Can RVs and Motorhomes Be Lemons?

Purchasing an RV or motorhome symbolizes the American dream, open roads, and freedom. Unfortunately, this dream can quickly turn sour if your newly bought RV constantly breaks down, has engine problems and leaves you stranded. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we often see frustrated clients who ask us this question: Can RVs and motorhomes qualify under California’s Lemon Law?

The answer is yes—but there are some limits. RVs and motorhomes uniquely mix both vehicles and residences. Here, we’ll break down how lemon laws can affect your claim and how to go about protecting your rights when dealing with a faulty newly purchased vehicle. 

What Is the Lemon Law in California for RVs?

California’s Lemon Law, formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles, including motorhomes. If your RV has serious issues that the manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

• A full refund (minus a mileage deduction for functional use).
• A replacement RV of comparable value.
• Reimbursement for costs like towing, rentals, repairs, or camping fees.
• Attorney’s fees covered

Unlike cars, RVs are hybrid vehicles—part car, part home—which complicates their lemon law status.

How RVs Are Different Under Lemon Law

RVs have two main parts, the vehicle and living portion and each are covered by different rules and warranties. For example, common lemon law vehicle defects such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and the fuel system are covered under the state’s lemon law. 

On the other hand, the residential parts of a motorhome like the plumbing, appliances, and electrical wiring fall under separate manufacturer warranties or federal laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. While having a broken fridge or leaking toilet in your RV is a huge inconvenience, it needs to be addressed to the specific manufacturer instead of the dealership. 

RV Lemon Law Cases Can Be Extremely Confusing 

RVs are like homes on wheels, packed with systems that can go wrong—everything from slide-outs to solar panels, to toilets. This means RVs and motorhomes have multiple warranties like:

• Chassis Warranty: From companies like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, or Freightliner, covering the vehicle’s driving components.
• Coach Warranty: From RV manufacturers like Winnebago, Thor, or Forest River, covering the living quarters.
• Appliance Warranties: From brands like Dometic (refrigerators) or Coleman (HVAC), covering specific components.

Sorting through these warranties and pinpointing who’s responsible for repairs takes skill and expertise. Plus, California’s Lemon Law requires proof that defects “substantially impair” your RV’s safety, usability, or value—a high bar that demands careful documentation. Our California lemon law attorneys at WCTL have decades of experience holding manufacturers accountable and are ready to take on your case.

New Lemon Law Rules for RVs (Effective April 1, 2025)

Starting April 1, 2025, AB 1755 introduces:

• Stricter Deadlines: File within 1 year of chassis warranty expiration or 6 years from purchase.
• Pre-Suit Demand Letter: Notify the manufacturer in writing 30 days before suing for civil penalties. Retain RV possession for 30–60 days.
• Mandatory Mediation: Attempt to resolve disputes within 150 days, reducing court time.
• RV Inclusion: Motorhomes and travel trailers are explicitly covered for vehicle defects.

These rules apply to vehicle components, but residential defects may qualify if safety-related. 

How to Build a Winning RV Lemon Law Case

If your RV is spending more time in the shop than on the road, follow these steps to start the lemon law claims process:

• Document Every Detail: Keep a “Lemon Law Journal” (a notebook or app) with dates, descriptions, photos, repair attempts, and communications with dealers or manufacturers. Save receipts, work orders, and emails.
• Allow Reasonable Repair Attempts: California law typically requires 2–4 repair attempts for most defects or 1–2 for safety issues, though this varies by case. Track each visit carefully.
• Get an Independent Inspection: A qualified RV inspector can uncover hidden issues, like faulty wiring or chassis cracks, that help your claim. We can connect you with trusted California inspectors.
• Act Within Deadlines: For claims before April 1, 2025, file within 4 years from noticing a vehicle defect. After April 1, 2025, under AB 1755, file within 1 year after the chassis warranty expires or 6 years from purchase, whichever comes first. Residential defects follow separate timelines (typically 4 years)
• Hire a Lemon Law Expert: RV cases involve multiple laws and warranties, and manufacturers often offer lowball settlements. Our attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers have a proven track record of winning RV cases across California.
• Added Value: If a repair shop claims your RV is fixed but the problem persists, request a “test drive” or inspection before leaving. This ensures the issue is resolved and prevents manufacturers from claiming they “fixed” it.

What You Can Win in an RV Lemon Law Case

A successful Lemon Law claim can result in a full refund (minus a mileage offset), a replacement RV, reimbursement for related expenses like towing, rentals, or repairs, and full coverage of attorney’s fees.

Pro Tip: Manufacturers often offer cash settlements to avoid admitting fault, but these deals can undervalue your claim. For example, a $10,000 settlement might sound tempting but could be far less than the $50,000+ you’re owed for a defective $100,000 RV. We review every offer to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers for Your RV Lemon Claim?

Filing an RV lemon claim alone can be very challenging due to multiple warranty layers, legal technicalities, and uncaring manufacturers. That’s where we step in and handle the tough legal jargon so you can worry less.  Our team brings unmatched expertise and a proven track record to your case with zero upfront fees and costs.

If you’re dealing with a lemon, Call us for a FREE case review at (213) 927-3700 or reach out via this quick online contact form. 

Additional Resources for RV Owners

To make your lemon law journey easier, here are some practical resources:

• California Department of Consumer Affairs: File a complaint or learn more about your rights at dca.ca.gov.
• RV Owner Forums: Connect with other Californians on sites like iRV2.com or RV.net to share experiences and tips (but avoid taking legal advice from non-lawyers).
• Maintenance Records: Keep a file of all RV maintenance (e.g., oil changes, tire rotations) to counter claims that you caused the defects.
• Free Case Evaluation: Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for a no-cost, no-obligation review of your RV issues. We’ll tell you if you have a case and what to expect.