At Shainfeld Law, our Bakersfield–Delano metropolitan area lemon law attorney knows that not everything that goes wrong with vehicles in California means they are “lemons.” Unfortunately, some vehicles have persistent problems that impact different parts of the car, which can eventually be fixed. However, this type of car trouble is equally as frustrating as dealing with the same problem that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, which is when California’s Lemon Law takes effect.
Although many vehicle defects are covered under Lemon law, there are various exceptions.
What Vehicle Defects are the Exception to the California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law covers substantial defects impairing the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and must occur within a certain period or mileage after purchase. Minor issues or those that do not significantly affect the vehicle’s overall functionality or safety may not meet this threshold.
Additionally, defects arising from the following do not meet the legal threshold to file a claim:
- Minor Cosmetic Defects: Issues such as paint blemishes, minor dents, or interior trim problems usually do not qualify as they do not affect the vehicle’s performance or safety.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear items, such as brake pads, tires, and wiper blades, are typically not covered unless they fail prematurely due to a manufacturing defect.
- Owner Neglect or Misuse: Defects caused by improper maintenance, unauthorized modifications, or vehicle misuse by the owner are excluded from coverage.
- After Warranty Expiration: Issues arising after the vehicle’s expired warranty period generally do not qualify unless there is evidence that the problem existed or began during the warranty period.
- Non-Substantial Defects: Problems that are annoying but do not seriously affect the vehicle’s operation or safety, such as minor rattles or noises, usually do not meet the Lemon Law criteria.
Understanding these exceptions helps consumers better navigate their rights and manage expectations when dealing with vehicle defects.
Which Defects Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
The good news for California vehicle owners is most significant and common defects are covered under the Lemon law.
That includes, but is not limited to:
- Airbag Defects.
- Antilock Brake System Failures.
- Body Problems.
- Brake Failures.
- Defective Seat Belts.
- Electrical Problems.
- Engine Failure.
- Engine Fires.
- Fuel Injection System Leaks.
- Fuel Line Defects that Can Cause Fires.
- Malfunctioning Engine Electronics and Cruise Control.
- Paint Defects.
- Power Steering Loss.
- Premature Brake and Rotor Wear.
- Steering Pull.
- Sudden and Uncontrolled Acceleration.
The California Lemon Law requires a vehicle manufacturer to replace or repurchase a vehicle if it cannot be repaired with its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
If you believe your California vehicle may be a lemon and is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, contact our experienced Bakersfield–Delano metropolitan area 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.
When you partner with our experienced lemon law attorneys in California, we will pursue your claim with the manufacturer. When we are successful—99% of the time—the manufacturer is responsible for ALL your legal fees. That means you pay nothing out of pocket for your lemon law claim. If we are not successful, you still pay us nothing.