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California Lemon Law — Requirements, Remedies & How to File

California's lemon law covers new and used vehicles sold or leased with a warranty within 18 months or 18,000 miles from original delivery. Learn the exact requirements, available remedies, and how to file a claim.

2
Repair attempts required
30
Cumulative days out of service
18 months
Coverage window

California Lemon Law Overview

Covered VehiclesNew and used vehicles sold or leased with a warranty
Coverage Period18 months or 18,000 miles from original delivery
Repair Attempts2 attempts for the same defect
Days Out of Service30 cumulative days
RemedyReplacement or full refund including taxes, fees, and finance charges
ArbitrationMandatory manufacturer arbitration program before civil suit

Key Facts — California Lemon Law

  • -2 repair attempts for safety defects (4 for non-safety defects)
  • -Covers used vehicles purchased from licensed dealers with a warranty
  • -California Civil Code § 1793.2 governs lemon law protections
  • -Attorney fees paid by manufacturer if consumer wins
  • -State arbitration program available for free through CDCA

How to Qualify Under California Lemon Law

To qualify for lemon law protection in California, your vehicle generally must meet all of the following criteria:

1

The vehicle must be new and used vehicles sold or leased with a warranty.

2

The defect must occur within 18 months or 18,000 miles from original delivery.

3

Either 2 or more repair attempts for the same defect must have occurred, OR the vehicle must have been out of service for 30+ cumulative days.

4

The defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

5

Mandatory manufacturer arbitration program before civil suit.

Check Your Vehicle's History Before Filing

A free VIN report documents your vehicle's recall history, complaint patterns, and service records — useful evidence when pursuing a lemon law claim.

Free VIN Report

Frequently Asked Questions — California

Does California lemon law cover used cars?
Yes. California is one of the few states where the lemon law covers used vehicles purchased from a licensed dealer, as long as the vehicle was still under the manufacturer's original warranty or a dealer warranty at the time of sale.
How many repair attempts before a California lemon law claim?
2 repair attempts for a safety defect, or 4 repair attempts for any other defect, or 30+ calendar days out of service within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.
View Lemon Law Requirements for All 50 States