These Vehicle Manufacturers Opted in to the Updated California Lemon Law

As of May 2, 2025, several auto manufacturers have committed to California’s revised Lemon Law procedures (California Code of Civil Procedure 871.20 – 871.30), following the enactment of Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755) and Senate Bill 26 (SB 26).

This five-year irrevocable commitment by the auto manufacturers introduces several key changes to the California Lemon Law, including a shorter statute of limitations, pre-litigation notice requirements, mandatory mediation, discovery procedures, strict timelines for manufacturers to respond ,and more.

The California Lemon Law provides key legal protections for consumers who purchase or lease new or certified pre-owned vehicles that are subject to repeat warranty repairs.

If a vehicle experiences a defect that has been repeatedly repaired, which substantially impairs its safety, use, or value, consumers may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a full refund.

Recent amendments to the California Lemon Law establish new procedural steps—such as mandatory mediation and formal notice requirements—for cases involving manufacturers that choose to participate in the updated framework.

The new lemon law procedures can be especially confusing for consumers, as they only apply to manufacturers who voluntarily opt in—creating inconsistent rules that vary depending on which automaker is involved.

Manufacturers Who Opted In

Several auto manufacturers have officially chosen to participate in the updated California Lemon Law, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure sections 871.20 to 871.30, following the passage of AB 1755 and SB 26.

By opting in, these manufacturers have committed to an irrevocable a five-year term under the new framework.

Below is a partial list of the auto manufacturers that have made this election, as published by the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Arbitration Certification Program:

For the most up-to-date list of participating manufacturers, visit the official Arbitration Certification Program site or refer to the latest publications from the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

The Department’s Arbitration Certification Program (ACP) maintains the official list, which is updated annually. The most current list is expected to be released by December 15 each year.

Manufacturers Who Did NOT Opt In

When an auto manufacturer chooses not to opt into California’s updated lemon law procedures under AB 1755 and SB 26, it means they are not participating in the new processes and that the old rule apply.

However, they can change their mind and make an election to participate by December 15 of each following year.

As of the latest update, the following auto manufacturers have not opted into the new California Lemon law:

Note: Manufacturer participation may change from year to year. For the most current list, check with the California Department of Consumer Affairs or the NMVB by December 15 for the upcoming calendar year.

These manufacturers are still subject to the existing Lemon Law statutes (e.g., the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), but have not committed to the new procedures introduced in 2025.

If your auto manufacturer hasn’t opted into California’s new Lemon Law, you still have strong and helpful resources available.

Consulting a lemon law attorney can be a smart step. Most attorneys in this field offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees unless your case results in a recovery.

Under California law, as the prevailing party, the auto manufacturer is required to pay for your attorney’s fees and costs, which makes hiring a lemon law attorney the right and easy decision to protect your rights.

Top 7 Changes in the Updated California Lemon Law

1. Opt-In Framework for Manufacturers

• Manufacturers may elect to participate in the new lemon law procedures under Code of Civil Procedure §§ 871.20–871.30.
• This election is irrevocable for a period of five (5) calendar years.
• Once opted in, manufacturers and consumers must comply with the procedural requirements under these code sections when a consumer asserts lemon law rights.

2. Required Consumer-Facing Disclosures

• Opted-in manufacturers must publish lemon law contact information—including an email and/or mailing address—on:
  • Their official website
  • The vehicle owner’s manual
  • The warranty booklet
• This information must be made available in both English and Spanish.

3. Written Notice and Response Timelines

• In order to seek the maximum remedies under the law, consumers must provide the manufacturer with written notice either by certified mail or e-mail at least 30 days prior to filing suit demanding a vehicle repurchase or replacement.
• The manufacturer must:
  • Acknowledge receipt of the consumer’s demand
  • Make a repurchase or replacement offer within 30 days of receipt of the consumer’s notice
  • Complete the repurchase or replacement within 60 days of receipt of the consumer’s notice
• If the manufacturer fails to act within these timelines, the consumer may pursue the maximum legal remedies.

4. Early Resolution and Attorney’s Fees

• Disputes over pre-litigation attorney’s fees and costs must be submitted to neutral, binding arbitration.
• If a settlement is reached within 60 days of the manufacturer’s receipt of the notice, the manufacturer must adhere to the Song-Beverly Act’s payment requirements, as outlined in Cal. Civil Code §§ 1790–1795.7 and § 1793.22.

5. Discovery Obligations

• During litigation, consumers and opted-in manufacturers are subject to mandatory disclosure requirements as outlined in the new procedural code sections. This includes sharing relevant documents regarding the lemon law claims in an expedited fashion, shortened depositions of the consumer and the auto manufacturer’s person most qualified, and mandatory mediation.

6. Payment and Vehicle Return Requirements

• Once a settlement is reached:
  • Restitution or replacement must be processed within 30 days of receiving a signed release from the consumer or their counsel
  • If delayed, daily penalties in the amount of $50 per day may apply
  • Restitution must be paid to the consumer at the time of the vehicle’s return
  • Vehicle loan payoff, attorney’s fees, and civil penalties must be paid within one business day of the vehicle return

7. Consumer Notice Requirement Prior to Sale or Transfer of Vehicle

• If a consumer intends to sell, transfer, or dispose of the vehicle after sending a written lemon law demand, they must provide written notice of the following to the prospective buyer or transferee before the transaction occurs:
  • The basis for the lemon law demand (e.g., warranty issues and request for repurchase or replacement)
  • Any pending legal action related to the vehicle
• Failure to provide this disclosure may bar the consumer from recovering civil penalties.

What the New Lemon Law Changes Mean for Consumers

The recent updates to California’s Lemon Law under AB 1755 and SB 26 have major implications for consumers with added complexity.

One of the most important changes is that the new procedures only apply to vehicle manufacturers who voluntarily opt in to the updated legal framework.

This opt-in status affects how your lemon law claim will be handled—and whether you’re subject to the new timeline and rules.

If a manufacturer has opted in:

• They must follow strict timelines for responding to written demands.
• They must disclose lemon law contact information in both English and Spanish.
• They are bound by accelerated procedures for processing buybacks and settlements.
• Disputes over prelitigation attorneys’ fees must go through binding arbitration.
• Consumers must follow new rules too—including giving written notice before filing suit and providing disclosure before selling the vehicle after a lemon law demand.
• And more…

If a manufacturer has not opted in:

• Your case will proceed under the traditional lemon law rules as outlined in the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
• You won’t be subject to the new mediation or timeline requirements.
• You still have strong legal protections and may be entitled to a vehicle repurchase, replacement, civil penalties, and the payment of attorneys’ fees and costs.

Give the Lemon Law Experts a Call Now!

Because not all manufacturers have opted in—and participation can change annually—it’s important to check the California Department of Consumer Affairs for the current list, updated each year by December 15 for the following calendar year.

Whether your vehicle’s manufacturer is opted in or not, you still have rights if your car is defective. Consulting with a qualified lemon law attorney is often the best first step.

Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have been helping consumers who are dealing with manufacturers either delaying repairs or failing to uphold their obligations.

Whether or not the manufacturer has opted into California’s updated lemon law procedures, we’re here to help you understand your legal options.

Don’t let unresolved vehicle issues drag on. Take the next step with a free case evaluation on our website and find out if you’re eligible for compensation. Contact the Lemon Law Experts today.