Santa Maria residents rely heavily on their vehicles, with most households owning two or more cars and many commuters driving solo to work. A reliable vehicle is essential. However, dealing with car problems can be more than just an inconvenience; it's a significant disruption to daily life. With over twenty years of experience resolving Lemon Law cases for consumers in Santa Maria, extensive knowledge spans all brands and models of gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles, as well as motorcycles, trucks, and RVs.
The founding attorney spent her first twelve years representing major product manufacturers, including an automobile maker, before switching sides and focusing on consumer law.
Since the advent of mass-produced cars, lemons have plagued consumers due to faulty designs, defective parts, or systemic manufacturing issues. In , California became one of the first states to enact a Lemon Law, providing relief for consumers facing persistent vehicle problems. If a new or used vehicle in California is under a manufacturer warranty and has ongoing issues that a dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, compensation may be available under the California Lemon Law.
If you leased or purchased a new or used vehicle in California that is under a warranty and has a problem s that a dealer has repeatedly failed to repair, you may qualify for compensation. Both purchased or leased new vehicles. There is always some confusion over this requirement. Simply, cars, trucks, and the powertrain portions of motorhomes are covered by the Lemon Law if:. Motorcycles, the coach portion of a mobile home and towables fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, travel trailers and pop-up campers are covered as consumer goods.
A vehicle is considered a lemon if it has a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety, and if the issue persists despite multiple repair attempts. Specific examples of substantial defects include:. Common defects include safety-related issues like stalling, brake pedal vibrations, transmission problems, overheating engines, and faulty airbags. Motor Vehicles today are better built, safer, and more integrated than ever.
