Why Do Some Car Brands Produce More Lemons?

Buying a new car is a big deal. For most people, it’s the second largest purchase they’ll ever make (after a house), and it comes with hopes of driving a reliable and smooth ride. But what happens when that new ride turns out to be nothing but trouble? If you’ve ever had a car that seems to spend more time at the mechanic than on the road, you already know the frustration of owning a “lemon.”

Let’s take a look at why some car brands end up producing more lemons, what the law says about it, and what you can do if you find yourself in this all-too-common situation.

What is Lemon Law?

Lemon laws are legal protections designed to help regular people—just like you—when they buy or lease a vehicle that simply doesn’t work the way it should. Every state has its own set of lemon laws, but they all boil down to this: if your new (and sometimes used) car keeps having significant problems that can’t be fixed after several reasonable tries, the manufacturer might have to give your money back, replace the vehicle, or offer another form of compensation.

In California, for instance, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act stands out for offering some of the strongest protections anywhere in the U.S. If you’re stuck with a lemon, you could be entitled to a refund, a replacement car, or reimbursement for things like taxes, repair costs, and even your legal fees.

How Does a Vehicle Become a Lemon?

Typically, a car is considered a lemon when:

• It has a serious defect (think engine, brakes, transmission, electrical systems) that affects its safety, value, or usability.
• The issue just won’t go away—even after several visits to the shop (usually three or four tries for the same problem).
• It’s out of service for 30 days or more for warranty repairs (these don’t even have to be 30 days in a row).

Sometimes it’s not just one problem, but a string of breakdowns—each one chipping away at your trust in the car and its maker.

Why Do Some Car Companies Produce More Lemons?

It’s a question we hear all the time: “Why is it always my car?” Truth is, some brands do have a reputation for producing more lemons than others, and while it’s mainly an issue on the assembly line, there are still distinguishable patterns that can be very foretelling.

1. Rushed Production Schedules

Car companies face enormous pressure to release new models quickly. In the race to outdo their rivals, they sometimes cut corners or skip important testing, which means problems can slip through the cracks, especially when new tech is involved.

2. Cost-Cutting and Quality Control

Making cars isn’t cheap. Some manufacturers save money by using lower-quality parts or scaling back on inspections. Over time, these shortcuts add up, and consumers pay the price.

3. Overly “Technical” Technology

The more computers and electronics in a car, the more chances for something to go wrong. Touchscreens, sensors, advanced safety features—these are great when they work, but a single software bug or electrical problem can sideline the whole vehicle.

4. Supply Chain Disruptions

We’ve seen it in recent years: parts shortages lead manufacturers to use whatever’s available, even if it’s not up to their usual standards. This was especially true during the 2020-2021 semiconductor shortage, which forced some brands to use lower-quality chips.

5. Differences in Company Culture

Some companies (like Toyota and Honda) have built a culture of reliability—testing relentlessly, listening to customer complaints, and prioritizing fixes. Others, unfortunately, are slower to respond or more focused on churning out new models.

How Common Are Lemon Law Claims?

To many people’s surprise, only about 1% of new cars sold in the U.S. each year end up being officially labeled lemons. While that’s still 150,000 vehicles annually, some brands, however, are much more likely to get complaints and legal claims.

A look at California’s numbers from 2018 to 2021 shows General Motors faced one lemon law case for every 78 cars registered while Toyota saw just one for every 2,029 cars. Chrysler and Ford have also had their share of troubles, with 67 recalls each in 2024 alone.

Consumer Reports and other watchdogs regularly flag certain models for reliability issues (like Subaru’s Ascent, which scored just 18 out of 100 in 2021 reliability rankings), while Toyota and Lexus continue to dominate the “most reliable” lists.

Can I Sue a Dealership for Selling Me a Lemon?

Whether you can sue a dealership for selling you a lemon will depend on the nature of the situation. However, for most lemon law claims, the easiest and most common path to financial recovery is to hold the manufacturer accountable—especially if the car is still under warranty. Dealerships can be sued if they knowingly sell you a lemon or hide a vehicle’s troubled history, but most lemon law cases are filed against the company that built the car.

If you’re thinking about taking action, here’s what to do:

• Document everything: Save every receipt, service order, and note about who you spoke with.
• Notify the manufacturer: Send a written complaint and keep a copy.
• Talk to a lemon law attorney: A professional can walk you through the process and increase your odds of getting a fair outcome.
• Don’t wait: Lemon law claims are time-sensitive (California’s window is four years), so act quickly.

Which Car Brands Have the Fewest Lemons?

Across the board, Toyota and Lexus have fewer lemon law cases than nearly any other brand. This is due to their relentless dedication towards quality, using simpler designs where it matters, and acting fast when problems pop up. A 2016 study found Toyota produced one lemon per 11,655,566 vehicles which is an impressive stat compared to other car brands.

Honda and Mazda aren’t far behind, and even among luxury brands, Lexus comes out on top for dependability. Ironically, luxury cars ( BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz) tend to have higher lemon rates, thanks to tech that’s tough to fix or harder to reach when it fails. Simpler, time-tested sedans like the Camry or Corolla often deliver fewer headaches over the long run.

Which Car Brands Have the Most Lemons?

Some manufacturers find themselves on the wrong end of the lemon law stats year after year.

• Chrysler and Ford led the way in 2024 with 62 recalls each.
• Fiat was singled out in a major study for producing one lemon per 76,808 vehicles (thanks mostly to issues with the Fiat 500).
• General Motors had one California lemon law case per 78 vehicles.

Often, the problem comes down to how the car is designed, rushed production, and slow responses to known issues. Ford, for example, faced a $165 million penalty after failing to fix backup camera problems in the Explorer quickly enough. Meanwhile, Toyota’s playbook—fix things fast, focus on what works—keeps their numbers much lower.

How Do You Know If You’ve Bought a Lemon?

If you’ve lost track of how many times your car has been in the shop, it might be time to ask yourself if you’re driving a lemon. Watch for:

• The same issue keeps returning (especially after three or four repair attempts).
• Major safety concerns (like brake or airbag failures).
• Your car is out of commission for 30 days or more (even if those days are spread out).
• You’re doing more paperwork than driving.

When in doubt, consult a professional. Lemon law attorneys (like our team) can help you decide if your car qualifies and what you can do about it.

Tips for Avoiding a Lemon

Before you sign for that new or used car, take a few simple steps to avoid trouble down the road:

• Check the car’s history- Use tools like Carfax to see if it’s been a buyback or had major accidents.
• Look for recalls- The NHTSA website can tell you if there are any open recalls for the model you’re eyeing.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection- A good mechanic can spot hidden issues the dealer might not mention.
• Read up on reliability- Check J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and online owner forums for honest feedback.
• Ask about the warranty- Make sure you know what’s covered—and what isn’t.

If you’re buying used, consider certified pre-owned vehicles from brands with good reputations. It’s worth the peace of mind.

What To Do If You Think You Bought a Lemon

First: don’t panic, and don’t give up hope.

1. Write down everything- Every repair, every conversation, every receipt—keep it all in a folder or in your phone.
2. Let the manufacturer know- Send them a formal notice of the ongoing issue(s).
3. Review your warranty- Most lemon laws only apply to vehicles still under warranty.
4. Reach out to a lemon law attorney- It’s what we do, and you don’t pay unless you win in many states.
5. Don’t wait- These claims have strict deadlines, so the sooner you act, the better.

Here’s a more in-depth guide if you really want to know the ins and outs on how to officially file a claim

Looking for Help With a Lemon? West Coast Trial Lawyers Has Your Back

Owning a car shouldn’t mean constant headaches and surprise repair bills. If you’ve been stuck with a lemon, it’s easy to feel like you’re getting nowhere—but you don’t have to fight the system alone.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we know what it’s like to deal with manufacturers who stall, dodge, or simply refuse to make things right. We’ve helped people from all walks of life reclaim their time, money, and peace of mind when their big purchase turned out to be a dud.

Call us (213) 927-3700 for a free consultation or fill out our quick online form. One of our experienced lemon law attorneys will review your situation and help you figure out the best way forward—at no cost to you.