Your new vehicle will come with a “bumper-to-bumper” manufacturers limited warranty. It will also typically come with a 5 year/60,000 mile “Powertrain” warranty covering internal engine/transmission/driveline/rear/front differential and drive axles. EV’s will come with their own warranty. Certain diesel models will come with a longer diesel engine warranty. Each manufacturer sets forth teir own limited warranties with each new vehicle sold.
How does all this apply to the California Lemon Law? Our California Lemon Law applies to FACTORY WARRANTY REPAIRS ONLY. Not aftermarket sold “extended warranty” repairs. No “dealer warranties” either.
The California Lemon Law does NOT recognize “I told them what was wrong”. NO. Only documented customer complaints on Repair Orders are valid. No, them writing down “perform mutli-point inspection” on the Repair Order is NOT valid. The Service Writer must enter YOUR complaint, such as “customer states CHECK ENGINE light is on”. Do NOT sign a Repair Order unless It has what YOU want written on it.
If your complaint issue is of a intermittent nature, make sure you put it that way. Example: “customer states intermittently engine will stall”, or “intermittently, car won’t start”.
There are two documents relative to warraty repairs. First, is the “Repair Order”. That’s when you drop off the vehicle. Then, when they are finished with warranty repairs, and you go back to pick it up, they give you a INVOICE. THIS is the copy that applies to Lemon Law. Do NOT store these in your car. Create a file at home. Do NOT write or do highlights on them, or deface them in any way. Keep them where you know you can find them.
How many repairs does it take to envoke a winning Californial Lemon Law claim/case? Generally three (3), but certain circumstances will dictate two (2)., for the SAME repeated issue. Not different issues – same issue.
How do you know if you have a valid California Lemon Law claim/case?. Call us at 1-800-225-3666 for a free evaluation. Have all your documents, including your new vehicle lease or purchase agreement handy when you call, as you will be discussing your repairs with our attorneys.