Repurchase
A statutory buyback may include qualifying payments and charges, subject to lawful deductions.
California Lemon Law
Your warranty should mean something.
If a manufacturer or authorized dealer cannot repair a substantial defect after a reasonable opportunity, California law may provide a repurchase, replacement, or other recovery.
Check my vehiclePotential warning signs
Your vehicle does not need a label saying “lemon.”
Eligibility depends on the complete repair history—not a single magic number. The defect, warranty coverage, repair opportunities, days out of service, and effect on use, value, or safety all matter.
- The same defect returns after dealership repairs
- The vehicle has spent substantial time out of service
- A safety problem remains unresolved
- Parts delays have kept the vehicle unavailable
- The manufacturer denied or delayed a reasonable resolution
Potential remedies
What a successful claim may provide.
Replacement
Some matters resolve through a comparable replacement vehicle when appropriate.
Cash resolution
Depending on the facts, a consumer may resolve the claim while keeping the vehicle.
Frequently asked
Common lemon-law questions.
How many repair attempts are required?
California uses a reasonableness standard. The number depends on the seriousness of the defect, repair history, and other facts. Certain circumstances may create a statutory presumption, but claims may exist outside it.
Do leased vehicles qualify?
Many leased vehicles can qualify when the applicable statutory and warranty requirements are satisfied.
What records should I save?
Keep every repair order, purchase or lease agreement, registration, warranty communication, towing receipt, rental record, and manufacturer correspondence.
Will I have to go to court?
Many claims resolve without trial. Litigation strategy depends on the manufacturer’s response and the evidence in the individual case.
Review your repair history