California's lemon law, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790-1795.8), protects consumers when a vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after reasonable attempts. This law requires manufacturers to repurchase or replace qualifying vehicles if statutory conditions are met. It applies to buyers and lessees of new vehicles under warranty in California. This is general information, not legal advice; specific rights depend on facts and require following the law's procedures promptly.
The law does not cover merchant voluntary refunds, credit card chargebacks, or financed purchase rules. Keep all repair records and contact the manufacturer for warranty service first. For guidance, reach the California Attorney General's Bilingual Services at [email protected] or file complaints through the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
What Controls California Lemon Law Rights
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq., including § 1793.2) governs protections for defective vehicles that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Manufacturers must provide repurchase or replacement when the law's requirements are satisfied. This covers new vehicles and leased vehicles under warranty purchased or leased in California.
Repair facilities must include specific consumer notice language on work orders or invoices, in 10-point boldface type if on the reverse side, as required by the Act. The California Attorney General's guidance confirms these protections focus on warranty defects that substantially impair vehicle use, value, or safety.
| Key Element | Statutory Basis |
|---|---|
| Controlling Law | Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790-1795.8) |
| Scope | New/leased vehicles under warranty with unrepaired defects after reasonable attempts |
| Manufacturer Duty | Repurchase or replacement if conditions met |
| Repair Notice | Specific language on invoices in 10-point boldface type |
What Lemon Law Does Not Cover
California lemon law rights differ from federal warranty laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It does not apply to voluntary dealer refunds or payment disputes such as chargebacks.
Primarily targeting new vehicles, the law has limits for used cars, especially as-is sales. Vehicles repurchased under the lemon law and resold by dealers must be identified as "lemon law buyback" with a "lemon" sticker on the driver's door window, per Attorney General guidance.
Official evidence confirms no specific metrics like repair attempt numbers or mileage/time limits; these details require reviewing the full statute and facts.
Practical Next Steps for Car Buyers
Gather and retain all repair orders, invoices, and correspondence showing defect reports and attempts. Contact the manufacturer directly to request warranty repairs under the Song-Beverly Act.
For questions or complaints about repair shops, use the Bureau of Automotive Repair online complaint form or contact the Attorney General's office at [email protected]. Escalate to the California New Motor Vehicle Board (NMVB) or arbitration programs if applicable, acting quickly to preserve rights. Always check for "lemon law buyback" disclosures before purchasing any used vehicle.
Evidence Checklist:
- Repair invoices with required notices
- Records of defects reported to manufacturer
- Warranty documents
- Purchase/lease contract
FAQ
Does California's lemon law apply to used cars?
It primarily covers new and leased vehicles under warranty. As-is used car sales are often excluded; review your contract and warranty details.
What must be on repair invoices under the law?
Specific consumer notice language in 10-point boldface type, per Cal. Civ. Code requirements.
How do I report a potential lemon vehicle?
Start by documenting repairs with the manufacturer, then contact the Attorney General's Bilingual Services or Bureau of Automotive Repair for guidance.
Are repurchased lemon vehicles safe or required to be disclosed?
They must be labeled "lemon law buyback" with a "lemon" sticker when resold.