background hero

Used Cars & Your Lemon Law Rights in California

Table of contents

    TL;DR: Yes, California’s Lemon Law can apply to used cars—but only under specific conditions. If your used vehicle was sold with a warranty or is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car, you may qualify. Keep detailed records and don’t delay. You may still be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle—even if it’s not brand new.

    Does California Lemon Law Cover Used Cars?

    Yes, in many cases it does. California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act applies to used vehicles that are still under a manufacturer’s warranty or sold with a dealer-provided warranty. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are especially likely to qualify.

    What Types of Used Vehicles May Qualify?

    • Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles (CPO): Usually sold with extended warranties and thorough inspections.
    • Used Cars with Manufacturer Warranties: If any part of the original warranty is still active.
    • Used Cars Sold with Dealer Warranties: These may cover powertrain or emissions systems.
    • Leased Used Vehicles: If the lease includes warranty coverage.

    Cars sold strictly “as is” are generally not covered—unless the dealer broke the law or failed to disclose defects.

    Signs Your Used Car Might Be a Lemon

    • It’s been in the shop repeatedly for the same issue
    • You’ve lost use of the car for 30+ days cumulatively
    • The defect affects safety, value, or drivability
    • Repairs started under warranty (even if now expired)

    Real Case: $19,750 Settlement for Used SUV

    Our client in San Diego purchased a Certified Pre-Owned SUV that began stalling at intersections. Despite two repair attempts, the issue persisted. We proved the dealership failed to properly inspect the vehicle before resale. Our team secured a $19,750 settlement within 10 weeks.

    What To Do If You Suspect You Bought a Lemon

    1. Collect all repair orders, warranty paperwork, and communications.
    2. Track how many days the vehicle has been in the shop.
    3. Request a final repair attempt from the dealership or manufacturer.
    4. Don’t wait—Lemon Law claims must be filed within 4 years of discovering the defect.
    5. Contact an experienced California Lemon Law attorney.

    FAQ

    Does the Lemon Law cover “as-is” sales?
    Generally no. If the car was sold without a warranty, your options are limited unless the dealer violated other laws.
    What about cars bought from private sellers?
    California Lemon Law does not apply to private party sales. However, you may have other consumer protection options.
    What’s the deadline to file?
    You must file your Lemon Law claim within four years of first noticing the defect.
    Can I still qualify if the warranty expired after repairs started?
    Yes—if you first brought the issue to the dealer’s attention while the warranty was active, you may still qualify.

    Final Thought: Don’t Let Used Car Problems Go Unchecked

    Even if your car isn’t brand new, you still have rights. If your used vehicle was sold with any warranty, you may qualify for relief under California’s Lemon Law. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for what you deserve.

    Take a Breath

    Feeling overwhelmed? Try this: Inhale slowly for 4 seconds. Hold for 4. Exhale for 4. Repeat twice. You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.

    Written by Neama Rahmani, Esq.
    President, West Coast Trial Lawyers
    CA Bar License #223819 – Verify Here

    SEO Focus Keyword: used car lemon law california
    Category: Lemon Law
    Tags: lemon law, used cars, warranties, dealership fraud, certified pre-owned
    Meta Description: Think Lemon Law doesn’t apply to used cars? Think again. Learn when California’s Lemon Law protects used vehicle buyers and what steps to take if you suspect you bought a lemon.
    Stars

    510 Reviewers

    They know what they're doing, very well. Not only did I not make a single phone call from the day I hired them, but I also received calls from their case managers and paralegals who want to make sure my treatment was going well. They whole team took care of me. Thank you WCTL for taking full responsibility of my case and getting me an amazing settlement.

    Sasan

    Stars

    293 Reviewers

    I can say with confidence that this team is the best in the business. . . . Dean took the time to really listen and hear me out. He assured me that he was going to move mountains because he believed in me, and he ended up doing just that. I’ve never met a more focused and passionate attorney in my life. If you’re looking for a firm that treats its clients with the utmost respect and care, calling WCTL is a no-brainer. I wouldn't think twice about working with them again in the future.

    Delilah

    what-our-clients-say.webp