California Lemon Law

What is the Lemon Law?

The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers that purchase new cars, trucks, SUVs and mini-vans.  As of 1993 all fifty U.S. states have passed Lemon Laws.  Each state has different standards and procedures,  but all have similar coverage.

There are also other Consumer Protection laws that apply to consumer product purchases.  Complaints, recalls and class actions are also an option for certain cases.  There are options for new, used and leased vehicles. 

What if the California Lemon Law does NOT apply?

If the defects with your vehicle do not meet the requirements of the Lemon Law, you may have claims under other state and federal laws that protect owners of new or used vehicles. 

What kind of vehicles are covered under state and federal laws?

The California Lemon Law (The Tanner Consumer Protection Act) covers new motor vehicles such as cars, vans, SUV's, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of under 10,000 pounds. It also covers the chassis, chassis cab, and that portion of a motor home devoted to its propulsion, but does not include any portion designed, used, or maintained primarily for human habitation.

However, if a consumer has problems with a motorcycle, a boat, a used car purchased with a manufacturer's new car warranty, a pre-owned certified vehicle, the coach portion of a motor home, a truck with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds, we may still be able to help under California case law and other relevant state and federal statutes.

• CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW

• Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Law Summary

• Uniform Commercial Code Summary