Skip to main content
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
Litigating Cases throughout california

Is a Used Car Covered by California Lemon Law?

Are Used Cars Covered by California Lemon Law Protections?

California Lemon Law provides vital protection for consumers who purchase or lease vehicles with significant defects, but many wonder whether it applies to used or pre-owned cars. Generally, only vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty, including certified pre-owned (CPO) cars, qualify for Lemon Law protection. Vehicles sold “as-is” without a warranty are usually not covered. Covered used vehicles must have substantial defects that impair safety, use, or resale value and persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. Consulting an experienced Lemon Law attorney ensures you understand eligibility, documentation requirements, and potential remedies for your used vehicle claim.

california use auto vehicle lemon law requirements
california used motorcycle vehicle lemon law requirements
california used rv vehicle lemon law requirements
california used commercial vehicle lemon law requirements

Can I File a Lemon Claim for a Used Car?

General Requirements for Filing a Valid Lemon Law Claim in California:

  • Sold with an active manufacturer’s warranty, including certified pre-owned cars.
  • Substantially affect the car’s safety, reliability, or resale value.
  • Documentation of repairs, including service orders and communications.
  • Call Now to See If Your Vehicle Qualifies

get up to the value of your car back or more

CHECK YOUR ESTIMATED REFUND NOW

Key Factors that Determine Lemon Law Eligibility

California Lemon Law mainly covers new vehicles, though certain used cars can qualify if they are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty or sold as certified pre-owned with a remaining warranty period. The law does not protect vehicles sold “as-is,” meaning buyers accepted the car without guarantees. Covered defects must substantially impair the vehicle’s safety, functionality, or value and remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

Keeping detailed records of repairs, communications, and service visits is essential to building a successful claim. A Lemon Law attorney can evaluate whether your used car qualifies, guide you through documentation, and help pursue remedies such as replacement, refund, or compensation.

YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LEMON LAW CLAIM
UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW CAN EXPIRE SOON

YOUR LEMON LAW ATTORNEY IN CALIFORNIA

california lemon vehicle law

New Car Lemon Law Claims

New vehicles that exhibit recurring defects or mechanical issues under warranty may qualify for Lemon Law claims. An attorney can guide you through documentation requirements, repair attempts, and manufacturer negotiations to secure a replacement or refund.

does your car qualify for a refund under California lemon vehicle law

Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Claims

Certified pre-owned vehicles often carry warranties, and defects affecting performance, safety, or value can trigger Lemon Law protections. Legal counsel ensures repair records are properly presented to maximize your claim.

california lemon vehicle law

Motorcycle and Recreational Vehicle Lemon Claims

Leased vehicles are eligible for Lemon Law claims if defects remain unresolved. Attorneys can assist with notifying manufacturers, documenting repairs, and securing remedies that may include lease termination or reimbursement.

does your car qualify for a refund under California lemon vehicle law

Commercial and Business Vehicle Claims

Small business trucks or vans used for commercial purposes may qualify if under warranty and defective. Legal experts can help document usage, repair attempts, and negotiate settlements for replacement or compensation.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT USED CAR CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW PROTECTION

Can I file a Lemon Law claim for a used car?
Yes, but only if the used car is sold with an active manufacturer’s warranty or is a certified pre-owned vehicle. Cars sold “as-is” are generally not covered. Lemon Law protections focus on substantial defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

An experienced California Lemon Law Lawyer that can help you determine the strength of your case and guide you through the process of securing a settlement or court verdict.

What types of used cars qualify under California Lemon Law?
Certified pre-owned cars with remaining manufacturer warranty and vehicles still covered under the original new car warranty qualify. Standard used cars sold without warranty or “as-is” vehicles are typically excluded.
Do defects need to be the same as for new cars?
Yes. The defect must substantially impair safety, reliability, or resale value. Repeated mechanical failures, persistent performance problems, or safety hazards meet the criteria for a Lemon Law claim, similar to new cars.
Is documentation required for used car claims?
Absolutely. Keep records of every repair attempt, service invoice, and correspondence with the manufacturer or dealership. This documentation proves repeated repair efforts and strengthens your claim.
Can I get a refund or replacement for a used car?
If your used car meets Lemon Law criteria, remedies may include a replacement vehicle, a full refund, or reimbursement for repair expenses. Consulting an attorney ensures your claim follows the legal process.
Is hiring a Lemon Law attorney necessary?
While you can file a claim on your own, an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of success. They handle paperwork, communicate with manufacturers, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements to maximize your compensation. Most work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless you win.

FOLLOW OUR
THREE EASY STEPS

01

CONTACT US


Have you experienced mechanical problems with your 2017 or newer vehicle? If you’ve been unable to repair your vehicle, CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
02

RELAX


We handle our client’s cases AT NO COST! We don’t get paid until we reach a successful settlement on your behalf. So relax while we go to work for you. That is what we do!
03

RECEIVE OUTCOME OFFER


If your vehicle qualifies for remediation under the California Song Beverly Act, we will handle all aspects of your case to get you a replacement or reaching a cash settlement.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION!

Get Back Behind the Wheel Fast

Our experienced case handlers are standing by and ready to review your case. Our primary goal is getting you back on the road in a working vehicle, and we can provide assistance with immediate transportation solutions to make sure you don’t miss work and your life can return to normal as soon as possible.

CHOOSE THE
LEMON LAWYERS
THAT WIN BIG

FREE CASE REVIEW
Available 24/7
Don’t Pay Unless We Win

CAR PROBLEMS?

GET OUT OF YOUR LEMON NOW


ZERO ATTORNEY FEES PAID BY YOU

AUTO COMPANIES MUST COVER ALL LEGAL COSTS

CALIFORNIA LOCATION

LOS ANGELES OFFICE
540 S. Santa Fe Ave
Los Angeles CA 90013

Consultation Locations (Appointment Only)

LOS ANGELES OFFICE *
4113 Clinton Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
SACRAMENTO OFFICE *
1601 Alhambra Blvd
Sacramento, California 95816
MODESTO OFFICE *
3430 Tully Road
Modesto, California 95350
ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE *
2372 Morse Ave.
Irvine, California 92614
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE *
1 Sansome St. Suite 3500-11
San Francisco, California 94104
OXNARD OFFICE *
105 N Oxnard Blvd
Oxnard, CA 93030
VICTORVILLE OFFICE *
13782 Bear Valley Rd.
Victorville, California 92392
FRESNO OFFICE *
5588 N Palm Ave
Fresno, California 93704
SAN DIEGO OFFICE *
01 West Broadway
San Diego, California 92101
* Our principal office is located in Los Angeles, California. All other listed locations are consultation and meeting locations available by appointment only and are not staffed full-time.