If your vehicle has problems but doesn’t technically meet the criteria to qualify as a “lemon,” you may be entitled to cash compensation for its diminished value.
In these instances, the manufacturer will often pay the consumer a “cash and keep” settlement.
However, if your vehicle does fall under California lemon law protection, there are two different solutions available to you as the consumer.
Our California lemon law attorneys will review the potential solutions below.
California Lemon Law Replacement Vehicle
You may receive a replacement vehicle that is substantially similar to the one that is a lemon.
The replacement vehicle will include the same service contract (if applicable), dealer options that came with the original vehicle, and reimbursement for incidental and consequential expenses such as towing or rental car fees.
However, be aware that you may be responsible for any difference in price related to the replacement vehicle and any usage fee for the time that you drove the lemon vehicle ‘trouble-free.’
California Lemon Law Refund/Buyback
Your refund will be based on the following:
- Down payment
- Monthly payments
- Vehicle financing, taxes, registration fees, and service contracts
- Remaining loan balance
If your vehicle was leased rather than purchased, your refund will consist of the same expenses as above, except your remaining lease obligations will be paid off rather than the remaining loan balance.
How to Obtain a Lemon Law Buyback in California
To obtain a Lemon Law buyback in California, you must navigate a specific process to ensure you receive compensation for a defective vehicle. First, determine if your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria.
This includes having repeat repairs for the same or similar issue that is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that impairs its use, safety, or value.
Next, promptly report the defect to the manufacturer or authorized manufacturer dealership and give them a reasonable number of repair attempts to remedy the issues.
If the defect persists after a reasonable number of attempts or your vehicle has been out of service for an extended number of days, you may be able to proceed with filing a Lemon Law claim.
Gather all relevant documentation, including repair invoices, work orders, and correspondence with the manufacturer. Consult an attorney experienced in Lemon Law cases to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
File a claim against the auto manufacturer. If the manufacturer fails to repair the vehicle within a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a buyback.
If you qualify for a Lemon Law Buyback, the manufacturer is required to repurchase your vehicle or provide a replacement vehicle of equal value. The process typically involves negotiations, and if an agreement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit.
Remember to be diligent, keep detailed records, and seek legal advice to maximize your chances of obtaining a Lemon Law buyback in California.
Example Timelines of Recent Clients
The Lemon Law Experts take pride in their track record of resolving various cases for clients in a timely manner. Here are a few examples of recent cases our team has resolved:
1. 2021 Nissan Rogue Repurchase
In the case of a 2021 Nissan Rogue, we were able to secure a successful repurchase for our client within a span of approximately six months. The resolution included a full repurchase (minus a usage fee) of the vehicle and also the payment of the consumer’s attorneys fees and costs.
The client had been experiencing recurring issues with the CVT transmission, including hesitation upon acceleration, surging, and slipping.
Our efforts led to a favorable outcome, ensuring that the client received the necessary compensation and relief for their persistent transmission problems.
2. 2022 Ford F-150 Repurchase
The Lemon Law Experts were able to achieve a repurchase for our client who owned a 2022 Ford F-150 after approximately four months of our dedicated efforts. Additionally, the settlement included the reimbursement of attorney fees and costs.
The client had been confronted with recurrent transmission problems, including slipping during acceleration and noticeable shuddering.
Our persistent advocacy led to a favorable outcome, ensuring that the client received the appropriate compensation and relief for the ongoing transmission issues they had experienced.
3. 2021 GMC Sierra Repurchase
After dedicated efforts spanning approximately six months, we successfully secured a full repurchase for our client (minus a usage fee), along with the payment of this consumer’s of attorneys fees and costs.
The client had been facing persistent issues with their vehicle, including recurring repairs for the check engine light, engine noise during driving, failure to shift properly, and transmission slipping.
Our unwavering commitment led to a favorable resolution, ensuring that the client received the necessary compensation and relief for the various issues affecting their vehicle.
4. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Repurchase
After an extensive effort spanning approximately nine months, we successfully secured a repurchase for our client, accompanied by civil penalties and the payment of the consumer’s attorneys fees and costs.
The client had been dealing with persistent issues related to their truck, including recurrent repairs for the truck shifting hard when changing gears, engine power reduction, check engine light illumination, and hesitations when starting.
Through our determined advocacy, we achieved a favorable outcome, ensuring that the client received the appropriate compensation and relief for the various problems affecting their 2020 Chevrolet Silverado.
The calculator below takes various factors into account and gives you an estimated refund. Take one minute and find out how much you could receive in compensation!
Please note that this refund calculator does not create a guarantee or prediction of future results. Every case is unique and must be assessed according to its own facts and merits. The refund calculator does not include California lemon law lawyer fees and costs.
To read more about our disclaimer, click HERE.
Current Vehicle Buybacks in California
We Can Help You!
If you think you may have a lemon, don’t delay! Hire our experienced lemon law team in California to help you with your claim and obtain the settlement you’re owed.
