Each year, thousands of California consumers are impacted by a car that may be considered a “lemon.” These auto defects vary from inconveniences to issues that could cause serious harm to drivers, passengers and other vehicles on the road.

Given the sale and lease of hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually, the possibility of acquiring a vehicle necessitating multiple trips to the repair shop remains a distinct possibility.

Coined "lemons,” from the sour taste a defect can leave in your mouth,  these flawed vehicles entitle consumers, under the California lemon laws, to compensation in the form of cash, a refund, or a replacement vehicle. But when life gives you lemons, get a lawyer.

Almost every automaker has, at some juncture, marketed a vehicle with defective components. Nonetheless, certain vehicle brands tend to see more cases. For those considering a new or used vehicle purchase, thorough research on auto manufacturers with a historical track record of high lemon reports and consumer grievances.