If your car keeps breaking down, it’s natural to wonder when enough is enough. At what point does your car legally become a lemon under California law? The answer depends on the type of defect, the length of time the vehicle has been in the shop, and the number of repair attempts made.
In this post, we’ll explain how many repairs for lemon law eligibility you need, what counts as a “reasonable” number of attempts, and how to document your case so you’re in the strongest legal position.
What Does California Lemon Law Say About Repair Attempts?
Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease a new or used vehicle that’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty and ends up being defective.
One of the key factors that determines if a vehicle qualifies as a lemon is whether the manufacturer or dealer had a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem.
But what does “reasonable” mean? California law doesn’t give a strict number, but courts and case law provide clear guidelines.
General Rule: When a Vehicle Qualifies as a Lemon
Your vehicle may be considered a lemon if any one of the following applies:
2 or More Repair Attempts for a Serious Safety Issue
If the defect could result in serious injury or death—like brake failure, steering problems, or airbag malfunctions—just two failed repair attempts can qualify your car under lemon law.
4 or More Attempts for the Same Non-Safety Defect
If the problem doesn’t threaten safety (e.g., repeated electrical failure, engine stalling, or climate control issues), the law allows up to four repair attempts before your vehicle may be deemed a lemon.
30 or More Days in the Shop
If your car is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to warranty-related repairs, even across multiple visits, it can qualify, regardless of the number of repair attempts made.
These guidelines are part of California’s presumption rule, which makes it easier for consumers to prove their case in court. However, even if you don’t meet these numbers exactly, you may still qualify.
Types of Defects That Count
Not all problems qualify. The defect must be “substantial,” meaning it affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Common qualifying issues include:
- Safety-related defects:
- Brake failure
- Steering malfunctions
- Airbag or seatbelt problems
- Battery fires in EVs
- Drivability and performance issues:
- Transmission problems
- Engine stalling or shutdowns
- Failure to start
- Persistent tech or electrical issues:
- Infotainment system crashes
- Backup camera or sensor malfunctions
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) failures
Cosmetic problems like paint chips or minor rattles typically don’t meet lemon law standards unless they’re symptoms of a bigger issue.
Timeframe: How Soon Must the Problem Appear?
The defect must first appear while the vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. If the issue begins after the warranty expires, lemon law coverage no longer applies—even if the car is relatively new.
California also imposes a four-year statute of limitations to file a lemon law claim. That clock starts ticking when you first notice the problem, not when you bought the car.
Documentation Tips: Build a Strong Case
To take advantage of the California lemon law repair attempts rule, you’ll need proof. Here’s how to document your repair history:
- Get written service records after every visit
- Make sure the same problem is clearly described each time (this shows repetition)
- Record time out of service for each visit
- Save communications with the dealer or manufacturer
- Log your own notes on symptoms, especially if they’re intermittent
If you ever go to court, this documentation becomes crucial in proving that you gave the manufacturer sufficient opportunities to repair the car.
What Happens if You Qualify?
If your car meets the lemon car repair rules, the manufacturer must offer one of the following:
1. Buyback (Refund)
You return the vehicle and get refunded for:
- Down payment
- Monthly payments
- Registration and taxes
- Towing/rental expenses related to the defect
They can deduct a small usage fee based on mileage before the first issue.
2. Replacement Vehicle
You receive a comparable new car at no extra cost, including taxes, fees, and warranty coverage.
You may also be eligible for:
- Reimbursement of legal fees
- Civil penalties (up to 2x damages) if the manufacturer acted in bad faith
What If the Dealer Keeps Denying Your Claim?
Some manufacturers drag their feet or deny claims outright even when the vehicle’s repair history qualifies it as a lemon. If that happens, it’s time to talk to a lemon law attorney.
Contact Seven Law today for a free case review. We’ll look at your repair records and let you know where you stand. No pressure, no upfront fees.