Irvine, California Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase defective vehicles, ensuring they’re not stuck with a car that fails to meet basic safety, reliability, or quality standards.
If a manufacturer can’t fix a recurring defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the law entitles the buyer to a refund or a replacement vehicle. This legal protection holds manufacturers accountable and gives Irvine residents peace of mind, knowing they won’t be left dealing with persistent car issues that could jeopardize their safety.
Attorney Michelle Choe, fluent in Korean, is proud to serve the Irvine community and assist Korean-speaking clients in fully understanding their rights under California’s Lemon Law. She ensures that language is never a barrier to justice.
Purchasing a vehicle is often one of the most significant purchases individuals make, and these laws play a vital role in protecting your investment and ensuring fairness in the marketplace.
Types of Defects That Qualify for Lemon Law
The defects that may qualify for a claim under the California Lemon Law generally fall under the following categories:
- Mechanical defects: Issues that affect the essential operation of the car, such as engine failure or transmission problems.
- Electrical issues: Problems with the electrical system, including malfunctioning wiring or broken lights.
- Safety-related defects: Any issues compromising the vehicle's safety, such as brake malfunctions or airbag failures.
- Repeated engine or exhaust system issues: If your vehicle consistently has problems with power or exhaust, this may also qualify.
- Defective electronics or infotainment systems: Problems with the car's electronics, like malfunctioning GPS or Bluetooth, can also be covered under the Lemon Law if they interfere with the vehicle's operation or safety.
- Performance failures: Issues that impact the vehicle's ability to perform as intended, such as steering or alignment defects, suspension issues, or brake failure.
In any of these situations, California’s Lemon Law safeguards Irvine consumers by allowing them to seek a refund or replacement vehicle if the manufacturer cannot fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, fill out the case review form, and the Law Offices of Michelle Choe will evaluate your case and help determine your next steps.
How Does the Lemon Law Work?
If you believe your car qualifies under the Lemon Law, the first step is to notify the manufacturer of your intention to file a claim. If you have a strong case, the manufacturer may offer a settlement at this point. If not, the next step is mandatory mediation. Mandatory mediation requires you and the manufacturer to attempt to resolve the issue through mediation with a neutral third-party mediator before filing a court case. If this is unsuccessful, you can file a lawsuit.
If the vehicle is new and the issues occur while it is under warranty, it is eligible for the lemon law.
How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?
Under California’s Lemon Law, a vehicle typically qualifies if it has been brought in for repair at least four times for the same issue. However, if the defect poses a serious safety risk, such as something that could cause injury or death, only two repair attempts are required. Additionally, if your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for more than 30 days total, it may also meet the criteria for a Lemon Law claim.
It’s important to know that any visit to an authorized dealership in Irvine counts as a repair attempt, even if the issue isn’t fixed or no defect is officially found. For instance, if you bring your car in four times for a steering wheel problem, all four visits count regardless of whether the problem was resolved during each visit.
Does My Car Qualify as a Lemon?
While the California Lemon Law presumes that a vehicle is a lemon after four repair attempts within 18 months or 18,000 miles, it is not a strict requirement. Many cases are successfully pursued even if the vehicle doesn't meet these specific criteria. For example, vehicles that experience defects after the 18-month or 18,000-mile mark may still qualify for a refund or replacement under the law.
The Law Offices of Michelle Choe understand the complexity of Lemon Law claims in Irvine, California. Even if your case doesn't fit the exact mold of the law's requirements, Ms. Choe can help determine if there is a chance you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. With her experience, she will navigate the legal process on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.
Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Today!
If you’ve purchased a defective vehicle in Irvine or your vehicle is falling short of expectations, the Law Offices of Michelle Choe is here to help. Ms. Choe will help guide you through the Lemon Law claims process and fight to get you the compensation or replacement vehicle you deserve so you’re not stressed by a faulty car.
Best of all, you won’t pay any attorney fees out of pocket. The manufacturer covers them when the settlement is concluded. This allows you to focus on getting the resolution you need without the burden of legal costs.
Michelle Choe also proudly serves the Korean-speaking community in Irvine. If you need legal support in Korean or want to see if your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law, click the button below.
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