Discovering that the dealership where you purchased or serviced your vehicle has closed can be frustrating, especially if the manufacturer’s warranty still applies. Many California drivers worry that they have lost their warranty protection or that they will have to start the repair process all over again.
Fortunately, a dealership closure does not automatically eliminate your warranty rights. However, it can affect where repairs are performed and how future warranty claims are documented, both of which may become important if your vehicle ultimately qualifies under California Lemon Law.
Your Manufacturer’s Warranty Still Applies
A manufacturer’s warranty is issued by the automaker, not the individual dealership. Even if the selling dealership permanently closes or changes ownership, the manufacturer’s warranty generally remains in effect for eligible repairs.
In most situations, owners can continue to seek warranty service through another authorized dealership of the same manufacturer.
If your vehicle requires additional repairs, it is important to schedule service with an authorized dealer so the repairs are properly documented under the manufacturer’s warranty program.
Keep Your Existing Repair Records
If your original dealership performed previous warranty repairs, those service records remain an important part of your vehicle’s history.
Before the dealership closes, or as soon as you learn of the closure, it may be helpful to gather copies of:
- Repair orders.
- Service invoices.
- Warranty repair documentation.
- Inspection reports.
- Communications regarding prior repairs.
If you already have copies, keep them organized with any future repair records from a new dealership. A complete repair history can provide valuable context if recurring defects continue.
A New Dealership Should Continue the Repair History
Changing dealerships does not necessarily mean you are starting over.
When an authorized dealership services your vehicle, it can often access portions of the manufacturer’s warranty history and previous repair information. Providing copies of your own records can also help the new service department understand what repairs have already been attempted and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Maintaining consistent documentation helps establish the full history of recurring problems if additional repairs become necessary.
A Dealership Closure Does Not Eliminate Lemon Law Rights
Some vehicle owners mistakenly believe that a dealership closure prevents them from pursuing a California Lemon Law claim. In reality, Lemon Law claims are generally asserted against the vehicle manufacturer, not the individual dealership.
While the dealership performs warranty repairs, the manufacturer’s obligations under California law do not disappear simply because one dealership is no longer operating.
If your vehicle continues experiencing warranty-covered defects after being serviced by multiple authorized dealerships, the overall repair history may still support a Lemon Law claim, depending on the specific circumstances.
Protect Your Warranty Rights After a Dealership Closure
A dealership closure does not necessarily end your warranty coverage or your ability to pursue a Lemon Law claim. If you’re unsure what to do next or how the change affects your repair history, Shainfeld Law can help you understand your rights and the options available under California law. Contact our Los Angeles lemon law attorney today at 888-392-5506 today or online for a free case evaluation.