Understanding California Lemon Laws

Does Your New Product Meet Basic Quality and Performance Standards, or is it a Lemon?

Andy Fling
Did you buy a car recently that is causing you to regret your purchase? With many purchases you have no recourse. Fortunately, Lemon Laws have been established to provide a measure of protection for consumers that have leased or purchased new automobiles, motorcycles, RV's, boats, computers, and other products that fail to meet reasonable quality and performance standards.

Consumer products that do not meet basic quality and performance standards are referred to as lemons. The word itself used to referred to people with a 'sour' disposition. Today the term refers to anything that is defective, or constantly breaking.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 established by Congress, and the state of California, have established laws to put an end to the widespread express warranty and disclaimer issues between merchants and consumers. To qualify for assistance under the federal or state Lemon Laws, you must typically have purchased a product that has failed to be repaired after a minimum of three attempts under the provisions of the manufacturer's warranty. If you believe that your purchase is failing to meet reasonable quality and performance standards, you may be eligible for a refund, replacement or cash compensation.

Before you proceed with any action, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Has the same problem been repaired three of more times? (In the case of a safety issue, only two attempts to repair the problem are required before the product becomes eligible for action under the provisions of these laws.)
  2. Does the problem affect the use, value or safety of the automobile?
  3. Does the issue remain even after the manufacturer had an opportunity to address the problem?
  4. Is your warranty still in effect? (The Lemon Laws apply to the above named purchases during the period in which the warranty is on effect.)

Prevailing in a Lemon Laws case is not an easy task. In most instances it would be best to reach an agreement with your local dealership, and thus reduce the risk of additional costs and adverse court decisions. However, if an issue has presented itself, for which there has been no resolve, the following resources may be of some help in finding a solution in the matter.

California Lemon Law Statute

California Lemon Law Case Review Form

Published by Andy Fling

Andy is an educator living with his wife Tricia in Arizona.  View profile

3 Comments

Post a Comment
  • john4/25/2011

    understand California lemon law - http://www.ca-lemon-law.com/

  • Adam4/25/2011

    The defective parts in the materials or automobiles are covered by extended auto warranties for one or additional years, as specified in the terms of the extended auto warranty. The vehicle may be used for either personal or business purposes. If a vehicle is used exclusively for business purposes, the business must have less than five vehicles registered in the business name in California. Contact California Lemon Law for more details.

  • California Lemon Law4/25/2011

    When we buy the car, we never consider it is starting to be the lemon. However, infrequently we face the lot of problems after your purchase. The California Lemon Law supplies request to brand new vehicles. However used cars which have been underneath demonstrate created guaranty can validate as well.

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.