Kearny Mesa, California Lemon Law   

Your Rights When a Defective Car Leaves You Stranded in Kearny Mesa, CA 

Kearny Mesa is San Diego’s automotive powerhouse, with major dealerships like Mossy Nissan Kearny Mesa, Kearny Mesa Ford, Mossy Toyota, and the Kearny Mesa Auto Mall lining Convoy Street and Kearny Villa Road. Thousands of new and certified pre-owned vehicles, such as Nissan Altima, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, and Honda CR-V, leave these lots every year. But when those vehicles suffer repeated engine failures, brake malfunctions, or electrical system breakdowns, buyers face safety risks, financial losses, and endless trips to service departments. 

California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also referred to as the Lemon Law, protects consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles. If you have a significant defect and the manufacturer or dealer has not been able to repair your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, then you are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price, a replacement vehicle, or an agreed cash settlement. 

At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, we have been fighting for San Diego consumers since opening our doors, securing favorable outcomes in lemon law and personal injury cases alike. If you bought a lemon from a Kearny Mesa dealership and have been stuck with repair bills and rental cars, contact us online at www.michellechoelaw.com for a free consultation. Our San Diego-based lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. 

Understanding California’s Lemon Law in Kearny Mesa 

The Song-Beverly Act applies to new and used vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. A vehicle qualifies as a lemon if: 

• It has a substantial defect covered by the warranty. 
• The defect occurs within 18,000 miles or 18 months (or while the warranty is active) 
• The manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts (typically 2–4 for safety issues, 4+ for others), or the vehicle has been out of service for 30+ days. 

Even certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles sold at Kearny Mesa dealerships are protected if they still have a factory warranty. 

Common Lemon Law Defects in Vehicles Sold in Kearny Mesa 

Kearny Mesa dealerships move high volumes of popular models, which unfortunately means they also see some of the most frequent lemon law complaints in San Diego. Below are the defects we encounter most often: 

Engine and Transmission Failures 

Affected Models:  Nissan Altima, Nissan Rogue, Ford F-150, Ford Explorer 

Common Issues: 

• Nissan CVT Transmissions: Shaking, hesitation, stalling, or complete failure on 2018–2023 Altimas and Rogues sold at Mossy Nissan. 
• Ford EcoBoost Engines: Coolant intrusion, turbo failures, and misfires on F-150s and Explorers. 
• Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs   

Brake System Malfunctions 

Affected Models: Ford F-150, Nissan Sentra, Toyota RAV4 

Common Issues: 

• The brake pedal is sinking to the floor 
• ABS or electronic parking brake warning lights with no resolution 
• Premature wear on pads and rotors 
• These defects pose serious safety risks, especially on busy roads in Kearny Mesa, such as I-805 and Convoy Street. 

Electrical System Defects 

Affected Models:  Nearly all makes, notably Nissan, Ford, and GM 

Common Issues: 

• Problems with the infotainment systems (NissanConnect or Ford SYNC freezing or rebooting) 
• Battery drain is creating a no-start condition 
• Repeated false warning lights (Check Engine, Airbag, TPMS) 
• Power window, lock, or sunroof not functioning 

These problems create a cycle of trips to the dealer, rental car fees, and wasted time, precisely the struggle the Lemon Law is intended to address. 

The Impact of a Lemon Vehicle on Kearny Mesa Residents 

The consequences of a lemon vehicle go beyond your driving habits: 

• Financial Burden: Towing fees, rental cars, and out-of-pocket repairs add up quickly. 
• Lost Use and Productivity: Time spent at service centers on Aero Drive or waiting for loaners means missed work or family obligations. 
• Diminished Resale Value: A repair history lowers your trade-in or sale price. 
• Safety Risks: Brake or engine failure on local highways can lead to accidents. 

Just as in personal injury cases, where we secure compensation for medical bills and lost wages, the Lemon Law ensures you are made whole for these losses. 

Compensation Available Under the Lemon Law 

If your car is considered a lemon law, the manufacturer, rather than you, will pay: 

• Full Refund or Replacement: Purchase price(less a mileage offset) or a comparable new vehicle. 
• Incidental Damages: Towing, rental cars, registration fees, and repair costs 
• Lost Use Compensation: Value of time your vehicle was unavailable, similar to lost wages 
• Diminished Value: Reduced resale value due to defect history 
• Civil Penalties: Up to 2x your actual damages if the manufacturer acted willfully 
• Attorney Fees and Costs: Paid 100% by the manufacturer 

Our firm’s contingency model means no upfront costs; you focus on getting back on the road while we handle the legal fight. 

How the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Help Kearny Mesa Lemon Owners 

We handle every step of your lemon law claim: 

• Free Case Evaluation: We review your repair invoices, warranty, and purchase contract at no cost. 
• Evidence Collection: We obtain dealer service records, diagnostic reports, and internal communications proving failed repairs. 
• Demand and Negotiation: We submit a formal claim to the manufacturer and negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum recovery. 
• Litigation if Needed: Most cases settle within 60–120 days, but we are prepared to file in the San Diego Superior Court. 
• You Get Paid: You receive your refund or settlement; the manufacturer pays our fees. 

Steps to Take After Discovering a Lemon in Kearny Mesa 

Protect your claim with these actions: 

1. Keep All Repair Records: Document every service visit, including the date, mileage, and description. 
2. Notify the Dealer in Writing: Send a certified letter if repairs fail after 2–3 attempts. 
3. Avoid Further Payments: Do not make additional loan/lease payments once a claim is filed. 
4. Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe: At michellechoelaw.com for your free consultation. 

Contact the Law Offices of Michelle Choe Today 

A lemon vehicle purchased in Kearny Mesa shouldn’t leave you with repair bills, rental costs, and frustration. Our San Diego lemon law attorneys serve Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Serra Mesa, and all of San Diego County with dedicated, results-driven representation. Contact us online at michellechoelaw.com to schedule your free consultation. The Law Offices of Michelle Choe is your Kearny Mesa advocate, ready to secure the refund, replacement, or settlement you deserve.