-
The California lemon law is a statutory protection of the California Civil Code, Title 1.7, "Consumer Warranties." The law provides someone who has bought or leased a motor vehicle with certain rights when the vehicle does not perform according to warranty.
Vehicles Covered
The law covers new vehicles purchased for personal use, including family and household use, and vehicles less than 10,000 pounds bought by a business entity with no more than five vehicles registered in California. A new vehicle is defined as any vehicle sold with a "manufacturer's new car warranty."
Application
The law is effective when a manufacturer or authorized dealer cannot repair a vehicle to bring it up to the terms of its written warranty.
Requirements
The manufacturer must give the buyer a replacement vehicle or refund the cost of the vehicle, which includes taxes and fees, interest charges, repair costs, towing and rental car costs. The consumer chooses the option he prefers.
Other Conditions
The law protects you as long as your warranty is in effect. The manufacturer has the right to try to repair the vehicle, but the number of repairs must be reasonable.
Warning
Warranty protections are a complex area of the law. Consult an attorney to determine how the law applies to your particular circumstances.
Source:
California Civil Code Sections 1790-1790.4
California Office of the Attorney General, Consumers, "Motor Vehicle Warranty and Lemon Law"
More Information:
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC