Can a vehicle purchased or leased as “used” be considered a “lemon” under the California Lemon Law? 

The answer is “yes”, if it meets certain criteria:

1. The vehicle is covered by the balance of the manufacturer’s new vehicle limited warranty.
   

2. The vehicle was sold with a manufacturer’s “certified” used vehicle limited warranty.
   

3. The vehicle was sold with a limited warranty provided by the selling dealer, as described on the “BUYERS GUIDE” disclosure label.

When a vehicle has had an unreasonable number of repair attempts within the limits of the manufacturer’s warranty period for a repeated defect of a substantial nature, the vehicle may be a “lemon law” candidate. The California lemon law may be applicable for repurchase relief.

If the vehicle has had an unreasonable number of repair attempts within the limits of the dealer-provided limited warranty for a repeated defect of a substantial nature, the dealer can be pursued for legal remedy. NOTE: Our law firm does not pursue “independent” used car dealerships (meaning those dealerships that are not franchised to sell new cars). 

It should be noted that for vehicles covered by a dealer-provided limited warranty, the vehicle must be presented to the selling dealership for warranty repairs.

Would you like to do some lemon law reading and research?

Excellent. Below you will find a series of “lemon law” topics. Simply “click” your “mouse” on the topic that you want to read about.