Sacramento Lemon Law Lawyer

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

California’s Lemon Law, officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who have purchased or leased a defective vehicle. If a manufacturer cannot repair your vehicle’s defect after a reasonable number of attempts, the law requires them to either refund your money or replace the vehicle.

The law applies to most new and used vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty, including:

• Cars
• Trucks
• SUVs
• Motorcycles
• RVs and travel trailers

To qualify, the defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, a Sacramento lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima can evaluate your case for free and explain your legal options.

Do I Have a Lemon?

You might be wondering whether your car truly qualifies as a lemon under the law. The answer often depends on how often your vehicle has been in the shop and how severe the defect is.

Here are a few signs that you may have a lemon:

• You’ve made multiple trips to the dealership for the same problem.
• The defect affects your ability to safely drive the vehicle.
• The issue significantly reduces the car’s value.
• The vehicle has been out of service for an extended period (typically 30+ cumulative days).

California law doesn’t set a strict number of repair attempts, but the more documentation you have, such as repair invoices and work orders, the stronger your case. If your car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty and the problem persists, it’s time to talk to a  lemon law lawyer in Sacramento about filing a claim.

Why Choose Neale & Fhima?

At Neale & Fhima, we’ve built our reputation on excellence, compassion, and results. With a 99% success rate in lemon law claims and more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our firm has helped thousands of clients across California obtain refunds, vehicle replacements, and cash settlements.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Proven Success

Our lemon law attorneys know how to win. We’ve recovered more than $50 million in settlements for our clients, and we go up against the biggest auto manufacturers every day. We’re not intimidated by corporate lawyers—and we never settle for less than you deserve.

Personalized Attention

You’re not just another file to us. We take time to understand your situation, listen to your frustrations, and develop a strategy that works best for you. We know how stressful it is to deal with a defective vehicle, and we’re here to make the legal process as smooth as possible.

No Cost to You

Under California’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer is required to pay your legal fees. That means you pay nothing out of pocket to hire an experienced lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima. We offer free consultations and only get paid when we win your case.

Aggressive and Fast

We understand that time is of the essence. After all the runarounds you’ve received from the dealership, the last thing you want is another drawn-out process. That’s why we act quickly to file your claim, apply pressure to the manufacturer, and pursue a favorable resolution—fast.

What Are My Legal Remedies?

If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you typically have three options for compensation:

Option 1: Vehicle Repurchase

You return the defective vehicle and receive a full refund of the purchase price (minus a small mileage offset). The manufacturer will also pay off your loan and reimburse you for registration fees and taxes.

Option 2: Vehicle Replacement

You receive a new, comparable vehicle. The manufacturer pays for the replacement, including taxes and registration. This option requires both you and the manufacturer to agree to the terms.

Option 3: Cash Settlement

In some cases, you may choose to keep the vehicle and receive a cash settlement. This is often an option when you’re close to the end of your lease or loan term.

Our attorneys will walk you through each of these options and help you choose the one that works best for your unique situation.

Time Limits: Don’t Wait to File

As of January 1, 2025, California’s Lemon Law changed, and not in a way that benefits consumers. The new statute of limitations gives you only one year after your manufacturer’s warranty expires or six years from the vehicle’s original purchase date (whichever comes first) to file a claim. For used vehicles, that six-year clock starts with the first owner, not you.

To complicate things further, automakers can now opt in or out of these new rules, adding confusion for Sacramento car buyers.

Additionally, if you plan to seek civil penalties, you must first send a written demand letter to the manufacturer and wait 30 days for a response before taking legal action.

These new hurdles make it more important than ever to act quickly. Contact a Sacramento lemon law lawyer at Neale & Fhima today to safeguard your rights.

Common Vehicle Defects

The types of issues that may qualify under California’s Lemon Law include:

• Engine failure or stalling
• Faulty transmission
• Steering issues
• Electrical malfunctions
• Brake problems
• Navigation and display issues
• Fuel system defects
• Repeated battery drain
• Air conditioning/heating failure
• Doors and locks not working

Even seemingly minor issues can be covered if they significantly impact the vehicle’s usability, safety, or value.

We Handle the Entire Process for You

From gathering repair records and drafting legal notices to negotiating with manufacturers and, if needed, litigating in court, Neale & Fhima handles every aspect of your claim. You don’t have to deal with the stress and confusion of the legal process alone. We’ve got your back.

Contact Our Sacramento Lemon Law Attorney Today

You don’t have to stay stuck with a lemon. If your vehicle has ongoing issues and the dealership can’t fix them, it’s time to call Neale & Fhima. We’ll help you determine whether your car qualifies, explain your legal options, and fight for the best possible result, all at no cost to you.

Speak to a trusted Sacramento lemon law attorney today and get back on the road. Contact us today at 949-661-1007 or through our online form to discuss your case with our knowledgeable legal team.

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.