If you’ve been dealing with recurring problems in your vehicle, you may be wondering whether you have to go back to the dealership again and again just to prove your car is a lemon. Under California Lemon Law, the answer isn’t always straightforward.
At Shainfeld Law, our Los Angeles lemon law attorney is here to explain what’s required and how to avoid common pitfalls when seeking compensation for your defective vehicle.
California Lemon Law Basics
The California Lemon Law—officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—protects consumers who buy or lease new (and some used) vehicles that turn out to be defective. If your vehicle has a problem that the manufacturer can’t repair after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.
But how do you prove your vehicle qualifies as a lemon? That’s where the repair history and service attempts come in—and why the dealership often plays a central role.
Do You Have to Return to the Dealership?
Yes—usually. To build a strong Lemon Law claim in California, it’s important that the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility (typically the dealership) has had a fair chance to fix the defect. That means you generally must return to the dealership for repairs, not an independent mechanic.
Here’s why this matters:
- Authorized documentation: Dealerships provide repair orders and service records that are critical evidence in Lemon Law cases.
- Manufacturer accountability: Returning to the dealership puts the manufacturer on notice and gives them an opportunity to fix the issue, which is a legal requirement under the law.
- Chain of responsibility: If you skip the dealership and go to an outside mechanic, the manufacturer might argue that they were never given the chance to correct the issue, potentially weakening your case.
How Many Repair Visits Are Required?
California Lemon Law doesn’t set a strict number, but generally:
- At least two to four repair attempts for the same issue may be enough, depending on the severity.
- If your vehicle has been in the shop for 30 or more cumulative days, that may also qualify, even if it wasn’t all for the same problem.
What’s most important is that the repair attempts were made at an authorized service center, like the dealership where you purchased or leased the car.
What If the Dealership Can’t Fix the Problem?
If you’ve given the dealership multiple opportunities and the issue persists, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim. At that point, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. Don’t wait—manufacturers may stall or deny your claim if you don’t have proper legal support.
Let Shainfeld Law Help You Navigate the Process
At Shainfeld Law, we focus exclusively on California Lemon Law cases. Our Los Angeles-based attorney can help determine if your repair history meets the legal standard, and we’ll deal directly with the manufacturer so you don’t have to.
Call 888-609-2593 or request a free consultation online—you don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf.