Buying a new vehicle should come with peace of mind. But when mechanical or safety issues keep sending you back to the dealership, frustration quickly replaces confidence. If your car has been repeatedly repaired for the same problem and still isn’t fixed, you may be wondering if it qualifies as a lemon under California law—and how many repair attempts are enough to trigger your rights.
At Shainfeld Law, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys help consumers throughout California navigate the complexities of the state’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, better known as the California Lemon Law. A key factor in any lemon law claim is whether the manufacturer or dealership had a “reasonable number of repair attempts” to fix the issue. But what exactly does “reasonable” mean?
What the California Lemon Law Says About Repair Attempts
California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles with significant, unfixable defects. Before a vehicle can be declared a lemon, the law requires that the manufacturer be given a fair opportunity to repair the defect under warranty.
So, how many chances does a dealership or manufacturer get?
There’s no fixed number, but the law provides a general framework:
- Two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death, including brake failure or airbag malfunction.
- Four or more repair attempts for a non-life-threatening defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety.
- If the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, regardless of how many repair attempts were made.
Courts often use these guidelines, but they aren’t set in stone. Judges consider the nature of the defect, the repair history, and how the problem affects your ability to safely and reliably use the car.
What California Courts Look For When Evaluating Lemon Law Claims
When evaluating whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, California courts look at more than just numbers.
They want to know:
- Was the defect covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty?
- Did the dealership have a fair chance to fix it?
- Did the problem persist after multiple documented repairs?
- How did the defect impact your ability to drive, use, or enjoy the vehicle?
This means evidence is critical. Keep repair invoices, service records, and written complaints. If the same defect appears on multiple service orders, it shows that the issue was not resolved and helps establish a pattern of failed attempts.
What If the Dealership Says the Car Is Fixed?
In many cases, dealerships may claim the issue is resolved, even when the same symptoms return days or weeks later. If this happens, keep returning the vehicle for service, and document each visit. Courts will assess the real-world impact, not just the dealership’s claims.
Let Shainfeld Law Help You Prove Your Case
At Shainfeld Law, we understand that dealing with the dealership can be an uphill battle. Fortunately, California Lemon Law gives you powerful rights—and we know how to use them. If your vehicle has undergone multiple repairs for the same issue and the problem persists, you may be entitled to a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney today by calling 888-609-2593 or requesting a free consultation online to determine if your car qualifies as a lemon. We’ll help you gather the needed evidence and fight to get you back on the road with the protection you deserve.