When you purchase a vehicle, you expect it to perform as promised and meet safety and reliability standards. California’s Lemon Law exists to protect consumers from being burdened with defective vehicles, but the law also places specific responsibilities on dealerships.
Dealerships are not just sellers; they are gatekeepers of critical information and compliance with the law. At Shainfeld Law, P.C., our California lemon law attorney wants you to know what obligations dealers have under the law and how these obligations can impact your rights as a consumer.
The Basics of California Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If a vehicle experiences substantial defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either refund the purchase price or replace the vehicle.
Dealerships, as the first point of contact for many buyers, play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and compliance with this law.
California Dealer Obligations Before the Sale
When selling a vehicle, dealerships in California are legally required to disclose certain information to protect consumers:
- Disclosure of Prior Defects: If a vehicle has been returned as a lemon under the Lemon Law and is resold, the dealer must disclose this to the buyer. Failure to do so is a violation of the law.
- Providing a Vehicle History Report: While not always mandatory, dealerships are encouraged to share vehicle history reports, especially for used or certified pre-owned vehicles. This report should detail prior accidents, repairs, or title issues that could affect the car’s value and performance.
- Accurate Warranty Information: Dealerships must clearly explain the warranty coverage, including the duration and scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. Dealers must also disclose any additional warranty protections for certified pre-owned vehicles.
- Advertising Truthfully: Any claims about the vehicle’s condition, features, or performance must be accurate. False advertising can lead to significant legal consequences.
California Dealer Responsibilities After the Sale
Even after a vehicle has been sold, dealerships remain responsible for ensuring compliance with Lemon Law requirements:
- Timely Repairs: If a vehicle under warranty requires repairs for significant defects, the dealership must make these repairs within a reasonable timeframe. Delays can escalate the issue to a Lemon Law claim.
- Accurate Repair Records: Dealerships must provide detailed repair orders for every service. These records are critical for consumers needing to demonstrate a history of unresolved issues.
- Notification of Rights: Dealers must inform consumers of their rights under the Lemon Law, including their ability to pursue a claim if the vehicle cannot be repaired satisfactorily.
Common Ways Dealers Violate Lemon Law Obligations
Unfortunately, some dealerships fail to meet their responsibilities, including:
- Misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition or warranty coverage.
- Failing to disclose prior Lemon Law buybacks.
- Delaying or refusing repairs for warranty-covered issues.
- Not providing proper documentation for repairs and service attempts.
How Shainfeld Law P.C. Can Help
If you suspect a dealership has violated its obligations under California Lemon Law, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At Shainfeld Law P.C., we specialize in holding dealerships and manufacturers accountable.
Our experienced attorney can:
- Review your purchase and repair records to identify violations.
- Guide you through the Lemon Law claim process to secure a refund or replacement.
- Ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, including reimbursement for attorney’s fees.
If you believe your California vehicle may be a lemon and is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, contact our experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 888-609-2593 or request a free consultation online to learn more about your rights as a California consumer and pursue a legal remedy that fits your needs.
Additional Resources:
- Report a California dealership for failing to uphold their legal responsibilities before or after the sale of a vehicle.
- California Lemon Law Calculator