In Los Angeles County, luxury vehicles are not just standard but part of the culture. From Beverly Hills to Sunset Boulevard, it’s easy to spot exotic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and high-performance models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. But even prestige doesn’t protect consumers from vehicle defects. California Lemon Law may offer relief when something goes wrong with a luxury or high-performance car. However, pursuing a Lemon Law claim for these vehicles can be significantly more complex.
At Shainfeld Law, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys help consumers assert their Lemon Law rights, especially when facing pushback from dealers or manufacturers who claim that the defect is “part of the performance experience.” Here’s what owners of high-end vehicles need to know.
Why Luxury and High-Performance Vehicles Create Unique Legal Challenges
While California’s Lemon Law protects consumers equally, luxury and exotic car owners often face additional hurdles regardless of a vehicle’s price. Manufacturers and dealerships frequently assume mechanical quirks, sounds, or even certain malfunctions are “normal” for high-performance engines or custom-built systems. These explanations can make it harder for consumers to prove a vehicle is defective under the law.
Luxury cars also often include complex electrical systems, bespoke performance components, and specialized software, which manufacturers may blame for non-reproducible or intermittent issues. Unlike mass-market vehicles, luxury brands sometimes hide behind “engineering tolerances” to avoid responsibility, leaving consumers frustrated and without a clear resolution.
Common Defects in Exotic and High-End Vehicles—and the Pushback Owners Face
Luxury and performance cars can suffer from many issues under Lemon Law protections, provided they impair the vehicle’s safety, value, or use.
Common problems include:
- Transmission jerking or delayed shifting.
- Electrical system malfunctions.
- Brake or suspension issues.
- Infotainment and navigation failures.
- Excessive engine noise or vibration.
- Warning lights with no confirmed cause.
The problem arises when dealerships dismiss these complaints as “characteristics of the model” or suggest that the owner’s driving style is to blame. For example, aggressive downshifting might be attributed to “sport tuning,” while engine noise or vibrations may be brushed off as “normal feedback” in a high-output vehicle.
Such arguments are often used to avoid initiating repairs, prolong resolution, or dissuade the owner from pursuing a formal Lemon Law claim.
Building a Strong Lemon Law Case for Your Luxury Vehicle
Documentation is key to succeeding in a Lemon Law claim involving a high-performance vehicle.
At Shainfeld Law, we advise clients to keep:
- Detailed service records from each dealership visit.
- Written communications about recurring issues.
- Photos or videos of the defect in action, when possible.
- Test drive reports or technician statements acknowledging the problem.
If the dealership has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to repair the issue or continues to deny that the defect exists, you may be eligible for a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Protecting Your Investment and Your Rights
Luxury vehicle owners expect quality, performance, and reliability—especially at a premium price. When that promise is broken, you deserve to be made whole. At Shainfeld Law, we know how to navigate the complexities of Lemon Law claims involving exotic and high-performance vehicles. We challenge vague excuses, document the facts, and hold manufacturers accountable.
If you believe your high-end vehicle may be a lemon, contact our experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law today by calling 888-609-2593 or requesting a free consultation online. We’ll help you protect your investment and assert your rights with confidence.