify for lemon law protection even if the problems occurred after 18 months and 18,000 miles, however, the first repair attempt for the defect should occur within the warranty period. But you may still have a claim even after the warranty expires.
So, if your defective vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements of lemon law, don’t spend your money on repairs or rush into buying a new vehicle. Always remember, with a reputable and experienced attorney you may still get compensation from the manufacturer.
Contact the Margarian Law Firm for a Free Consultation
The single best way to learn more about your rights under your state’s lemon law is to speak with an experienced, knowledgeable attorney about the details of your case. Our attorneys at the Margarian Law Firm will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (818) 553 -1000 for a FREE consultation!
