When you’re stuck with a lemon, one of the first questions is usually: will this settle, or am I going to court? Most California lemon law cases settle before trial—around 95% or more, actually—but it helps to understand both paths so you know what to expect. How Most Cases Resolve: Settlement Settlement is by far […]
Lemon Law Blog
Can You File Lemon Law Claims Without an Attorney in California?
Yes, you can file a lemon law claim in California without hiring an attorney. The law doesn’t require legal representation, and thousands of consumers pursue claims on their own each year. But here’s what matters: the real question isn’t whether you can file without an attorney—it’s whether you should. While the process is legally open […]
California Lemon Law Presumptions: The 18-Month/18,000-Mile Rule Explained
If your new vehicle spends more time at the repair shop than in your driveway, California’s lemon law presumptions can help you get relief faster. The 18-month/18,000-mile rule creates legal presumptions that work in your favor—you just need to know how to use them. Too many California consumers with valid lemon law claims never pursue […]
Does Lemon Law Cover Safety Defects Without a Recall?
You’ve discovered a dangerous problem with your new car, but there’s no recall. Can California’s lemon law still help you? Yes. And you don’t need to wait for the manufacturer to acknowledge it. Too many drivers think lemon law only covers recalled defects. That’s wrong, and it keeps people in unsafe vehicles longer than they […]
What If the Dealer Can’t Fix My Car? Loaners, Refunds, and Next Steps
You’ve made four trips to the dealer for the same problem. Your car’s been in the shop for weeks. The technicians keep saying they’re “working on it” or “waiting for parts.” Meanwhile, you’re juggling rental cars, missing work, and wondering if you’ll ever get this resolved. When a dealer can’t fix your car, California’s lemon […]
Used Car Lemon Law in California: Dealer vs Private Seller (What’s Actually Covered)
Bought a used car that turned into a nightmare? Your legal protections in California depend entirely on who sold it to you—and the differences are stark. The Core Truth About Used Car Protection California’s lemon law protection for used cars breaks down simply: dealer purchases offer real legal remedies, while private sales leave you almost […]
Lemon Law for Electric Vehicles: Battery, Charging, and Software Defects
Electric vehicles are breaking down in ways that didn’t exist when lemon laws were written. When your Tesla’s autopilot goes haywire, your Rivian’s battery tanks, or your Ford Lightning won’t charge, you’re dealing with problems that traditional mechanics often can’t fix. California’s lemon law covers electric vehicles just like gas cars. But proving these cases […]
How California Lemon Law Applies to Leased Vehicles
You signed a lease expecting lower payments and a worry-free experience with a new car. Instead, you’re dealing with constant repairs and a vehicle that doesn’t work properly. If you think you’re stuck because it’s “not your car,” you’re wrong. California’s lemon law covers leased vehicles just as strongly as purchased ones—sometimes even more favorably. […]
California Lemon Law Buyback: How It Works, Timelines, and Typical Payouts
Getting stuck with a defective car is frustrating, especially when you’re making payments on a vehicle that’s constantly in the shop. If you’re dealing with a lemon in California, the law gives you powerful options to get out from under that problematic vehicle and recover your money. What is a California Lemon Law Buyback? A […]
California Lemon Law: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Picture this: you drive your brand-new car off the dealer lot, only to find yourself back at the service center three times in two months for the same persistent problem. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not without recourse. California consumers who purchase defective vehicles have powerful legal protections under […]










