California's Lemon Law can require a manufacturer to replace or repurchase a covered vehicle when a substantial warranty defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of opportunities. The familiar 18-month or 18,000-mile standards are part of a legal presumption, not an absolute deadline for every valid claim. Repair orders, days out of service and written notice to the manufacturer are central evidence.
Information checked: September 10, 2026.
Vehicles and defects that may qualify
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act covers many new purchased or leased vehicles used primarily for personal, family or household purposes, and can cover some business vehicles and used vehicles still under the manufacturer's new-car warranty. The defect must substantially impair use, value or safety and not result from abuse or unauthorized modification.
The presumption
California's lemon-law presumption can apply when the problem first occurs within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles and other conditions are met. It may be satisfied by four or more attempts for the same issue, two or more attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, or more than 30 total days out of service for warranty repair. A claim outside the presumption may still be possible.
Build the repair record
Each order should show date, mileage, precise complaint, technician findings, work performed, parts and out-of-service dates. Describe the symptom consistently without diagnosing it yourself. Save towing bills, videos, warning lights, emails, recall notices and proof that the manufacturer received notice if the warranty requires it.
Request the remedy
Contact the manufacturer's customer-care or dispute channel, obtain a case number and state the requested remedy. A repurchase calculation can include the vehicle price and specified charges, less a statutory mileage offset; replacement terms differ. Do not sign a release without understanding taxes, loan payoff, negative equity and incidental expenses.
Current procedure matters
California lemon-law procedures have changed in recent years and deadlines can depend on purchase date, manufacturer election and written notice. Check current state resources and consider a California consumer attorney before a limitations period or mandatory process expires.
Action checklist
Open the official pages below and confirm the rule for your state, policy, account, vehicle, property, tax year, or filing status. Record the deadline and what starts it. Save notices, contracts, photographs, estimates, statements, submission receipts, delivery proof, and the names of representatives. Correct factual errors in writing and calendar the next review, appeal, repair, filing, or payment date. Do not pay an unofficial intermediary merely to access a government form or status tool.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not accept an undated search result, viral chart, contractor promise, or tax-software estimate as an agency decision. Avoid signing a broad release before the amount and remaining rights are clear. Never repeat a filing merely because the status has not updated, and do not ignore a mailed notice while watching an online tracker. Keep claim, repair, tax, loan, registration, and court deadlines separate because action on one does not automatically extend another.
Frequently asked questions
Is 18 months an absolute claim deadline?
No. It describes part of the presumption; other claims may exist outside it.
Do 30 days have to be consecutive?
The presumption refers to cumulative days out of service, subject to legal details.
Should I stop making loan payments?
No. A warranty dispute does not automatically suspend the retail installment contract.
Summary
Open a written manufacturer case while the warranty problem is active, keep every repair order, and request a repurchase or replacement in writing when repeated covered repairs fail. Do not assume the dealer alone has preserved the claim. Use the current official instructions before acting.