How many repair attempts does California lemon law require?

California lemon law requires 2 repair attempts for the same defect, or 30 or more days out of service, within 18 months of vehicle delivery under Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq..

What is the time limit for a lemon law claim in California?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq., California consumers typically have 18 months from vehicle delivery to assert lemon law rights. The defect must appear within the manufacturer's original warranty period.

Does California lemon law cover used cars?

California lemon law primarily covers new vehicles purchased or leased under the original manufacturer's warranty. Coverage for used vehicles depends on whether the factory warranty was still active at purchase.

What defects qualify under California lemon law?

Under California lemon law, a defect must substantially impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety and must occur within the warranty period. Qualifying defects include transmission failures, brake system problems, engine issues, and persistent electrical faults.

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CA · Lemon Law

California
Lemon Law

Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq.

Statutory Thresholds

Repair Attempts

for same defect

Days Out of Service

within warranty

Eligibility Window

18 mo

from delivery

Thresholds are guidelines — actual eligibility depends on your specific warranty and circumstances. Check your vehicle to get a case score.

Recent change in California

AB 1755, as amended by SB 26, now requires a written pre-suit notice to the manufacturer before filing — the notice must identify the vehicle, describe the defect and repair history, and demand a remedy, and the manufacturer then has 30 days to respond. Whether a particular manufacturer has opted into this framework varies — confirm current opt-in status before relying on the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Case Check · CA

Do you qualify under Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq.?

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Hi, I'm Julie. I'll ask a few questions to see where you stand under Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq. — I've noted you're asking about California. What's going on with your vehicle?

CaliforniaLemon Law

Do you qualify under Cal. Civ. Code § 1790 et seq.?

California
Lemon Law