San Diego Lemon Law Lawyer

Why Choose Neale & Fhima?

We know you have options when looking for a San Diego lemon law attorney. So why choose Neale & Fhima?

Proven Results

With over $50 million recovered for our clients and a 99% success rate, our record speaks for itself. Our legal team has gone up against the biggest car manufacturers in the world and won. Whether you’re facing off against Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Tesla, BMW, or another automaker, we won’t back down.

We Value Relationships

At Neale & Fhima, you’re not just another case number. You’re a person with a problem that needs solving. We take the time to listen to your story, review your vehicle’s history, and give you an honest, straightforward assessment. Our attorneys and staff work closely with every client to craft solutions that are personalized, effective, and fast.

We Understand the Law

California’s Lemon Law is powerful, but it can also be complex. Our attorneys are adept at interpreting the law and applying it effectively to each case. We know how the courts and manufacturers think, and we use this knowledge to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Fast and Aggressive

You’ve already wasted enough time waiting for your car to get fixed. The last thing you want is a long and drawn-out legal battle. At Neale & Fhima, we act quickly and decisively to pursue your claim, applying pressure on the manufacturer from day one. We resolve most cases shortly after filing, but if trial becomes necessary, we’re fully prepared to go to court and fight for you.

What Sets Us Apart from Other Lemon Law Firms?

Not all lemon law attorneys are created equal. Here’s what makes Neale & Fhima different:

Experience with All Vehicle Types

We handle lemon law claims for:

• Cars (foreign and domestic)
• Trucks
• SUVs
• Motorcycles
• RVs and motorhomes
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids

No matter what you drive, if it’s under warranty and repeatedly defective, we can help.

Strategic Insight into Manufacturers

We’ve gone up against almost every major automaker, including:

• Ford
• Toyota
• Chevrolet
• Tesla
• Nissan
• Hyundai
• BMW
• Volkswagen
• Mercedes-Benz
  …and many others.

Our attorneys know the tactics these companies use to deny or delay claims, and we know how to counter them. We often recognize patterns of manufacturer behavior based on the vehicle model, year, and defect, giving you a strategic edge.

Understanding California’s Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law—officially called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—was written to protect consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles. If your vehicle is under the manufacturer’s warranty and you’ve made a reasonable number of attempts to get it repaired without success, you may be entitled to compensation.

So, what qualifies as a “reasonable number” of repair attempts? There’s no set formula. But generally speaking, you may have a lemon law claim if:

• Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, or
• It’s been out of service for 30+ cumulative days, and
• The defect impacts the safety, use, or value of the vehicle,

Even if your issue isn’t listed here, it may still qualify. If you’re unsure whether your car fits the criteria, we encourage you to speak with a knowledgeable San Diego lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima today.

Common Vehicle Defects That May Qualify Under the Lemon Law

Some of the more common defects we see in San Diego lemon law cases include:

• Transmission slippage or failure
• Engine misfiring, overheating, or stalling
• Electrical issues (lighting, sensors, power windows, battery drain)
• Braking system failure or malfunction
• Steering or alignment issues
• Fuel system defects
• Faulty seat belts or airbag warnings
• Infotainment and navigation system failures
• HVAC system breakdowns

These problems aren’t just inconveniences; they can pose serious safety risks. If your car has any of these issues and the dealership keeps giving you the runaround, it’s time to take legal action.

What Can You Recover in a Lemon Law Claim?

California’s Lemon Law offers several remedies to consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. If your case is successful, you may be entitled to one of the following:

Vehicle Repurchase

The manufacturer buys back your defective vehicle. You’ll receive:

• A refund of your down payment
• Reimbursement for monthly payments you’ve already made
• Payment for registration, taxes, and other fees
• Payoff of any outstanding loan balance

Your refund will be reduced slightly based on the mileage you drove before the first repair attempt.

Vehicle Replacement

The manufacturer provides you with a new, comparable vehicle to replace your lemon. This option requires the agreement of both parties.

Cash Settlement

In some cases, you may wish to keep your vehicle and receive a cash-and-keep settlement to compensate for the inconvenience and defect. This option is particularly appealing if you’ve made aftermarket modifications to your vehicle or prefer not to start over with a new car.

A knowledgeable lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima can help you determine which remedy is best for your situation and negotiate aggressively with the manufacturer to get you the outcome you deserve.

Used Cars and the Lemon Law

You might be surprised to learn that used cars can qualify under California’s Lemon Law, too, if they are still covered by the manufacturer’s original or extended warranty. That means if you purchased a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle or a newer used car still under factory coverage, and it has persistent problems, you may still be eligible for legal relief.

Our attorneys can assess whether your specific used vehicle qualifies and guide you through the next steps.

2025 Lemon Law Changes: What You Need to Know

California’s Lemon Law underwent important changes in 2025, and unfortunately, many of these changes make it harder for consumers to pursue claims. If you’re considering filing a lemon law lawsuit, it’s crucial to understand how the new rules might affect your rights.

Starting January 1, 2025, consumers will 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 claim. For used vehicles, this six-year countdown begins with the first owner’s purchase, not yours. Miss these deadlines, and you could lose the right to sue.

To complicate matters further, new legislation passed in May 2025 allows automakers to opt in or out of the updated statute of limitations, creating additional confusion for consumers.

Another key change: If you want to pursue civil penalties against a manufacturer, you must first send a written demand letter asking them to repurchase the vehicle. The automaker then has 30 days to respond before you can proceed.

These changes reduce consumer protection and raise the risk of missed deadlines and denied claims. If you’re unsure how the new law applies to your situation, a San Diego lemon law lawyer at Neale & Fhima can help. We’ll review your case, ensure your claim meets the new criteria, and fight to protect your rights.

How the Lemon Law Process Works

Handling a lemon law claim might seem intimidating, especially when you’re already stressed about your car’s constant issues. That’s why Neale & Fhima is here to make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team will handle every step of your case, from gathering documentation to negotiating with the manufacturer and, if necessary, going to trial.

Here’s a look at how the process typically works:

Step 1: Consultation and Case Evaluation

You start by contacting a San Diego lemon law lawyer at Neale & Fhima. We’ll review your case for free and determine whether your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law. You’ll need to provide repair records, your purchase or lease agreement, and warranty documents.

Step 2: Legal Claim Filing

If your vehicle qualifies, our attorneys will draft a demand letter to the manufacturer, outlining your claim and the remedy you’re seeking. We handle all communication with the manufacturer’s legal team, so you don’t have to.

Step 3: Negotiation or Litigation

In many cases, manufacturers will offer a settlement shortly after the claim is filed, especially when they know they’re dealing with a respected law firm like Neale & Fhima. If they refuse to cooperate or offer an unfair settlement, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in court. We will never pressure you to accept less than what you deserve.

Step 4: Resolution

Whether through settlement or court verdict, our goal is always the same: to get you maximum compensation. Once your claim is resolved, you can move forward with peace of mind, knowing that justice has been served.

What To Do If You Think You Have a Lemon

If your vehicle keeps breaking down or experiencing the same defect repeatedly, it’s time to take action. The sooner you start the process, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Here are the steps to follow if you think you may have a lemon:

Document Everything

Keep meticulous records of all repair visits. This includes service orders, work receipts, dealership notes, and any parts replaced. Make sure the documents clearly list the problem reported and what (if anything) was done to fix it.

Give the Dealership a Fair Chance

California’s Lemon Law requires that manufacturers be given a “reasonable number” of attempts to repair the defect. Typically, this means at least two attempts for a serious safety issue or four for other defects. You also must allow at least 30 cumulative days in the shop.

Check Your Warranty

Your vehicle must have been under the manufacturer’s warranty when the problem began. This applies to both new and some used vehicles that are still covered.

Contact a Lemon Law Lawyer

An experienced lemon law lawyer at Neale & Fhima can evaluate your case. We’ll review your documents, explain your rights, and let you know if you have a valid claim.

You don’t have to live with the stress of a defective vehicle. If you suspect you have a lemon, contact us today. We’ll fight to get you the refund, replacement, or compensation you deserve.

Call a San Diego Lemon Law Lawyer at Neale & Fhima Today

You don’t have to deal with this alone. If your vehicle has been repeatedly repaired under warranty and the problems continue, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law. Whether you prefer a vehicle replacement, a refund, or a cash settlement, Neale & Fhima will work tirelessly to get you the outcome you deserve.

Contact us today at 949-661-1007 or through our online form to discuss your case with our skilled lemon law lawyers in San Diego. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them.

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.