Cerritos, California Lemon Law
Buying or leasing a car is a major investment and one that should come with reliability, safety, and peace of mind. Unfortunately, many Cerritos drivers find themselves stuck with defective vehicles that return to the shop again and again without ever being properly repaired. If this sounds familiar, you may be driving a "lemon," and California law is on your side.
The California Lemon Law offers strong protections for consumers who’ve purchased or leased defective cars, trucks, or SUVs. The Law Offices of Michelle Choe helps clients in Cerritos and the surrounding areas understand their rights and take action against automakers that fail to fix or replace faulty vehicles. Michelle Choe is fluent in Korean and passionate about helping members of the Korean-American community overcome language barriers to get the justice they deserve.
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), if a vehicle has substantial defects that affect its use, safety, or value, and those issues haven’t been resolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the manufacturer must buy back or replace the vehicle.
“Reasonable” can be as few as two repair attempts, depending on the severity of the defect. You don’t have to settle for an unsafe or unreliable vehicle. Whether the problem is mechanical, electrical, or safety-related, you have legal rights that protect you.
Common Vehicle Defects That May Qualify
Even if the issue isn’t on this list, a defect that seriously affects your ability to use the vehicle may still qualify under the Lemon Law:
- Engine or transmission problems
- Brake system failures
- Electrical malfunctions
- Airbag or seat belt defects
- Steering or suspension issues
- Dashboard warning lights
- Fluid leaks (oil, coolant, etc.)
- Faulty navigation or infotainment systems
- Repeated overheating
- Power equipment failures
Defects don’t have to involve the same component each time. The law applies to the vehicle as a whole.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Leased or Business Vehicles?
Yes. California’s Lemon Law applies not only to purchased vehicles but also to leased vehicles. It also covers certain business vehicles, as long as the business registers five or fewer vehicles and the vehicle weighs under 10,000 pounds.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are also eligible if they are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty when the defects occur.
No Out-of-Pocket Costs: The Manufacturer Pays the Legal Fees
When Ms. Choe represents you, you don’t pay anything out of pocket. Her Lemon Law cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- The automaker pays all legal fees and court costs if your case is successful
- If there is no recovery, you owe nothing
This allows you to pursue your rights without financial risk, regardless of the manufacturer's power.
How Ms. Michelle Choe Helps Cerritos Clients
Ms. Choe provides personalized, dedicated legal service to clients in Cerritos facing frustrating and potentially dangerous vehicle defects. Her goal is to hold automakers accountable and make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
She will:
- Review your warranty and repair records
- Determine if your car qualifies as a lemon
- Handle communication with the manufacturer
- File and pursue your Lemon Law claim
- Seek a full refund or replacement vehicle
- Recover costs, legal fees, and potential penalties
Ms. Choe also offers full support in Korean for clients who prefer to communicate in their native language, ensuring complete understanding and confidence throughout the legal process.
What Compensation Can Include
If your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:
- A complete vehicle buyback, including your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration, and interest
- A comparable replacement vehicle, if you prefer
- Reimbursement of related expenses, such as rental cars, towing, or repairs
- Payment of all attorney fees and court costs by the manufacturer
- Possible civil penalties if the automaker willfully violated your rights
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you live in Cerritos, California, and believe your vehicle may be a lemon, don’t wait. Manufacturers often hope consumers will give up out of frustration or confusion, but the Law Offices of Michelle Choe is here to help you take back control without the stress of fighting large automakers alone.
캘리포니아 세리토스에서 소송을 제기해야 하나요? 미셸 최 변호사에게 연락하세요.
미셸 최 변호사 사무실은 세리토스의 한국어 사용 지역 사회에 자랑스럽게 서비스를 제공합니다. 소송을 제기하거나 차량의 보상 청구 대상 여부를 확인하려면 아래 버튼을 클릭하세요.
