How do you know if your vehicle legally qualifies as a lemon?

You recently leased or purchased a brand new vehicle that probably has less than 100 miles on it and still has that new car smell. You expected it to work properly, but things do not always turn out as planned. You want to return the vehicle after dealing with the frustrating and stressful situation, but first, you need to know if it legally qualifies as a lemon under California law.

Your vehicle should operate as intended and get you to your destination safely. When something goes wrong, it should be fixed -- under the original manufacturer's warranty. However, if you encounter the same issue or issues multiple times and repairs are not fixing the problem, your vehicle could be a lemon.

If the defect lowers the value of the vehicle, prohibits you from using it or makes it unsafe, then it may qualify as a lemon under California law. Before you are entitled to have the manufacturer buy back the vehicle or replace it at no cost to you, you must show that it remains under warranty from the manufacturer, and the same repair or repairs have been attempted a certain number of times. Even when it appears clear that your vehicle qualifies, you could encounter resistance.

If the manufacturer denies that your vehicle legally qualifies as a lemon, you do not have to simply accept that determination. Under these circumstances, you have the right to seek help in asserting your rights. The manufacturer more than likely has lawyers working to keep you from receiving your money back or a new vehicle, and considering the amount of money at stake, you deserve not to go through this alone.