Get Paid For Your Defective Vehicle.
We've litigated with the top car manufacturers on both sides of the courtroom, well-positioned to fight for your Lemon Law claim.
Is Your Car a Lemon?
In California, a "lemon" is a new, leased, or Certified Pre-Owned vehicle with recurring defects the manufacturer can't fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. When that happens, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash settlement, and you never pay us unless you win.
- Vehicle is 2021 or newer
- Bought or leased in California
- Recurring issues you've brought to the dealership
- Multiple repair attempts on file
California Law Is on Your Side
California's Lemon Law, formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, makes manufacturers stand behind what they sell. When a covered defect keeps coming back, they can be required to buy back or replace your vehicle.
A Covered Defect
The problem has to fall under the manufacturer's warranty. Engine, transmission, electrical, brake, and software issues are all common examples.
A Serious Problem
It must substantially affect how your vehicle drives, what it is worth, or how safe it is. A car that stalls on the freeway is a very different case than a loose trim piece.
A Fair Chance to Fix It
The manufacturer or its dealership must have had a reasonable opportunity to repair it. Repeat visits for the same problem are what build a strong claim.
Proof on Paper
Repair orders, your purchase or lease contract, and warranty records tell the story. You do not need a perfect file to call us. We help you pull it together.
How Many Repairs Is Too Many?
There is no single magic number, but California law gives you a head start. If the issues start during the warranty period, your vehicle may be presumed to be a lemon if any of these happen.
Two Times on a Safety Defect
The same problem, one that could cause serious injury or death, has been in for repair two or more times.
Four Times on the Same Problem
The same defect has been in for repair four or more times, and it still has not been fixed.
More Than 30 Days in the Shop
Your vehicle has been out of service for warranty repairs for more than 30 days in total.
These are guideposts, not cutoffs. Plenty of strong claims fall outside them, and some of these rules also depend on notifying the manufacturer directly, which we handle for you.
Which Vehicles Qualify?
If your vehicle came with a manufacturer's warranty, it is worth a conversation. We review every situation individually and tell you honestly where you stand.
Problems We See Most
Every lemon is frustrating in its own way. These are the issues that we see most often.
Engine and Transmission
Stalling, hesitation, rough shifting, and sudden loss of power.
Electrical and Software
Dead batteries, warning lights that will not go away, and systems that glitch or reboot.
Brakes and Steering
Pulling, grinding, soft pedals, and steering that does not respond the way it should.
Electric Vehicle Issues
Charging failures, range loss, and battery or power system faults.
Infotainment and Safety Tech
Screens that freeze, cameras that fail, and driver assistance that misfires.
Leaks and Odd Behavior
Water leaks, persistent odors, and noises no one at the dealership can explain.
This is not a full list. Don't see yours on here? If the problem keeps coming back, call us anyway.
What You Could Recover
A successful Lemon Law claim can do more than fix the problem. Depending on your situation, here is what we pursue on your behalf.
A Full Refund
The manufacturer repurchases your vehicle. That can include what you paid in down payment and monthly payments, plus taxes, registration, and finance charges.
Cash and Keep
If you would rather keep your vehicle, we can pursue a cash settlement while you stay in the driver's seat.
A Replacement Vehicle
Want to stay in a new car? You can ask the manufacturer for a comparable replacement instead of a refund.
Related Costs
Towing, rental cars, repair bills, and other expenses caused by the defect can often be added to your claim.
Civil Penalties
When a manufacturer willfully fails to do right by you, the law allows a penalty of up to two times your actual damages.
Attorney's Fees Covered
California law allows the manufacturer to be ordered to pay your attorney's fees and costs when you win. And you never pay us unless you win.
We Don't Settle For Less
Simplifying Lemon Law
Free Case Review
Tell us about your vehicle and repair history. There's no cost, and no obligation.
We Take On the Manufacturer
If you qualify, we handle every conversation with the manufacturer and dealership from here.
You Get Paid
You never pay us unless you win. If your case succeeds, you receive your settlement.
Protect Your Claim From Day One
What you do now can make or break your case. A few simple habits go a long way.
Keep Every Repair Order
Even when the dealership writes "no problem found," that visit shows you reported the issue. Every page counts.
Describe the Problem Clearly
Make sure your complaint is written on the repair order in your own words, every single time.
Keep Going Back
Keep bringing the vehicle in for covered repairs. Repair attempts are what build the case.
Document What Happens
Take photos and videos of warning lights, noises, and failures, and note the dates.
Gather Your Paperwork
Your purchase or lease contract, warranty booklet, registration, and any letters from the manufacturer.
Talk to Us Before You Sign
Manufacturers sometimes make quick offers that fall short of what you are owed. Call us first.
Lemon Law Questions, Answered
Straight answers to what clients ask us most.
Do I pay anything to hire ALF Attorneys?
No. The case review is free, and you never pay us unless you win. California law also allows a successful consumer to recover attorney's fees from the manufacturer.
Does a leased vehicle qualify?
Yes. Leased vehicles are covered by California's Lemon Law, and lessees can pursue the same kinds of remedies as buyers.
What about Certified Pre-Owned or used vehicles?
Certified Pre-Owned vehicles and used vehicles sold with a manufacturer's warranty still in effect can qualify. Vehicles sold as is, with no warranty, usually do not. Send us the details and we will tell you where you stand.
The dealership says it cannot find the problem. Does that visit still count?
Often, yes. Every visit where you reported the issue is part of your repair history, even when the paperwork says "could not duplicate" or "no problem found." Keep every repair order.
Can I still file if my warranty has expired?
Possibly. What usually matters is that the problem appeared and was reported while the vehicle was under warranty. Deadlines apply, though, so the sooner you call, the better.
Will the manufacturer deduct for the miles I drove?
In a buyback, they may subtract a reasonable amount for the miles you drove before the first repair attempt for the defect. We review their calculation closely, because it can make a real difference in what you receive.
Do I have to give the car back?
In a refund or a replacement, yes. If you would rather keep your vehicle, we can talk about a cash settlement instead.
Will my case go to court?
Many Lemon Law claims settle without a trial, but we prepare every case as if it is going the distance. Manufacturers tend to take that seriously.
Send Us a Message
Fill out the form below with the details of the issues you are experiencing with your vehicle and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.
By submitting this form, you agree to being contacted by ALF Attorneys regarding your potential claim.
