LEMON LAW 101
A "Short and Sweet" Overview of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the California Lemon Law

With millions of new vehicles sold in California each year, the odds are that thousands will incur some sort of manufacturing defect – including dangerous malfunctions involving brakes, wheels or drivetrains. Fortunately, thanks to California’s groundbreaking Lemon Law (which has since led to similar statutes in all 50 states), vehicle consumers who purchase one of these “lemons” have very clear, legally protected rights and recourse.

California’s Lemon Law is actually part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which provides that if a manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot successfully repair a consumer product within a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer must either promptly replace or repurchase the product. To qualify for compensation under the Act, the product must be covered by a manufacturer's or retail seller's warranty.

In keeping with the Song-Beverly Act’s focus on consumer products, the California Lemon Law is limited to vehicles under 10,000 pounds as well as the chassis and engine parts of motor homes.

Click here to access the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act online.