Per County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs:

What does California's Lemon Law cover?

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The California Lemon Law covers new cars. It covers used cars too if there is still time remaining on the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Lemon Law covers: Cars, pickup trucks, vans and SUV’s. It also covers the chassis, chassis cab, and drive train of a motor home. After-market parts such as van conversions are not included. Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators. Vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household purposes. Many vehicles that are purchased or leased primarily for business use.

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What does California's Lemon Law NOT cover?

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The Lemon Law does not cover: Vehicles that are not registered under the California Vehicle Code, such as off-road vehicles. Vehicles that have been abused.

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When does the Lemon Law apply?

 

When does the Lemon Law apply? California’s Lemon Law applies when a “reasonable” number of repair attempts have been made. This is called the Lemon Law Presumption.

 

The Lemon Law Presumption applies if all the following are true:

• The problems your car is having are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

• The problem first occurred within 18 months of delivery, or within 18,000 miles, whichever came first. (For major defects after this time frame, talk to an attorney.)

• The problem reduces the use, value or safety of the vehicle to you, and the problems were not caused by abuse.

• If the warranty or owner’s manual requires it, you have notified the manufacturer about the problems. (It’s best to have this in writing).

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• And if any one of the following is also true:

  • You’ve taken the car in for repairs four or more times for the same problem and it’s still not fixed.

  • You’ve taken the car in for repairs two or more times for a problem that is severe enough to cause death or serious bodily injury and it’s still not fixed.

  • The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 days (not necessarily in a row) for repair of any problem covered by the warranty.

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If your vehicle meets these criteria, the Lemon Law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts have been made and you may be entitled to a replacement or a refund.

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