California Lemon Law Attorney | Engine Failure Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $50,000 for client M. Guzman after purchasing a new Hyundai Palisade whose engine failed completely while in use, requiring a full engine replacement that the manufacturer was unable to perform for months.
What happened to Guzman?
Our client purchased a brand-new Hyundai Palisade and drove it fewer than 350 miles before the engine stopped working entirely while the vehicle was in motion. When our client brought the vehicle in for diagnosis, the repair facility confirmed that the vehicle needed a complete engine replacement — a catastrophic failure in a vehicle that had barely left the lot.
Rather than offering a resolution, our client was told the repair could take months. Without a functioning vehicle, our client lost access to reliable transportation for both work and personal needs — a disruption that extended well beyond an inconvenience. A vehicle with a total engine failure at delivery should never have been sold, and California law protects consumers in exactly this situation.
How did Consumer Action Law Group resolve this case?
Our client contacted Consumer Action Law Group after realizing that waiting months for a repair on a nearly-new vehicle was not an acceptable outcome. Our team evaluated the situation under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California’s lemon law, which requires manufacturers to repair or replace a vehicle — or refund the purchase — when a defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.
Consumer Action Law Group pursued the claim aggressively on our client’s behalf. The case resolved with a full recovery of $50,000, which covered all amounts paid into the vehicle, outstanding loan balance, and additional damages, with a deduction for miles driven. Our client walked away from a vehicle that should never have left the dealership lot in that condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if my new car’s engine fails in California?
California’s lemon law — the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — requires a manufacturer to repair a defect that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. If the manufacturer fails to fix the problem within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund of what you paid, including your down payment, monthly payments, and loan payoff, minus a deduction for miles driven. An engine failure in a nearly-new vehicle with minimal mileage is exactly the type of defect this law was designed to address.
Can I get my money back if my new car needs a full engine replacement?
Yes, in many cases you can. Under California’s lemon law, a defect as severe as complete engine failure — particularly one that appears within the first few hundred miles of ownership — typically qualifies as a substantial impairment of the vehicle’s use and value. If the manufacturer cannot repair the vehicle within a reasonable number of attempts or within a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to pursue a buyback or replacement. The specific facts of your situation will determine the strength of your claim, which is why speaking with an attorney is an important first step.
My car has the same engine problem — does that mean I can recover the same amount?
Not necessarily. Every case depends on its own specific facts — the outcome described here reflects the particular circumstances of that client’s situation, and cases that sound similar don’t always lead to the same result. What matters is whether the events happened as you remember them, whether you have documentation to support your claim (such as repair orders, dealer communications, or purchase contracts), and whether the circumstances of your vehicle purchase qualify under the laws Consumer Action Law Group pursues. The only way to know if you have a case is to speak with our team directly — consultations are free.
How long does a California lemon law case take to resolve?
The timeline for a lemon law case varies depending on the manufacturer’s responsiveness, the strength of the documentation, and whether the matter is resolved through a demand letter or requires litigation. Some cases are resolved in a matter of months once a formal demand is made; others take longer if the manufacturer disputes liability. Working with an experienced lemon law firm that knows how to build a strong claim from the outset can make a significant difference in how efficiently a case moves.
What types of vehicle defects does Consumer Action Law Group handle?
Consumer Action Law Group handles a wide range of auto fraud and lemon law claims in California, including engine failures, transmission defects, electrical system failures, structural damage that was not disclosed at the time of sale, and other defects that substantially affect a vehicle’s safety, use, or value. If you purchased a vehicle — new or used — that turned out to have a serious problem, our team can evaluate whether you have a claim worth pursuing.
Did a car dealer defraud you? We can help.
Since 2011, Consumer Action Law Group has recovered millions of dollars for California consumers who were sold defective vehicles or deceived by dealers and manufacturers. Our team has handled hundreds of lemon law and auto fraud cases across the state, and we know how to hold manufacturers accountable when they fail their customers.
If your vehicle has a serious defect and you are not getting the resolution you deserve, contact us today — consultations are free.
