Why Are Lemon Law Cases Increasing in California?

California’s Lemon Law is one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation and in 2025, claims under this law are spiking at record rates. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Lemon Law Division has seen a significant uptick in clients filing cases against automakers like Ford, Land Rover, Chevrolet, and Tesla.

But what’s causing this legal surge? The answer is layered. From increasing vehicle defects to new legislative protections for used car buyers, this blog breaks down the major reasons why California Lemon Law claims are climbing and what you need to know to protect your rights.

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.2  et seq.), requires manufacturers to repair defects covered under warranty. If they can’t fix a substantial issue after a reasonable number of attempts, they must offer a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.

In 2025, this law was strengthened by Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755), which expanded protections for used car buyers and adjusted important filing timelines.

Why Are Lemon Law Claims on the Rise in 2025?

There are five major reasons for the increase of lemon law claims and they all vary.

1. Modern Cars Are More Likely to Break

According to the NHTSA, vehicle recalls rose 8% in California in 2024, impacting over 27 million vehicles and today’s cars are smarter but more fragile. Electric vehicles (EVs) and newer tech-heavy models come with advanced software, autonomous features, and interconnected systems and when one fails, the whole vehicle can malfunction.

Some of the most common 2025 lemon law triggers include:

• Electrical failures: Battery issues, short-circuits, touchscreen crashes, and charging malfunctions (especially in Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai EVs).
• Transmission defects: Shifting problems in vehicles like the Ford F-150 or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
• Safety feature breakdowns: Malfunctioning blind spot monitors, forward collision alerts, and emergency braking.

2. Consumer Awareness Has Skyrocketed

Thanks to legal blogs, Reddit threads, YouTube content creators, and TikTok attorneys, more California drivers are learning that they don’t have to live with a lemon.

A car may qualify under the law if:

• The defect affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
• The issue persists after 2–4 repair attempts, depending on severity.
• The vehicle is out of service for 30+ days for warranty-related repairs.
• The issue arose during the manufacturer’s warranty.

3. AB 1755 Made Lemon Law Claims Easier in 2025

California’s new Assembly Bill 1755, effective April 1, 2025, introduced major enhancements to the Lemon Law. Key updates under AB 1755 include:

• Certified Pre-Owned Cars Covered– Previously excluded, these now qualify for lemon protection if sold with a manufacturer-backed warranty.
• New Deadline Rules– Consumers must file within one year after warranty expiration or within six years from vehicle delivery, whichever comes first.
• Harsher Manufacturer Penalties– Automakers can now be fined up to twice the vehicle’s value for willful violations.

According to California court records, lemon law filings were up 12% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. A quarter of these cases involved used vehicles, reflecting AB 1755’s impact.

4. EV Lemon Law Cases Are Growing Rapidly

California leads the U.S. in electric vehicle ownership but rapid EV rollout has created new issues. A Consumer Reports survey in 2025 found that EVs have 79% more problems than gas-powered cars and this is due to a variety of technical issues such as:

• Battery degradation or failure after low mileage.
• Software bugs from failed over-the-air updates.
• Build quality issues, especially in newer models like the Rivian R1T, Chevy Bolt EUV, and Tesla Model Y.

 To find out more about how California Lemon Laws apply to E.Vs, click here

5. Dealerships and Manufacturers Are Delaying or Denying Repairs

As lemon claims increase, so do evasive tactics from dealers and automakers. Many use delay strategies to avoid liability and common pushback tactics include:

• Blaming issues on driver misuse.
• Offering extended warranties instead of repurchase.
• Delaying service appointments or parts replacements.
• Requiring excessive repair attempts before admitting the defect is a big deal.

Some law firms have been investigated for fraudulent billing practices in lemon law cases. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we remain fully transparent and ethical in every case and our clients pay nothing unless we win.

How Do You File a Lemon Law Claim in California?

Filing a claim doesn’t have to be a head-ache. Here’s a quick step-by-step:

Step 1: Document Everything

Keep repair invoices, work orders, and correspondence with the dealership. In addition, it is vital to track the dates of service and days out of commission.

Step 2: Know Your Warranty

Review the manufacturer’s warranty for eligibility and if the issue occurred during warranty coverage, you may qualify.

Step 3: Attempt Reasonable Repairs

Generally, you must allow 2 attempts for safety issues or 4 attempts for non-safety issues. Alternatively, your car being out of service for 30+ days may qualify.

Step 4: Consult an Attorney

California’s Lemon Law is favorable to consumers, but the process is legal-heavy. An experienced lemon law attorney can demand a refund, replacement, or settlement and push back against stalling tactics.

For a more in-depth guide on filing a lemon law claim on your own, click here. 

Let West Coast Trial Lawyers Fight Your Lemon Law Battle

If your car is spending more time in the shop than on the road, you’re not alone… and you’re not powerless.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $1.7 billion for clients and maintain a 99% success rate in lemon law cases. We’ve taken on Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and more! We don’t stop until you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t let a defective car define your year. Let us help you turn that lemon into legal leverage.

Call us at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our convenient online contact form for a free case consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Law Claims

How Many Lemon Law Cases Are Filed in California Each Year?

In 2025, California is on pace to exceed 25,000 lemon law cases, up from 22,000 in 2023.

Can I File a Lemon Law Claim for a Used Car in California?

Yes, especially after AB 1755, certified pre-owned vehicles sold with warranties are covered.

What Compensation Can I Get In a California Lemon Law Case?

You may receive:

• A full refund of the purchase price
• A new vehicle replacement
• A cash settlement
• Civil penalties (if the manufacturer acted in bad faith)

How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Claim?

You must file within 1 year of warranty expiration or 6 years from the delivery date, whichever comes first.