California Lemon Law In 1978 lemon law was established to ensure every consumers they have been given a fair treatment when their car is reported as a lemon. Lemon is a term that refers to product with manufacturing defects. Although these days it is hard to show proof that your car is a lemon, as what we can see, most manufacturing companies make sure their every product such vehicles are free from substantial defects. But then, defects can't be identify  easily. Thus, lemon law is a way to guarantee product consumers to voice their grievances about their lemon products which not repaired properly or it needs constant repairs, though they bought it new.

Lemon laws are not all the same, this will vary from state to state. While in California, new, used or leased cars are all protected by California Lemon Law. However, the law could be a complicated process. Under California Lemon Law, a car could be considered as a lemon if:

  • it needs a certain number of repairs or more times for the same defect within the manufacturer's warranty period   
  • it has been in the repair shop for more than a certain number of days, but still the defects have not been fixed.

For example, your car brakes don't work, or your car won't start on cold mornings, and the rear door opens all alone (unless you have a friend ghost!) these will consider as lemon and you must tell your manufacturer about the mechanical issues, so that right then and there they will provide you assistance or will repair the defects, particularly the brakes, it's too risky if you ignore it.

Don't wait things will be getting worse. You must act quickly. However, if the product can't be fixed in a reasonable number of repairs, maybe it's time that you and the manufacturer will engage in an arbitration. The objective of the arbitration program is to promote the use of "alternative dispute resolution" instead of court action also to reduce the tension between the two parties, (both consumer and manufacturer). As well as to lessen the cost of consumer and the court system.

However, if this doesn't work, you can consult a California Lemon Law attorney or your local lemon law attorney to know what will be your chances to claim what supposed to be yours. More likely going to court can be difficult thus you need one.