Consumer Rights Under California Lemon Law

While the California lemon law does vary from the purchase of new and used cars, there are some similarities in the rights given to the individual that can be observed. It is important for consumers to know their rights when they think they have purchased a defective vehicle. Also, if they notice any defects in the vehicle, they need to be reported right away. A lemon is considered any vehicle that is still under warranty when a defect is noticed. These defects should be qualified as unsafe for normal driving conditions or the vehicle has some fault which impairs driving or affects resale value. When a consumer suspects that they have a lemon, they should note all possible defects in the vehicle and resort to the California lemon law to see what might qualify. Before any action is taken, however, an expert should be consulted. It is also suggested that they immediately begin documenting every interaction they have with dealers, technicians and representatives of the manufacturers.

All documentation of attempts to work with someone can help the consumer when fighting for their rights under the California lemon law. Any letters that are written to the manufacturer should be certified; in most cases speaking to the manufacturer should clear up issues before the consumer has to attempt filing the vehicle under the California lemon law. Before filing a suit, manufacturers or dealers have several attempts to repair the vehicle, (it varies depending on what the particular problem is). If it is not repaired, the consumer has the right to file the vehicle.

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