Warranty Breaches

Protecting Your Warranty Rights

Buying a new or used car in California should come with peace of mind. When you discover repeated problems or repairs that the manufacturer or dealer fails to fix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. At Attain Law, we understand how stressful it can be when your vehicle warranty isn’t honored as promised. If you believe your rights under a car warranty have been breached, you’re not alone—many drivers across California face similar challenges. Knowing your legal options under the California Lemon Law can make a real difference.

If you’re dealing with recurring vehicle defects, you may also want to learn about vehicle defects and how they relate to warranty issues.

What Is a Warranty Breach?

A warranty breach happens when a car manufacturer or dealership fails to repair your vehicle as required under a written or implied warranty. This can include:

• Ignoring repeated repair requests for the same issue
• Refusing to cover legitimate repairs
• Delaying repairs beyond reasonable time frames
• Failing to provide replacement vehicles or refunds when required

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—commonly called the California Lemon Law—gives you strong protections if your car is still under warranty and has persistent problems. These protections also apply to some used vehicles and certified pre-owned cars sold with warranties.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, see What Constitutes a Warranty Breach Under Lemon Law?.

California and Federal Laws

California has some of the nation’s most robust consumer protections for vehicle owners. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires car makers to:

• Repair defects within a reasonable number of attempts
• Replace or repurchase vehicles with unfixable problems
• Cover the costs of repairs under warranty terms

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also gives you rights if you’ve received a written warranty on your car, motorcycle, or RV. This law applies nationwide and can help you recover repair or replacement costs if a company fails to honor its warranty.

If your situation involves other product issues, you may also find our Product Liability page helpful.

Dealer and Manufacturer Obligations

Under California law, dealerships and manufacturers must:

• Accurately disclose warranty terms and coverage
• Respond promptly to repair requests
• Honor all repair and replacement promises made in the warranty
• Not mislead or withhold information about your rights

If you feel your dealer is dodging responsibility, you may want to review Understanding Manufacturer Responsibilities in Warranty Claims.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Breach

If you think your car warranty has been breached, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Read Your Warranty Carefully: Understand what’s covered and the time or mileage limits.
2. Document Problems: Keep detailed records of all repair attempts, dates, and communications.
3. Request Written Responses: Ask the dealer or manufacturer to confirm their decisions in writing.
4. Give Reasonable Opportunity to Repair: California law usually requires at least two or more repair attempts for a serious defect.
5. Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If you’re not getting results, legal help can make all the difference in enforcing your rights.

For more tips, check out How to Enforce Your Rights in a Warranty Dispute.

What Damages Can You Recover?

California law allows for several types of compensation if your warranty is breached:

• Repurchase or replacement of your defective vehicle
• Reimbursement for repair costs, towing, and rental cars
• Payment of attorney’s fees if you win your case
• Possible civil penalties if the breach was willful

If your claim involves a vehicle with persistent mechanical issues, you might also be interested in Common Vehicle Defects Covered by Lemon Law.

Frequently Asked Questions about Warranty Breaches

What qualifies as a warranty breach under California Lemon Law? A warranty breach occurs when the manufacturer or dealer fails to repair a covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts or refuses to honor the written or implied warranty terms.

How many repair attempts are needed before I have a claim? Generally, two or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect or four or more for other issues may qualify, but your situation may vary.

What types of vehicles are covered by California Lemon Law? New and some used vehicles, including cars, trucks, and certain motorcycles, are covered if sold or leased with a warranty in California.

What should I do if my warranty claim is denied? Document all communication, keep repair records, and contact a lemon law attorney to discuss your options for enforcing your rights.

Can I recover legal fees if I win my warranty breach case? Yes, California law often allows you to recover reasonable attorney’s fees if you prevail in a warranty breach or lemon law claim.

Contact Us for Help

If you’re struggling with a possible warranty breach or lemon vehicle in California, Attain Law can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. For answers tailored to your situation, contact us today for a free consultation or call (888) 970-8627. We’re here to support you.