California Lemon Law Presumption
You do not need to meet the requirements of the Lemon Law presumption to have a strong Lemon Law case. Even if your vehicle does not satisfy these specific criteria, you may still be entitled to legal protections and compensation under California’s Lemon Law. However, if your case does meet the Lemon Law presumption, additional legal benefits may apply to strengthen your claim.
California’s Lemon Law presumption establishes clear guidelines to determine if a vehicle is defective. If your new car, truck, or SUV has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue or has been out of service for an extended period, it may legally be presumed to be a lemon.
To qualify, the following must apply within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles driven:
- At Least Two Repairs for a Serious Safety Defect: If the defect could cause significant injury or death and the manufacturer has failed to fix it after at least two repair attempts, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
- At Least Four Repairs for a Non-Safety Issue: If a non-safety-related defect persists after at least four repair attempts, your vehicle may be presumed defective under the law.
- More Than 30 Days Out of Service: If your vehicle has spent more than 30 total days in the shop for warranty-covered repairs, it may meet the Lemon Law presumption.
The above criteria help establish a legal foundation for your claim, making it easier to pursue a refund, replacement, or compensation.
Additional Factors That Strengthen Your Lemon Law Claim

Even if your vehicle meets the Lemon Law presumption, certain steps must be taken to ensure eligibility:
- The problem must have started within 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles driven.
- The manufacturer must have been notified about the defect.
- Repairs must have been performed by an authorized dealer or manufacturer’s service center.
Proper documentation is essential. Keeping detailed repair records, invoices, and communication logs with the manufacturer strengthens your case and provides the necessary proof of ongoing defects.
What Remedies Are Available Under California’s Lemon Law?
If your vehicle qualifies under the Lemon Law presumption, you may be entitled to one of the following resolutions:
- A Full Refund: This includes reimbursement for sales tax, registration fees, and other official charges.
- A Replacement Vehicle: You may receive a comparable new vehicle in exchange for your defective automobile.
- Cash Compensation: Some consumers opt for a monetary settlement instead of a buyback or replacement.
Additionally, California’s Lemon Law ensures that consumers do not pay legal fees—these costs are covered by the manufacturer, meaning you can pursue your claim at no financial risk.

How The Lemon Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating the Lemon Law presumption process can be overwhelming, but The Lemon Lawyer is here to simplify things for you. Our team has extensive experience in California Lemon Law cases. We have successfully helped thousands of clients secure buybacks, replacements, and compensation.
Why Choose Our Team?
- No Cost to You: The manufacturer covers all legal fees, ensuring you can pursue your case without financial risk.
- Direct Access to Experienced Attorneys: Work directly with knowledgeable Lemon Law attorneys who handle your case from start to finish.
- A Proven Track Record: With thousands of successful cases under our collective belt, we have the expertise to negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
- Stress-Free Process: We handle the paperwork, legal filings, and negotiations, so you don’t have to.
Find Out If Your Vehicle Qualifies – Schedule a Free Consultation
If your vehicle meets the Lemon Law presumption criteria, don’t wait—acting now increases your chances of a favorable resolution. The Lemon Lawyer offers free consultations to help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
Let us help you get the justice you deserve under California’s Lemon Law.
Questions? Reach out to our team to see if your vehicle qualifies under California Lemon Law.