Fontana Lemon Law Lawyers

Lemon Law Attorney in Fontana

If you purchased or leased a vehicle in Fontana that continues to have serious warranty-covered problems, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Law. Repeated repairs, safety concerns, or a vehicle that spends too much time at the dealership can create financial stress, missed work, and uncertainty about what to do next.

California’s Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, may allow qualifying consumers to seek a vehicle repurchase, replacement, reimbursement, or other available remedies when a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial defect after a reasonable number of attempts.

Heidari Law Group represents consumers in Fontana and throughout San Bernardino County in Lemon Law claims involving defective cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and certain business vehicles.

When a Vehicle May Qualify Under California Lemon Law

A vehicle may qualify under California Lemon Law when it has a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or authorized repair facility has been given a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem.

Common qualifying issues may include:

• Brake, steering, or transmission defects
• Electrical system failures
• Engine problems
• Battery or charging issues in electric vehicles
• Recurring warning lights
• Air conditioning or cooling system defects
• Safety system malfunctions
• Water leaks or structural defects

Not every vehicle problem qualifies. Minor issues, normal wear and tear, or defects caused by unauthorized modifications may not be covered. The defect generally must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and must substantially affect the vehicle.

California’s Lemon Law presumption may apply when certain problems occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, but consumers may still have rights outside that period if the defect arose during the warranty period.

Who Can File a Lemon Law Claim

In most California Lemon Law cases, the claim is brought against the vehicle manufacturer, not just the dealership. The dealership may perform repairs, but the manufacturer is typically responsible for honoring the warranty and providing the appropriate remedy when the vehicle qualifies.

Before filing a lawsuit, the consumer should usually keep detailed records and allow the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue.

Important records include:

• Repair orders
• Warranty documents
• Purchase or lease agreement
• Registration records
• Communications with the dealership or manufacturer
• Photos or videos of the defect
• Notes showing when the problem occurred

These records can help show how often the defect happened, how long the vehicle was out of service, and whether the repair attempts were reasonable.

Vehicles Covered by California Lemon Law

California Lemon Law may apply to several types of vehicles when they are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Covered vehicles may include:

• Cars
• Trucks
• SUVs
• Vans
• Motorcycles
• Leased vehicles
• Certified pre-owned vehicles with warranties
• Certain used vehicles are sold with an active warranty

Some business vehicles may also qualify. In California, a business vehicle may be covered in certain situations, including when the business has no more than five vehicles registered in California. Because business vehicle claims can be more fact-specific, it is important to review the warranty, ownership records, and vehicle use.

Lemon Law Remedies Available in Fontana

The remedies available in a Lemon Law case depend on the facts of the claim, the warranty, the repair history, and the manufacturer’s response.

Potential remedies may include:

• Vehicle repurchase
• Vehicle replacement
• Reimbursement for qualifying payments
• Registration and licensing fees
• Taxes and other qualifying purchase-related costs
• Incidental damages related to the defect
• Attorney’s fees when allowed by law
• Civil penalties in certain cases involving willful manufacturer violations

A manufacturer buyback may be reduced by a mileage offset. This means the manufacturer may receive credit for the miles driven before the defect first appeared.

Lemon Law claims are different from personal injury claims. Medical expenses or accident-related injuries are generally handled separately from a Lemon Law case unless there is another legal claim involved.

Do You Have to Arbitrate a Lemon Law Claim

California consumers are not always required to arbitrate a Lemon Law claim before filing a lawsuit. Arbitration may be available through a manufacturer-sponsored program, but whether it is helpful depends on the facts of the case.

A consumer may want to speak with a Lemon Law attorney before choosing arbitration because the process, deadlines, and available remedies can affect the outcome of the claim.

How a Fontana Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

A Lemon Law attorney can review the vehicle’s repair history, identify whether the defect may qualify under California law, and communicate with the manufacturer on the consumer’s behalf.

An attorney may assist by:

• Reviewing warranty coverage
• Evaluating repair orders and dealership records
• Determining whether the vehicle may qualify as a lemon
• Preparing a demand letter
• Negotiating with the manufacturer
• Filing a lawsuit when appropriate
• Representing the consumer in arbitration, settlement discussions, or court

The goal is to pursue the remedies available under California law based on the facts of the case.

Common Lemon Law Questions

What makes a vehicle a lemon in California?

A vehicle may be considered a lemon if it has a substantial warranty-covered defect affecting its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or authorized repair facility cannot fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

Does the Lemon Law apply to used vehicles?

Yes, some used vehicles may qualify if they were sold with an active manufacturer warranty or another qualifying warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles may also qualify in some situations.

Are leased vehicles covered?

Yes. Leased vehicles may be covered under California Lemon Law if they meet the same basic requirements as purchased vehicles.

How many repair attempts are required?

There is no single number that applies to every case. The required number of repair attempts depends on the seriousness of the defect, whether it affects safety, and how long the vehicle has been out of service.

Can vehicle modifications affect a Lemon Law claim?

Yes. If a modification caused the defect, the manufacturer may argue that the vehicle does not qualify. If the modification is unrelated to the problem, the claim may still be valid.

How long do I have to file a Lemon Law claim in California?

California Lemon Law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations, but the deadline can depend on when the defect was discovered and other case-specific facts. Consumers should act promptly after repeated repair problems.

Speak With a Lemon Law Attorney in Fontana

If your vehicle continues to have warranty-covered defects after repeated repair attempts, you may have options under California Lemon Law. Heidari Law Group can review your repair history, explain the legal process, and discuss the remedies that may be available based on your situation.

Authoritative References

1. California Department of Consumer Affairs – Consumer Resources
   https://www.dca.ca.gov/
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Vehicle Safety Recalls
   https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
3. BBB AUTO LINE – Manufacturer Dispute Resolution Program
   https://bbbprograms.org/programs/all-programs/bbb-autoline