Purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment, and consumers expect their cars to function properly. However, some vehicles turn out to be defective, leading to repeated repairs and ongoing frustrations. Los Angeles lemon laws exist to protect consumers from being stuck with faulty vehicles. These laws ensure that buyers of defective cars have legal recourse to obtain refunds or replacements.
Important Aspects of the Lemon Law in Los Angeles
The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, provides protections for individuals who purchase or lease new or used vehicles that come with warranties. It applies when a manufacturer or dealer cannot repair a vehicle after multiple attempts, making it unsafe or unreliable.
Key points of the Los Angeles lemon laws include:
- The law applies to new and used vehicles covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- The manufacturer must have had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue.
- Consumers may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund.
What Do the Los Angeles Lemon Laws Do
The purpose of Los Angeles lemon laws is to provide legal protection to vehicle owners experiencing ongoing defects. The law ensures that car manufacturers take responsibility for selling defective vehicles and provide appropriate remedies to consumers. If a car cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must compensate the owner by offering a refund or a comparable replacement vehicle.
Vehicles Covered Under Los Angeles Lemon Laws
Los Angeles lemon laws cover various types of vehicles, including:
- New cars purchased or leased from a dealership.
- Used cars that are still under a manufacturer’s warranty.
- Certified pre-owned vehicles sold with warranties.
- Motorcycles, SUVs, and trucks under warranty.
- Leased vehicles that include manufacturer-backed warranties.
However, the law does not cover vehicles purchased without a warranty or those that have been misused or significantly altered.
Applying the Lemon Law to New Cars in Los Angeles
For a new car to qualify under Los Angeles lemon laws, the manufacturer must have made at least two to four repair attempts for the same defect within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership. If the issue is severe and compromises safety, fewer attempts may be required. The law also covers cases where a vehicle spends more than 30 days in total at the repair shop due to warranty issues.
Consumer Rights Under Los Angeles Lemon Laws
Consumers in Los Angeles have strong legal rights under the California Lemon Law, including:
- The right to a refund or replacement if the manufacturer fails to repair a defective vehicle.
- The right to recover repair costs, rental car expenses, and towing fees.
- The right to receive attorney’s fees and legal costs from the manufacturer if they win the case.
- Protection against retaliation from car manufacturers for filing a lemon law claim.
Filing Deadlines for Lemon Law Claims in Los Angeles
To ensure legal protection, it is crucial to file a lemon law claim within four years from the date the vehicle’s defect was first noticed. Failing to meet this deadline can prevent consumers from receiving compensation. Acting quickly and documenting repair attempts, invoices, and manufacturer responses will strengthen a case.
Steps to Take If You Have a Lemon
If a vehicle repeatedly experiences defects, follow these steps to strengthen a Los Angeles lemon law claim:
- Document all issues – Keep detailed records of every defect, repair attempt, and communication with the manufacturer.
- Obtain repair orders – Ensure that every visit to the repair shop is documented with receipts and descriptions of the work performed.
- Check warranty coverage – Confirm that the vehicle is still under a manufacturer’s warranty when making a claim.
- Contact the manufacturer – Inform the manufacturer in writing about the issues and allow them a final repair attempt.
- Consult a Los Angeles lemon law attorney – An attorney can help navigate the process and maximize compensation.
Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney
Filing a lemon law claim can be complex, and manufacturers often resist providing refunds or replacements. Seeking guidance from an experienced Los Angeles lemon law lawyer can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim. A skilled attorney will assess the case, negotiate with the manufacturer, and ensure fair compensation for the defective vehicle.
Consumers struggling with defective vehicles should take immediate action. Contact Crown Law Group, PC today to discuss legal options and protect consumer rights under Los Angeles lemon laws. Call now for a free consultation at 310-734-0504.
