When you purchase or lease a new vehicle, you expect it to be safe and reliable, not sent to the repair shop for the same problem over and over again. If your car has a serious warranty-covered defect that the manufacturer can’t seem to fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be driving a lemon. Fortunately, California law gives you the right to pursue a legal remedy – and The Barry Law Firm can help.
Since 2010, our attorneys have focused exclusively on Lemon Law, recovering millions of dollars for California consumers. If you’re tired of taking your defective vehicle back for repairs that never seem to fix the problem, don’t wait. Call us now or reach out online for a FAST & FREE case evaluation, and we’ll explain what defects are covered by our state’s Lemon Law.
What Does the Lemon Law Do?
California’s Lemon Law is in the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. This law protects consumers who buy or lease a new vehicle in California that turns out to have a significant defect. If your vehicle has a defect that the manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts, they may be required to buy it back.
To qualify, the defect must:
- Substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- Be covered under the manufacturer’s original warranty
- Arise while the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect
- Remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer or their authorized dealer
If your car qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback, including reimbursement for your:
- Down payment
- Monthly payments
- Registration fees
- Sales and use taxes
- Repair expenses
- Towing costs
- Alternative transportation costs
- Legal fees
What Types of Problems Are Covered by the Lemon Law?
Not every car problem qualifies for Lemon Law protection, but certain vehicle defects are more likely to meet the law’s requirements. This is especially common when they pose a safety risk or significantly interfere with driving.
Here are some of the most common defects covered by the Lemon Law in San Diego:
- Engine failure – Symptoms of engine failure may include rough idling, stalling, oil leaks, overheating, knocking sounds, or complete failure to start.
- Transmission problems – Transmission issues include gear slippage, jerking, hesitation, fluid leaks, or total transmission failure. Modern vehicles often rely on complex computerized systems that manufacturers struggle to fix, even after multiple repair attempts.
- Brake failure – Brake problems can turn an ordinary drive into a life-threatening situation. Common complaints include squeaking or grinding noises, spongy or unresponsive pedals, failure to stop, or brakes that grab suddenly.
- Seatbelt malfunctions – Whether a seatbelt fails to lock, retracts improperly, or detaches from its anchor point, the risk to you and your passengers is significant.
- Electrical system issues – Today’s vehicles depend heavily on electronics. Problems with the electrical system might cause unnecessary warning lights, malfunctioning features, or intermittent issues that are hard to diagnose.
These are just some examples of Lemon Law defects. Other defects that compromise your vehicle’s use, safety, or value may also be covered. For instance, problems with a vehicle’s suspension, AC or heating, airbags, or fuel system may warrant a Lemon Law claim.
However, California’s Lemon Law does not cover minor issues or defects caused by neglect or lack of maintenance, misuse or abuse, and unauthorized repair, after-market parts, or vehicle alterations.
During your free consultation, our attorneys can review your repair records and determine whether your vehicle qualifies under the law.
What Should I Do If My Vehicle Has One of These Defects?
If you’re experiencing serious, ongoing warranty-covered issues, the most crucial step is to document everything thoroughly. The stronger your paper trail, the better your chances of building a solid Lemon Law case.
Here’s what you can do:
- Get all repair orders and final invoices. Each visit to the authorized dealership should come with detailed records showing what the problem was, what service was performed, the date, and the mileage.
- Note the symptoms. Write down how the problem affects your ability to use the car, how often it happens, and how long the vehicle was out of service.
- Communicate in writing. Follow up on verbal conversations with emails or letters. These records can prove you gave the manufacturer a reasonable chance to fix the problem.
- Don’t authorize outside repairs. The repair attempts must be made by the manufacturer’s authorized dealership for them to count under California’s Lemon Law.
- Save all receipts. Documenting everything you spend on the faulty vehicle can ensure you pursue maximum compensation in your lemon claim.
- Talk to a Lemon Law lawyer early. You must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires – and that can pass faster than you might expect.
If you don’t have all your documents, don’t worry. The authorized dealership should have records, and our legal team can help you obtain and assemble what you need to move forward.
Can a Lemon Law Attorney Help Me with a San Diego Lemon Case?
A skilled Lemon Law attorney serving San Diego at The Barry Law Firm can take the burden off your shoulders and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
When you work with us, we can:
- Review your documents and confirm whether your vehicle qualifies
- Assemble and organize the records needed to support your claim
- Deal with the car manufacturer and their legal team on your behalf
- Fight for everything you’re owed, including out-of-pocket costs and qualifying reimbursements
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
Best of all, you don’t pay us anything. Under California law, the manufacturer is responsible for all attorney fees and legal costs after a successful claim. No matter what happens, you’ll never get a bill from us.
Why Should I Call The Barry Law Firm for My San Diego Lemon Law Claim?
The Barry Law Firm has been exclusively focused on Lemon Law since 2010, recovering substantial compensation for clients throughout the state. More importantly, we don’t back down from big automakers. We don’t fold under pressure, and we don’t charge you a fee – no matter the outcome.
If you’re stuck with a defective car, truck, or SUV, The Barry Law Firm is ready to help. Call us now or reach out online for a FAST & FREE case evaluation to determine whether you have a San Diego Lemon Law claim.
