California: lemon law rules
How many repair attempts or days in the shop make a new car a lemon in your state, and how long the protection lasts.
Single detailed source| Repair attempts or days out of service | 2 for a serious safety defect; 4 attempts; or 30 calendar days |
|---|---|
| Coverage period | 18 months or 18,000 miles (presumption period) |
These tests create a presumption that a new car is a lemon; most states require written notice to the manufacturer and some require arbitration first. Remedies are usually a refund or replacement.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
Also for California: Car insurance by state in California · Claim deadlines in California · Small claims limits in California · Total loss rules in California · Shared fault rules in California · Accident reporting rules in California · Sales tax rates in California · Phone-while-driving laws in California · Motorcycle helmet laws in California · Gas tax in California
How we checked this
Tests come from a national lemon law firm's 50-state table, corrected against the Florida and Texas statutes. Two states missing from that table are marked for review. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.