As a greater number of California residents started to understand their rights under the state’s lemon law protections for purchasers of defective vehicles, manufacturers worked hard to lobby the legislature to limit consumers’ rights in California. In response to the manufacturers’ lobbying efforts, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California AB 1755 into law with full implementation as of April 1st, 2025. This new law reduced the statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim in California. Speak with an experienced California lemon law attorney today.
What Is the California Lemon Law?
The term “lemon” typically refers to a car with one or more unrepairable defects. Under California’s lemon law protections, a car buyer may file a claim against a manufacturer if the vehicle has had four or more failed repair attempts for non-safety related issues, or two or more failed repair attempts for a defect that is a significant safety hazard.
A successful claim holds the manufacturer accountable by compelling them to adhere to the terms of the warranty rather than allowing the manufacturer to continue to demand endless repair attempts. When a consumer prevails, they are entitled to a lemon law buyback of their defective vehicle, cash settlement, or a replacement vehicle.
What Is California’s Statute of Limitations for Lemon Law Claims Under the New Changes?
Previously, California residents had up to four years to file a lemon law claim. Under the new California AB 1755 law, the statute of limitations for lemon law claims in California allows vehicle owners or leaseholders to file a lemon law claim for up to one year after their vehicle warranty expires, or no more than six years after the original vehicle delivery date.
Even when a defect is discovered later, a car purchaser cannot file a lemon law lawsuit against the manufacturer if it is more than six years from the day they took ownership of the vehicle or more than one year after their car’s warranty ends.
How Can a California Lemon Law Lawyer Help Me?
With new timelines and additional requirements in place for a California Lemon Law claim beginning in 2025, it’s more important than ever to consult with an experienced California Lemon Law Lawyer before beginning the claim process. Call Young & Young, APC, for a free evaluation and prompt action in your case.
