Lemon Law: Is My Car a Lemon? 7 Signs Your Vehicle Might Qualify in California
- douglas0324
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
If you’ve been back and forth to the dealership trying to fix your car — and it’s still not right — you’re not alone. Many drivers across Los Angeles and California deal with defective vehicles that just won't stay fixed. The good news? California has some of the strongest lemon law protections in the country.
But how do you know if your car qualifies under the California lemon law?
Here are 7 common signs your car might be a lemon — and what you can do about it.
1. You’ve Taken Your Car in for Repairs Multiple Times for the Same Problem
If you’ve brought your car in two or more times for a dangerous issue (like brakes, steering, or engine problems) — or four or more times for any issue — and it’s still not fixed, that’s a big red flag. Repeated repairs are a key trigger for lemon law coverage in California.
Search tip: People often Google “how many times does a car have to be fixed to be a lemon in California?” — this is exactly the scenario.
2. Your Car Has Been in the Shop for 30 Days or More
Whether all at once or added up over time, if your car has spent 30+ days in the shop for warranty repairs, it may qualify. This includes delays due to waiting on parts or repeat visits for the same issue.
3. The Problem Started Within the First 18 Months or 18,000 Miles
Most lemon law cases begin early. If your vehicle issues started during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, it may fit within lemon law timelines — even if it’s taken longer to resolve.
4. The Defect Affects Safety or Value
It doesn’t have to be life-threatening, but the issue should seriously affect your ability to use the car, its safety, or its value. This could include things like faulty airbags, stalling, power loss, electrical failures, or transmission issues.
5. The Dealer Keeps Saying “There’s Nothing Wrong”
If your check engine light is on or your car clearly has issues, but the dealership says “it’s normal” or “we can’t reproduce the problem,” you’re not crazy — and you’re not alone. Many lemon law cases start just like this.
6. You’re Driving a Vehicle Known for Defects
Some makes and models are involved in lemon law claims more than others. Chevy, Ford, Jeep, Tesla, and Nissan are frequently named in buyback claims in California. If your car is one of these and you’re having issues, it’s worth checking your options.
7. You’ve Lost Trust in Your Vehicle
This one’s emotional, but it matters. If you’re afraid to drive your own car, constantly wondering if it’ll break down or leave you stranded, that’s a real sign something’s wrong — and you may be entitled to relief.
What Can You Do If You Think You Have a Lemon?
Start by gathering your records:
Repair invoices
Work orders
Warranty info
Dates of visits and what was done
Then, talk to a California lemon law attorney (ideally in Los Angeles if you’re local). Many offer free consultationsand only get paid if they win your case — and in many cases, the manufacturer has to pay your legal fees.
Common Questions:
Can I get a refund for my car?Yes — many lemon law claims result in a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.
What if my car is used or leased?You may still qualify under certain conditions. The key is whether it was under warranty when problems started.
Is it too late to file a lemon law claim?Maybe not. California allows several years from when the problem started — even longer if it’s still happening.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking Google things like:
“California lemon law attorney near me”
“car won’t stop breaking down after dealership repairs”
“how to get refund for defective car California”…you’re already on the right track.
You don’t have to live with a lemon. Get the facts, get your paperwork in order, and talk to someone who can help.