Los Angeles Lemon Law Lawyer

Why Choose a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney at Neale & Fhima?

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in a Lemon Law claim. At Neale & Fhima, we provide personalized, aggressive representation to vehicle owners who feel stuck, helpless, or ignored. Here’s why so many clients across Southern California trust our firm:

• 99% Success Rate: Our results speak for themselves. We win the vast majority of our Lemon Law cases.
• Over $50 Million Recovered: We’ve helped thousands of clients recover compensation, vehicle replacements, and cash settlements.
• Free Consultation: We offer no-cost case evaluations, so you can understand your rights with zero risk.
• You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: Under California’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer is responsible for your legal fees—so you never pay us out of pocket.
• Decades of Experience: Our attorneys know California’s Lemon Law inside and out. We’ve faced off against the biggest auto manufacturers in court and won.

We know how hard it can be to navigate the legal system when you’re frustrated, stressed, or unsure if your vehicle even qualifies. That’s where our Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyers come in to take the stress off your shoulders and lead the way forward.

What Qualifies as a “Lemon” Under California Law?

California’s Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. But not every vehicle with a glitch is considered a “lemon.” To qualify, you must meet certain legal requirements.

Generally, a vehicle is considered a lemon if:

• It has a defect or malfunction covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
• The defect affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
• The manufacturer or dealership has been given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue

What constitutes a “reasonable number of attempts” can vary depending on the nature of the problem. In some cases, as few as two repair attempts may be enough if the defect presents a serious safety concern. In other situations, four or more visits might be needed.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, that’s okay. Our Los Angeles Lemon Law attorneys are here to review your case and offer guidance. All you need to do is provide documentation of your repair attempts, such as work orders, receipts, and service records. We’ll evaluate everything and let you know your options.

Common Vehicle Defects Covered by Lemon Law

The law is designed to protect consumers from a wide range of vehicle issues. Whether your problem is mechanical, electrical, or software-related, you may be entitled to compensation or a replacement vehicle. Common defects we see in Lemon Law cases include:

• Engine failure or stalling
• Transmission issues
• Steering problems
• Brake failure or malfunctions
• Electrical system errors
• Infotainment and navigation system bugs
• Doors that won’t lock or open
• Faulty fuel systems
• Battery drain or irregular charging
• Unresponsive acceleration
• Air conditioning or heating failure

It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is new, used, or leased, as long as it’s still under the original manufacturer’s warranty, you may have a valid claim. California’s Lemon Law covers cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and more.

How the Lemon Law Process Works

At Neale & Fhima, we make the Lemon Law claims process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We move quickly and aggressively to hold manufacturers accountable and pursue the remedy that fits your needs. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your situation, review your repair records, and determine if your vehicle meets the criteria for a Lemon Law claim.
• Case Filing: If you qualify, we’ll file a claim on your behalf, handling all communication with the manufacturer so you don’t have to.
• Negotiation or Litigation: We push hard for a favorable settlement, but if the manufacturer refuses to do what’s right, we’re fully prepared to take them to court.
• Resolution: Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive one of the following remedies:
  • Repurchase: You get a refund of your purchase price, minus a small deduction for mileage before the first repair attempt. Your loan may also be paid off.
  • Replacement: You’re provided with a comparable new vehicle, with registration and taxes covered by the manufacturer.
  • Cash Settlement: You keep your current vehicle and receive a cash payment for the inconvenience and loss of value.

Throughout the entire process, your  Lemon Law lawyer in Los Angeles will keep you informed, answer your questions, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Deadlines Matter: Don’t Wait to File

California’s Lemon Law changed in 2025, and if you’re dealing with a defective vehicle in Los Angeles, you need to know how these updates could impact your legal rights.

Starting January 1, 2025, a new statute of limitations went into effect. You will now have only one year after the manufacturer’s warranty expires, or six years from the vehicle’s original purchase date (whichever comes first), to file a lemon law claim. For used cars, the six-year window begins from the date the first owner purchased the vehicle, not when you bought it.

To make matters more confusing, legislation passed in May 2025 allows automakers to opt in or out of the new rules, meaning your eligibility may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer.

There’s also a new hurdle for pursuing civil penalties: Consumers must now send a written demand letter to the manufacturer requesting a repurchase before filing suit. The automaker then has 30 days to respond.

These updates make it easier for manufacturers to avoid liability and easier for consumers to miss critical deadlines. If you think you may have a lemon, contact a Los Angeles lemon law lawyer at Neale & Fhima today to protect your rights.

What If I Bought a Used Car?

Many drivers don’t realize that California’s Lemon Law can also apply to used vehicles, as long as the car or truck is still under the manufacturer’s original or certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty. If you purchased a used vehicle from a dealership and it came with this type of coverage, you may be entitled to the same protections as someone who bought a brand-new car.

At Neale & Fhima, we regularly handle claims involving used and leased vehicles. We’ll take the time to review your unique situation and explain whether the Lemon Law applies to your case. If it does, we’ll build a strong claim and demand the compensation or vehicle replacement you deserve.

Because Lemon Law coverage for used vehicles can be a little more complex, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney as soon as you notice recurring problems with your vehicle.

Understanding “Nonconformities” in Lemon Law Claims

In Lemon Law cases, your vehicle’s problems are often referred to as “nonconformities.” These are defects or conditions that do not conform to the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty and negatively affect the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.

The nonconformity doesn’t have to be life-threatening to qualify. Something as seemingly minor as a defective infotainment system, persistent warning lights, or unresponsive door locks could meet the legal threshold, especially if they’ve required multiple repair attempts without a lasting fix.

Here are examples of nonconformities that often give rise to Lemon Law claims:

• Brakes that squeal, grind, or fail
• Recurring check engine lights
• Intermittent starting issues
• Failing backup cameras
• Malfunctioning sensors
• Suspension and alignment problems
• Transmission slipping or hard shifting
• HVAC (heating and cooling) systems not working

If these or other issues have made your driving experience frustrating—or even unsafe—don’t assume you have to “live with it.” Contact a Lemon Law lawyer at Neale & Fhima to find out whether your issue qualifies under California law.

What Are Your Options If You Win?

Once your Lemon Law claim is successful, you’ll be able to choose from several types of remedies:

Option A: Vehicle Repurchase

The manufacturer will buy back your vehicle and refund the money you spent purchasing it. This includes:

• Down payment
• Monthly loan payments
• Registration and DMV fees
• Sales tax
• Payoff of your remaining loan balance

This refund may be reduced slightly based on your usage of the vehicle before the first repair attempt.

Option B: Vehicle Replacement

The manufacturer replaces your defective vehicle with a new one of the same or similar make and model. They also pay registration and taxes on the new vehicle. This option requires the agreement of both you and the manufacturer.

Option C: Cash and Keep

In some cases, we can negotiate a cash settlement that allows you to keep the vehicle and receive a lump-sum payment to compensate for the defect and inconvenience. This is a good option if the issue isn’t serious enough to make the vehicle unusable but still affects its value or functionality.

Your Lemon Law lawyer at Neale & Fhima will explain each option and help you determine which remedy best suits your circumstances.

We Move Quickly So You Can Get Back on the Road

We understand how aggravating it is to drive an unreliable vehicle—or worse, to not be able to drive at all. That’s why we work quickly to advance your case and pursue justice on your behalf. From the moment you contact our firm, we begin building a strong claim by:

• Collecting and reviewing your repair records
• Assessing warranty coverage
• Drafting and filing a legal demand
• Handling all communications with the manufacturer
• Preparing for negotiation—or trial, if necessary

We’ll never push you into a lowball settlement just to get your case over with. Our attorneys are fierce negotiators who won’t stop until you’re satisfied with the outcome.

Contact a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney at Neale & Fhima Today

Owning a car that turns out to be a lemon can leave you feeling frustrated and powerless, but the California Lemon Law gives consumers the upper hand. This important legislation not only protects your rights but also holds manufacturers accountable for the vehicles they put on the market.

You’ve spent enough time waiting at the repair shop, dealing with unreturned calls, or hoping the next fix will finally solve the issue. If you think you may have a lemon on your hands, now is the time to take action.

Let the Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyers at Neale & Fhima help you stand up to the manufacturer and claim the compensation you’re entitled to under California law. Contact us today at 949-661-1007 or through our online form to discuss your case with our experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyers. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start working on your claim.

Attorney Aaron Fhima

Attorney Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights.