The California Lemon Law has been a vital resource for car buyers and vehicle owners, ensuring legal protection against defective vehicles. However, recent changes to the law have altered how and when these protections can be used. If you’ve recently purchased a car or are dealing with ongoing vehicle issues, these updates could directly impact you. As of April 1, 2025, the California’s Lemon Law has been updated and you should be aware of these changes.
Key Changes to the California Lemon Law
Most specifically these relate to Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755). Here are some more specifics you should be aware of:
New Rules on Newer Vehicles
Under the new rules, only vehicles manufactured in 2020 or later are eligible to qualify as lemons. This effectively excludes older used cars, creating significant limitations for owners of older models.
Impact on Used Vehicles:
For those considering purchasing a used vehicle, it is now increasingly difficult if not impossible to file a California Lemon Law claim. In 2024, California’s Supreme Court issued its decision in Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC. The Court determined that used vehicles do not qualify for the express warranty remedies offered by California’s Lemon Law., If you suspect pre-existing issues or defects in any used vehicle you are considering, it’s essential to verify warranty terms and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before making a commitment to purchase it.
Stricter Claims Deadlines
Another impactful change revolves around stricter timelines for filing claims:
- Vehicle owners must act within one year of the expiration of the applicable warranty period to submit their claim against the manufacturer.
- Regardless of warranty length, all claims must be filed within six years of the vehicle’s original purchase date.
This change means vehicle owners need to monitor their warranties closely and act quickly when they suspect defects—waiting too long could forfeit your ability to file.
Restrictions on Civil Penalties
Under the revised Lemon Law, as of April 1, 2025, individuals filing claims are now compelled to follow strict rules in order to be eligible for civil penalties against manufacturers. California’s legislature has now enumerated that a consumer must extend a formal demand letter to the manufacturer via certified return receipt mail at least 30 days prior to seeking civil penalties in a lawsuit. The letter must notify the manufacturer of the consumer’s name, the VIN, and a brief description of the issues the vehicle has suffered from. The consumer must also demand a repurchase or replacement. Finally, the consumer must have possession of the vehicle at the time the letter is sent.
The new civil penalty legal changes drastically impact a consumer’s potential compensation and they disincentivize manufacturers from handling claims efficiently. This makes it even more critical to present a strong and valid case.
Used Car Owners Take Notice
While still technically possible, used car owners face increasing hurdles when trying to file a California Lemon Law claim. These include proving that the issue existed before purchase, making it an implied warranty concern. Without an ironclad case, many used car claims may not meet the new legal thresholds, emphasizing why expert legal assistance is now necessary.
Navigating the current Lemon Law can be daunting especially now with the recent changes. 360 Consumer Law and our qualified lemon law attorney are here to help you drive you to through to the best result possible.
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