Your vehicle is supposed to be reliable transportation, not a constant source of worry. If your car, truck, or SUV keeps breaking down despite multiple repair attempts, you don’t have to live with that burden. At Timothy Abeel & Associates, our dedicated California Lemon Law Attorneys help California consumers turn their lemon vehicles into fair compensation.
What makes us the right choice for your Lemon Law case? We deliver results with a process designed around your needs:
- Free case evaluations: We assess your situation and explore your legal options at no cost to determine if you have a valid claim for vehicles 2021 and newer.
- No upfront attorney’s fees: You pay nothing out of pocket. The manufacturer pays our fees after we win your case.
- Clear guidance: Lemon Law cases can be complex, but we provide the knowledgeable support you need to navigate your claim with confidence and clarity.
- Proven success record: We’ve successfully resolved thousands of California Lemon Law cases in a timely manner.
- Swift resolutions: Many of our clients see results in just 30-90 days.
- Beyond Lemon Law: If your vehicle doesn’t qualify under California’s Lemon Law, we can explore other consumer and federal laws to help resolve your issue.
Time is of the essence with lemon law claims. As your vehicle ages and accumulates more miles, your case becomes more challenging to resolve favorably. Our CA Lemon Law attorneys make the process straightforward and stress-free by handling everything, from case evaluation to manufacturer negotiations, ensuring you receive fair compensation without delay.
Use our Lemon Law buyback calculator to see what your settlement could be worth.
I highly recommend Tim and will refer him to anyone I come across with similar issues.
I am totally in awe with the great experience and service! Sally and Tim and Gracie communicated with email and promptly.. I had a truck with 107,000 plus miles and other firms would not touch my case. Tim and staff gladly took my case without any hitch and managed to get me a cash settlement without even filing a complaint in court or arbitration in less than 60 days!
I’d recommend Mr. Abeel for anyone with a Lemon Law issue!
Mr. Abeel and his colleagues were extremely helpful with my case! They responded promptly to emails (with questions) that I sent and was able to quickly get a settlement with my case (within about 45 days). I am extremely happy with the outcome of my case! I’d recommend Mr. Abeel for anyone with a Lemon Law issue!
I could finally move on thanks to this firm.
Amazing service from Mr. Abeel and his staff. After 18 months of getting the runaround from a very high luxury brand that is known for not being cooperative with issues, Mr. Abeel was able to settle my case. I could finally move on thanks to this firm. Highly recommended!
You won’t be disappointed!
Great experience with Tim and Sally! Left a message on their website and got a phone call shortly from Sally. After the conversation, Sally said they could help me with the case. Sent docs and got back from Tim about the status within one month. Very happy with the settlement results. If you think you might get a lemon, contact them. You won’t be disappointed!
I would highly recommend Tim Abeel & Associates.
Tim Abeel & Associates handled my case with the tenacity needed to reach an appropriate settlement with a major automobile manufacturer. Tim and his team (John, Sally and especially Gracie) did a great job of staying on point and communicating the status with me.
Although my case involved a 2016 Jeep Wrangler (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), Tim and team were able to reach a best case resolution for me and my wife. Simply stated, without Tim and Gracie, I believe we would still be fighting this.
Needless to say, I would highly recommend Tim Abeel & Associates.
Are You a California Resident with a Lemon Vehicle?
When your car, truck, or SUV spends more time at the repair shop than in your driveway, it affects everything. You miss work, reschedule appointments, and wonder if you’ll make it to your destination safely. The financial drain from rental cars and lost time adds insult to injury. If you’re a California resident dealing with a lemon car that won’t stay fixed, you don’t have to accept this situation.
Fortunately, California consumers have strong Lemon Law protections specifically designed for situations like yours. However, these rights come with time limits that manufacturers count on you not knowing. We help you understand what you’re entitled to and act quickly to preserve your options before your warranty expires or your vehicle ages out of coverage.
What is California Lemon Law?
Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that repeatedly fail to meet quality and performance standards. This legislation establishes your right to compensation when manufacturers cannot fix persistent defects after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
While specific provisions vary across states, these consumer protection laws all share the same goal: ensuring you aren’t stuck with a defective vehicle that undermines your safety, convenience, and financial investment.
California Lemon Law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, applies to vehicles primarily used for personal, family, or small business purposes (with fewer than five vehicles owned in the state). Working with a qualified Lemon Law attorney, California residents can pursue claims for these vehicle types:
- Cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs
- The chassis, chassis cab, and drive train of a motor home
- Dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators
- Vehicles purchased or leased primarily for business use. (Business fleet requirements are less than five vehicles and gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 lbs.)
- Vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household purposes
California’s Lemon Law can also apply to used vehicles that remain under the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty or come with a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty. If you bought a used car with remaining warranty coverage, you may still qualify.
Defects Covered by Lemon Law in California
The Lemon Law offers a straightforward legal pathway to resolving your vehicle problems. We help California residents fight back against many types of defects that render vehicles unfit for use. Common examples include:
- Engine and transmission issues
- Brakes or steering failures
- Electrical faults
- Exhaust system defects
- Faulty airbags
- Defective seatbelts
- Fuel system problems
- Coolant, fluid, or oil leaks
- Suspension issues
- Navigation malfunctions
Has your vehicle experienced these issues and been in the shop for repairs multiple times? If so, you may qualify for compensation under California Lemon Law.
How Does California Lemon Law Work?
California Lemon Law activates when a warranted vehicle has persistent defects despite multiple repair attempts. Once you’ve given manufacturers a reasonable chance to fix the issues and they’ve failed, your vehicle may qualify as a “lemon,” entitling you to compensation. The law establishes specific timeframes and repair attempt thresholds that determine eligibility for relief.
You can initiate a Lemon Law claim in California as soon as a defect is discovered, but strategic timing strengthens your position. Your claim becomes much stronger after multiple unsuccessful repairs within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, or if your vehicle has been out of service for over 30 days cumulatively.
Lemon Law claim timelines in California depend on several factors: the defect’s nature, the manufacturer’s cooperation, and your approach. When choosing a California Lemon Law attorney, discuss their typical settlement timeframes and fee structure upfront.
Successful Lemon Law claims in California result in either a replacement vehicle or a complete purchase refund, plus compensation for related expenses like rental cars and repairs. Any replacement vehicle must be comparable to your original lemon in make, model, and trim level.
Vehicles Covered under California Lemon Law
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Necessary Number of Repair Attempts
The typical guideline is four repair attempts. However, the precise number may be influenced by the severity of the defect. For example, in cases where the defect could cause a serious injury or worse, it may only require as few as two repair attempts. |
Timing of eligible repair attempts
While California’s Lemon Law presumption applies to defects occurring within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, vehicles can still qualify as lemons as long as they are under the original manufacturer’s warranty. |
Find out more about how Lemon Law works and start your free case review today!
What To Do If Your Vehicle Doesn’t Qualify Under CA Lemon Law
Not every vehicle qualifies under California Lemon Law. If you’ve exceeded the mileage or time restrictions, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may help. This federal consumer protection law requires manufacturers to honor written warranties and prohibits them from using deceptive warranty terms. It allows consumers to recover costs, including legal fees, when warranties are breached, providing a valuable alternative path to compensation for defective vehicles that fall outside state Lemon Law coverage.
What a California Lemon Law Lawyer Can Do For You
Your defective vehicle isn’t just a transportation problem—it’s a legal case with real monetary value. We transform your repair receipts, warranty documents, and frustrating dealership visits into a compelling legal argument that manufacturers can’t ignore. While you focus on getting reliable transportation, we focus on getting you compensated for the time, money, and stress your lemon has caused. The manufacturer covers our legal fees when we succeed, giving you access to professional advocacy without upfront costs.
How to Make a Lemon Law Claim in California
1. Complete Our Online Form
Using our online form for a free case review, provide us with details about yourself and your vehicle. One of our California Lemon Law Lawyers will review your information to determine if you have a case and identify the best strategy to get you fair compensation.
2. Send Us Your Documentation
Provide us with the necessary documentation to build your case, including the following:
- Repair records
- Sales contract or lease agreement
- Manufacturer warranty
- Any documented correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer regarding the defect
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
While we work on your case, you should continue to make your scheduled car payments, keep up with any dealer-recommended repairs, and continue to collect and provide us with new documentation as you receive it.
3. We Provide Step-by-Step Guidance to Protect Your Rights
Once your case begins, we handle all aspects of your California lemon law claim while keeping you fully informed. Throughout the process, we explain each step and update you on progress, ensuring you understand how we’re protecting your Lemon Law rights and moving toward the compensation you deserve.
4. We Build Your Case
We gather all necessary evidence to substantiate and strengthen your claim, including repair documentation, manufacturer warranty reviews, and repair shop communications. This thorough approach creates the strongest possible position for negotiations.
5. We Communicate with the Dealer/Manufacturer On Your Behalf
We handle all manufacturer communications for you, managing every call, email, and legal notice required under California Lemon Law. You won’t have to deal with their representatives trying to minimize your claim or drag out the process.
6. We Negotiate Fair Remediation for You
Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s a full refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. We persistently advocate for your rights until we reach a resolution that properly addresses your situation.
Why Choose Timothy Abeel & Associates as Your CA Lemon Law Lawyers?
Your manufacturer sold you a defective vehicle—now they need to make it right. We turn your repair records and warranty paperwork into compelling legal arguments that get manufacturers to pay what they owe. Because we know exactly how to present your claim, most cases settle within 30-90 days.
Experienced Lemon Law Firm
We’ve seen every excuse manufacturers use to avoid paying claims. As the Lemon Law Attorneys California residents have relied on for years, we recognize their stall tactics immediately and know which pressure points actually work to move negotiations forward.
Free Case Reviews
Our California Lemon Law Firm provides thorough, no-obligation evaluations to determine if your vehicle qualifies and estimate potential outcomes. No false promises or unrealistic expectations, just an honest assessment of your situation.
No Legal Fees
You pay nothing unless we win your case. The manufacturer covers all legal fees directly as part of the settlement, ensuring quality representation without financial risk. This arrangement lets us focus entirely on maximizing your compensation.
Our California Lemon Law Lawyers Are Ready to Help with Your Claim
Don’t let manufacturers profit from their defective vehicles at your expense. Every day you wait, your case potentially weakens as your vehicle ages and accumulates more miles. Time is truly of the essence with Lemon Law claims.
Contact us today for your free case review and let our winning experience work for you. The manufacturer has a team of lawyers protecting their interests—shouldn’t you have powerful advocates fighting for yours?
Reach Out Today for a Free Case Evaluation
California Lemon Law FAQs
Do you have additional questions about California Lemon Law? We’re happy to provide answers below.
If you win your case, the manufacturer must pay all attorney fees and legal costs under California Lemon Law. You won’t pay anything out-of-pocket for legal representation.
Most California Lemon Law settlements range between $5,000 and $100,000, depending on your vehicle’s value, repair history, and damages. Many include a full repurchase or replacement offer plus incidental costs.
Winning a lemon law case is very achievable if you follow the correct steps—keep repair records, notify the manufacturer in writing, and comply with Florida’s required process. With the help of an experienced Florida Lemon Law Attorney, your chances improve significantly.
While you’re not required to have a lawyer, working with a California Lemon Law Attorney greatly improves your chances of a fast, full recovery. Manufacturers have legal teams — you should too.
To determine if your vehicle qualifies, we evaluate both the type of defect and whether specific legal conditions have been met:
Covered Defects:
- Engine/transmission failures
- Brake/steering problems
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Safety equipment failures (airbags, seatbelts)
- Persistent fluid leaks
- Any defect substantially impairing safety, use, or value
Qualifying Conditions:
- Vehicle under manufacturer warranty
- Defects appeared within 18 months/18,000 miles of purchase
- The defect substantially damages the vehicle’s value or impacts its usage
- Four repair attempts for most issues
- Two repair attempts for serious safety defects
- Vehicle unusable for 30+ cumulative days as a result of the defect
If your issues first appeared after 18,000 miles or 18 months, you most likely won’t qualify for compensation under CA Lemon Law. However, you may still have options under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law that protects consumers against defective products and requires manufacturers to honor their warranties.
California Lemon Law provides three primary remedies:
- A full refund of your purchase price (minus a reasonable allowance for use)
- A replacement vehicle of comparable value
- A cash settlement.
The specific remedy depends on your situation and preference. Manufacturers are required to cover all incidental costs, including taxes, fees, and finance charges.
Most California Lemon Law claims resolve within 30-90 days, though complex cases may take longer. Factors affecting the timeline include manufacturer cooperation, case complexity, and whether your case requires arbitration or litigation. With effective representation, many claims settle quickly once properly documented and presented.
The Lemon Law is designed so that the owner of a defective vehicle is fully reimbursed and not stuck paying additional expenses or costs. The law includes a fee-shifting provision that requires the vehicle manufacturer to pay all attorneys’ fees and other legal costs if the consumer wins the case IN ADDITION TO reimbursement for all repairs and service visits at the dealer.
All your expenses are paid whether you choose the repurchase remedy or replacement vehicle remedy.
Yes, California Lemon Law covers leased vehicles. Leased cars receive the same protections as purchased vehicles, provided they meet the qualifying criteria for defects and repair attempts while under the manufacturer’s warranty.
California Lemon Law primarily applies to passenger vehicles used for personal, family, or household purposes. Coverage for off-road vehicles is not included. Motorcycles may be covered if they are purchased from a dealer or manufacturer, come with a written manufacturer’s warranty, and are registered for street use. Contact a qualified attorney to determine if your specific vehicle type qualifies under California‘s specific provisions.
While you do not need to work with a California Lemon Law Attorney to file a case, your chances for a favorable outcome increase significantly when you have professional legal guidance. CA Lemon Law Attorneys from Timothy Abeel & Associates can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and advocate for you from start to finish.
Because you won’t pay any expenses out of pocket, there’s no risk in seeking a free consultation from our experienced Lemon Law Attorneys in California. With our insightful tips and advice on Lemon Law, you can win the remedy you deserve.