Blog

We at The Law Offices of Kevin Faulk in Sunnyvale, California, know how overwhelming it can feel when our electric vehicle (EV) starts showing defects. Whether you are dealing with battery issues, software malfunctions, or strange noises that the dealership can’t seem to fix, these problems aren’t what you signed up for when you invested in cleaner transportation.

Dealing with repeated issues in a recreational vehicle (RV) can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the RV was supposed to offer freedom and adventure. At the Law Offices of Kevin Faulk located in San Jose, California, we understand the stress and disappointment that comes with owning a defective RV.

California has long been a leader in consumer protection, and its new 2024 "Lemon Car Law" bill represents another significant step in protecting car buyers from faulty vehicles. Assembly Bill 1755, which was signed into law in September and will take effect in April 2025, strengthens the rights of consumers who purchase new or used vehicles that turn out to have significant mechanical defects or safety issues.

When you buy a new or used vehicle, the last thing you expect is for it to be riddled with defects. Unfortunately, many consumers in California face the frustration of purchasing a car that spends more time in the repair shop than on the road. These vehicles are often referred to as "lemons."

Understanding the actions or defects that can void your car warranty is essential for all vehicle owners to know. A warranty is a contract between you and the automaker or dealership, which promises to take care of or compensate you for any manufacturer defects for a specified period.

What? You don't know how to go about filing a lemon law claim? Don't worry, you're not alone. Also, how would you know, unless you're a legal or automotive professional, or unless you've navigated the process numerous times before?

If you're in California, the statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim is four years. That means that you have four years from the time you encounter warrantable issues with your vehicle to file a claim against the dealership or manufacturer.

We get it, there's nothing more frustrating than investing your hard-earned money into a new car, only to find out it's defective. The constant trips to the repair shop, the safety concerns, and the overall disappointment can be overwhelming. But don't worry, you're not alone. Many consumers face this issue and that's where the Lemon Law comes in.

According to the Auto Lemon Index, in California from 2018 to 2021, there were 7.6 million new car registrations, and 34,397 lemon law cases filed, representing 0.45 percent of all new vehicles sold. A lemon is a car that cannot be operated due to one or more safety defects.