What Vehicles Qualify Under California Lemon Law?

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law is officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§1792.1–1793.22). It protects consumers who purchase or lease a vehicle with a manufacturer’s warranty and experience repeated problems that impact the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Vehicle Types That May Qualify

✅ New Vehicles

Most new vehicles bought or leased in California with a manufacturer’s warranty are covered. This includes passenger cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.

✅ Used Vehicles (With Warranty)

Used vehicles can qualify if they were purchased or leased with any portion of the original manufacturer’s warranty still active—or if a certified pre-owned warranty was provided by the automaker. Third-party warranties typically do not qualify.

✅ Leased Vehicles

Leased cars qualify as long as the lease includes a manufacturer’s warranty. Most new leases do.

✅ Electric Vehicles & Plug-In Hybrids

Electric vehicles and hybrids are eligible under the same warranty rules, including extended coverage on battery systems.

✅ Motorcycles and RVs (Partially)

Only the chassis or vehicle portion of RVs and motorhomes qualify—not the living quarters. Street-legal motorcycles may qualify, but off-road bikes usually do not.

✅ Business Vehicles

Vehicles used for business may qualify if the business owns five or fewer vehicles and the vehicle’s weight is under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVWR).

Vehicles That Don’t Qualify

• Vehicles without an active manufacturer’s warranty
• Private-party used car sales with no remaining warranty
• Commercial vehicles used in fleets larger than five
• Modified or salvage-title vehicles

Quick Action Checklist

If you’re not sure whether your vehicle qualifies, here are a few fast steps you can take:

1. Check if your vehicle is still under factory warranty
2. Review all repair orders and invoices from the dealership
3. Track how many times you’ve brought the car in for the same issue
4. Contact the manufacturer or authorized service provider
5. Speak to an attorney to confirm your rights before the 4-year deadline

Case Example: $27,500 Refund for Used SUV

A San Diego woman purchased a used SUV with 8 months left on the original factory warranty. After 4 failed repair attempts for the same transmission issue, she contacted our firm. We pursued a Lemon Law claim, and the manufacturer refunded her purchase price, registration fees, and taxes—totaling $27,500.

Feeling Stuck? Take a Breath.

We understand how overwhelming car problems can be—especially when the dealer keeps giving you the runaround. Take a breath with us:

FAQs About California Lemon Law Vehicle Eligibility

❓ Do used cars qualify?

Yes, if they were sold with an active manufacturer’s warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty.

❓ Can I file a claim for a leased vehicle?

Yes—leased vehicles are covered as long as they’re under warranty.

❓ Are business vehicles eligible?

They can be—if your business owns fewer than five vehicles and the one in question weighs under 10,000 pounds GVWR.

❓ How long do I have to file?

You must file within 4 years from when you first noticed the recurring issue. Don’t delay.

Attorney Statement

This article was reviewed by Neama Rahmani, Esq., President of West Coast Trial Lawyers (CA Bar #223819).