The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly referred to as the California Lemon Law, provides protection for consumers who lease or buy used cars under certain circumstances.   As long as the used vehicle you purchased came with a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle warranty (meaning that the vehicle came with an additional warranty through a CPO vehicle program), the California Lemon Law should apply.  (The California Lemon Law also applies to used vehicles that come with a written warranty from the dealer).

You may be entitled to compensation if you have experienced repeated problems with your vehicle during the warranty period. Compensation under the California Lemon Law may be either cash damages or a refund of your purchase price.

Warranty or “As Is”

California used cars qualify for protection under the used car lemon law if they are sold with a warranty. While a typical manufacturer’s warranty may be 3 years/36,000 miles, it can be more. In fact, some manufacturers provide powertrain warranties that last up to ten years.  If you purchased was made while the car was covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, even if you are not the original owner, then it may still qualify for coverage under the California Lemon Law.

If you have purchased a used car and no manufacturer’s warranty came with the vehicle, then the dealer must have provided a written warranty in order for the used car lemon law to apply.  Dealer warranties on a used car can be limited to less than 3 months. State and federal law requires that Buyers Guides must be prominently displayed on used cars offered for sale.  The Buyers Guide has two boxes on it, one labeled Warranty and the other As Is. If the warranty box is checked, then your vehicle came with a warranty and you may have a claim under the California Lemon Law.

A full explanation of used car lemon law rights is rather complicated.  Our California Lemon Law Attorneys know the used car lemon law and are ready to explain your options.  Our attorneys will listen to your problems and help determine if you have a viable claim.  As always, we will never bill you for anything.  The law requires the manufacturer to pay for all legal costs and fees.