Filing a lemon law claim in California can help you recover costs, get a replacement vehicle, or receive a full refund. However, many consumers lose out on compensation due to simple—but critical—errors. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 mistakes to avoid in a California lemon law case and help you take the right steps to protect your rights.
1. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
One of the most common—and costly—mistakes to avoid in a California lemon law case is waiting too long to act. California’s statute of limitations gives you four years from the time you knew (or should have known) the vehicle was a lemon.
If you delay filing, you could lose your legal right to compensation, even if your case is valid.
👉 For help understanding the timeline, visit Arash Law’s California Lemon Law Attorneys.
2. Not Keeping Detailed Records
Good documentation is essential to winning your case. Without it, you may struggle to prove how often your vehicle has been repaired—or the severity of the issue.
Keep track of:
Repair orders and invoices
Written communications with the dealer or manufacturer
Warranty paperwork
Dates and mileage of each repair visit
👉 Learn how to build a strong case from Arash Law’s claim filing guide.
3. Not Giving the Dealer Enough Repair Attempts
California law requires that the manufacturer or dealer is given a reasonable number of repair attempts before you can file a lemon law claim. Filing too early may cause your case to be denied.
Typically, the standard includes:
4 attempts for the same recurring issue
2 attempts for safety-related defects
30+ cumulative days in the shop for repairs
Give the dealer the opportunity to fix the problem—but don’t let them keep your vehicle indefinitely. If you’re unsure how many attempts count as “reasonable,” a lemon law attorney can help evaluate your case.
4. Accepting a Lowball Settlement from the Manufacturer
Manufacturers may offer a quick settlement to close the case—but these offers often fall short of what you’re actually entitled to. You may not receive full reimbursement for:
Down payments
Monthly payments
Taxes and fees
Incidental costs like towing or rental cars
Without legal guidance, it’s easy to accept less than you deserve. Don’t sign anything until you’ve reviewed it with a lemon law attorney.
👉 Need help negotiating with the manufacturer? Contact Arash Law for expert support.
5. Not Hiring a Lemon Law Attorney
Some people try to handle lemon law claims on their own to save legal fees. But California lemon law attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and your attorney only gets paid if you win.
An attorney can:
Determine if your case qualifies
Handle all negotiations and paperwork
Fight back if the manufacturer resists
Maximize your compensation
Trying to navigate the process without a lawyer can lead to costly missteps. The right legal help makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
California’s Lemon Law is a powerful tool for consumers—but only if you avoid the most common mistakes. By filing your claim on time, keeping good records, following the correct process, and getting legal help, you’ll significantly improve your chances of success.
If you think your vehicle might be a lemon, don’t wait. Reach out to an experienced team like Arash Law and take the first step toward the resolution you deserve.
