Purchasing either a new or a used car can be an exhilarating process, but this situation is soon destroyed as it continues to malfunction. Most drivers aren’t informed that recurring defects can make the car considered a lemon to get a refund or replacement. You should not know whether your car is eligible, so Los Angeles Lemon Law attorneys will assist you in clarifying your rights and the steps to be taken.
Seven obvious warning signs that you have a lemon car are outlined below.
- The Same Problem Keeps Coming Back
Having repaired your automobile a few times for the same problem is one of the major indicators of a lemon. It could be a failure of transmission, brake troubles, or electrical malfunction, but a recurrent problem, particularly when it has been repaired 2 or more times, indicates that the vehicle may have a flaw in its foundation or could be flawed.
- Your Car is Under Repair: 30+ Days in the shop
California’s Lemon Law protects you when your vehicle spends too much time in repairs. If your car has been in the shop for more than 30 cumulative days within the warranty period, that is a major red flag. It doesn’t have to be 30 days in a row. Even shorter stays add up.
- The Dealership “Cannot Duplicate the Problem”
This phrase frustrates many drivers. You describe a real issue, but the dealership says they “can’t duplicate it.” If a problem comes and goes – like intermittent stalling, warning lights that flicker, or random power loss – it may still qualify under the law. An issue doesn’t need to be constant to be a defect.
- Unfixed Safety Issues
When your car is unsafe, that is an alert. Examples include:
- Airbag malfunctions
- Steering or brake failure
- Unexpected shutdown while driving.
- Faulty seatbelts
- Fire in the battery or overheating (common with EVs)
A lemon claim can be based on a single repair effort on a significant defect of the car that affects its safety.
- Several Various Issues within a Short Period
It’s not the same defect sometimes; there are multiple ones. One week you have engine problems, the next week it could be electrical, and the steering the following week. A vehicle facing multiple system failures early in ownership often indicates poor manufacturing or faulty parts.
- Recalls That Don’t Solve the Issue
Recalls are meant to correct the large-scale defects, yet in some cases, the correction isn’t effective. Another potential lemon sign would be that, when your car still malfunctions after a recall, that’s an indication that the car is a lemon. It’s the duty of the manufacturers to ensure the vehicle is safe and working as promised.
- Your Warranty Repairs Feel Never-Ending
If you find yourself constantly scheduling repairs, leaving your car at the dealership, or calling roadside assistance, that’s more than inconvenient – it may mean you have a legal remedy. The law protects you from owning a vehicle that doesn’t perform as it should under its warranty.
When to Speak With a Lemon Law Attorney
You need not guess whether you have a lemon or not. The California Lemon Law has good provisions, and the majority of cases have no out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the consumer since the manufacturer bears the legal expenses.
When you realize one or more of the signs above, it’s time to see a lawyer. A lemon law attorney would examine your records of repair, contact the manufacturer, and assist you in a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.