What compensation is available under California's Lemon Law?

You may receive a vehicle buyback, a replacement vehicle, incidental expenses like towing or rental costs, and potentially civil penalties if the manufacturer acted willfully.

Can I get civil penalties under the Lemon Law?

Yes, California's Lemon Law allows civil penalties up to two times your actual damages if the manufacturer willfully violated the law.

Is emotional distress part of Lemon Law compensation?

Generally, no. Lemon Law compensation focuses on financial losses, not emotional distress.

Free Consultations

213-927-3700

No Fees Until We Win

Español

text us: +1 (888) 888-9285

GET THE MOST WITH WEST COAST ®

Español

Available 24/7

What Compensation Can You Get from a Lemon Law Case in California?

TL;DR: Under California’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to compensation including a vehicle buyback (covering down payment, monthly payments, registration, taxes), a vehicle replacement, incidental costs (like towing and rental cars), and potentially civil penalties up to two times your actual damages. Compensation varies by case, so documentation is key.

Types of Compensation Available

Buyback: Refunds your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration, and incidental expenses. A mileage offset may apply.
Replacement: Manufacturer provides a comparable new vehicle at no cost, minus mileage offset.
Incidental Costs: Reimbursement for towing, repair attempts, ride-shares, rental cars, or DMV fees.
Attorney’s Fees: If you win, the manufacturer must cover your legal fees.
Civil Penalties: If the manufacturer willfully violates the law, you may be awarded up to twice your actual damages (Cal. Civ. Code §1794(c)).

Real Client Example

In 2024, a Bay Area client received a $39,250 settlement for a defective EV leased vehicle. The breakdown included:

$4,500 down payment reimbursement
$11,200 lease payoff
$950 in towing, DMV, and rental expenses
$12,600 civil penalties
$10,000 attorney’s fees (covered by the manufacturer)

What to Do If You Think You’re Owed Lemon Law Compensation

Collect repair invoices, lease or purchase paperwork, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
Track how many days the vehicle has been in the shop.
Request a final repair attempt and consult a Lemon Law attorney right away.

California’s statute of limitations for Lemon Law claims is four years from when you knew or should have known the vehicle was a lemon (Cal. Civ. Code §1793.2(d)).

Need Help? We’re Here to Fight for What You’re Owed

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you believe you bought or leased a lemon, contact us for a free case review. We don’t charge unless we win your case.

Written by: Neama Rahmani, Esq. — President of West Coast Trial Lawyers, CA Bar #223819

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

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