If your car keeps breaking down and you’re pursuing a lemon law claim, one of the first questions you’ll have is: How long will this take?
The answer depends on several factors, including the manufacturer’s response time and the completeness of your documentation. While some cases wrap up in a few months, others can take longer if the automaker drags its feet or the case goes to court.
Average Duration of a Lemon Law Case
Most California lemon law cases take between three and six months to resolve. Some may finish sooner through direct negotiation, while others can stretch to nine months or more if litigation is required.
The timeline depends on:
- How fast you provide documents
- The manufacturer’s cooperation (or lack thereof)
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
- The complexity of the defect and repair history
In short, the more complete your evidence and the more responsive the manufacturer, the faster your case moves.
Stage 1: Case Evaluation (1–2 Weeks)
Everything starts with a free case review. At this stage, a lemon law attorney reviews your:
- Vehicle purchase or lease documents
- Repair orders and service records
- Warranty coverage
- Communication with the dealer or manufacturer
If your car meets California’s lemon law criteria, your attorney can begin preparing the claim immediately.
Stage 2: Filing the Claim (2–4 Weeks)
Once your case is accepted, your lawyer sends a formal demand letter to the manufacturer outlining your claim, the defect, and your desired resolution (refund, replacement, or settlement).
The manufacturer typically has 30 days to respond. Many cases settle during this stage, primarily when the documentation clearly supports the claim.
Stage 3: Negotiation and Settlement (1–3 Months)
If the manufacturer responds promptly, both sides enter negotiation. The majority of lemon law cases are resolved here, without going to court.
You might receive:
- A buyback (refund for payments, taxes, and fees)
- A replacement vehicle
- A cash settlement for diminished value or inconvenience
If the manufacturer delays, denies liability, or offers less than fair value, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to push things forward.
Stage 4: Litigation (3–9+ Months)
If the case doesn’t settle, your lawyer will file a lemon law lawsuit in California state court. Litigation doesn’t always mean trial, because many manufacturers settle after discovery begins.
The litigation process typically involves:
- Discovery: Exchanging documents and evidence
- Depositions: Gathering testimony
- Mediation or settlement conferences: Encouraged by the court
Even during litigation, your lawyer will keep pushing for a fair settlement to save time and stress.
What Can Delay a Lemon Law Case?
Several factors can slow down your lemon case process in California, including:
- Incomplete Documentation
Missing repair records, service receipts, or communication logs can lead to delays while your lawyer gathers evidence. - Manufacturer Resistance
Some automakers intentionally stall or offer lowball settlements to wear consumers down. A seasoned attorney knows how to keep pressure on and avoid delays. - Complex Defects
Cases involving recurring electrical or software issues (especially with EVs) may take longer to prove and document. - Court Scheduling
If your case goes to trial, scheduling availability can push the timeline out by several months.
Fast-Tracking Your Case: What You Can Do
While you can’t control everything, you can help your lemon law case move faster by:
- Organizing all repair records and service documents upfront
- Keeping written communication with the dealership or manufacturer
- Responding quickly to your attorney’s requests for information
- Avoiding direct negotiations with the manufacturer once you’ve hired legal representation
The faster your legal team can build your case, the sooner they can force the manufacturer to act.
Why the Wait Is Worth It
Lemon law cases take time because automakers rarely admit fault right away. But that patience often pays off. A successful claim can result in:
- A full refund (buyback)
- A replacement vehicle
- Civil penalties if the manufacturer acted in bad faith (up to 2x your damages)
- Attorney fees paid by the manufacturer
So while it’s normal to feel impatient, remember that California’s lemon law is designed to favor consumers, and your attorney’s persistence can make a big difference in your outcome.
How Seven Law Keeps Your Case Moving
At Seven Law, we know time matters. Our team keeps your case moving from day one by:
- Filing claims quickly and accurately
- Communicating directly with manufacturers to avoid unnecessary delays
- Pursuing settlements aggressively
- Taking cases to court when automakers refuse fair offers
We handle all legal costs up front: you pay nothing unless we win, and the manufacturer covers our attorney’s fees.
Get a Free Case Review and Timeline Estimate
Wondering how long your lemon law claim will take, and what you might recover? Let’s find out. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and give you a realistic timeline based on our experience with similar cases.