Understanding Manufacturer Responsibilities in Warranty Claims

Facing Car Trouble?

When your new car spends more time in the shop than on the road, frustration quickly sets in. California’s Lemon Law was designed to give consumers like you real recourse when manufacturers fail to honor their warranties. But what exactly are manufacturers required to do—and what steps can you take if they fall short? This article unpacks your rights, the actions manufacturers must take, and the remedies available if your vehicle turns out to be a lemon.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies or how to proceed, you’re not alone. Many drivers across California have questions about what counts as a warranty breach, how to hold carmakers accountable, and what kind of compensation may be available. At Attain Law, our attorneys help Californians understand lemon law protections and assert their rights when manufacturers don’t play fair.

Defining Warranty Claims

A warranty claim is a request made by a consumer to a manufacturer or dealer to fix defects covered by a written or implied warranty. In California, vehicle warranties are typically provided by carmakers and promise that your car will be free from certain defects for a set period or mileage.

Key Types of Car Warranties

• Manufacturer’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Covers most repairs for a specified number of years or miles.
• Powertrain Warranty: Focuses on the engine, transmission, and related components.
• Extended Warranty: Optional coverage that may add years to your protection.
• Implied Warranty of Merchantability: Even if not written, California law says your car must be fit for ordinary driving.

If you’re wondering whether your issue counts as a warranty breach, check out What Constitutes a Warranty Breach Under Lemon Law?.

What California’s Lemon Law Requires

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the “Lemon Law”) requires manufacturers to repair substantial defects that arise during the warranty period. If your car can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund.

Manufacturer’s Core Obligations

• Timely Repairs: The manufacturer or authorized dealer must attempt repairs within a reasonable time.
• Disclosure: Manufacturers must provide clear written warranty terms to buyers.
• Replacement or Refund: If the defect can’t be fixed, the manufacturer must offer a comparable replacement or buy back the vehicle.
• No Retaliation: You cannot be penalized for asserting your rights.

Learn more about steps to file a vehicle defect claim or your rights in a warranty dispute.

When Does a Manufacturer Breach a Warranty?

A breach occurs when a manufacturer fails to repair or replace your vehicle as promised in the warranty. In California, this includes ignoring requests for repairs, performing inadequate repairs, or failing to offer a replacement or refund after repeated attempts.

Common Warranty Breach Scenarios

• Refusing to authorize covered repairs
• Delaying repairs for weeks or months
• Replacing parts with substandard or used components
• Denying warranty coverage without valid reason

For a deeper dive, see Common Vehicle Defects Covered by Lemon Law.

Steps Manufacturers Must Take

If you report a defect during the warranty period, the manufacturer must:

• Accept the vehicle for inspection and repair
• Perform repairs at no cost to you
• Keep you informed about repair progress
• Document all repairs and provide written proof
• Offer a replacement or refund if repairs are unsuccessful after a reasonable number of attempts

Your Action Plan

1. Document Everything
   Keep detailed records of repair attempts, communications, and invoices. This is crucial for proving your case under California Lemon Law.

2. Request Repairs Promptly
   Notify the dealer or manufacturer right away when problems arise.

3. Follow Up in Writing
   Use email or certified mail to create a paper trail.

4. Consult a Lemon Law Attorney
   If repairs fail or the manufacturer is unresponsive, talking to a lawyer can help clarify your options and handle negotiations.

Learn more about how to enforce your rights in a warranty dispute or identify a lemon vehicle.

What Counts as a “Reasonable Number” of Repairs?

California law doesn’t set a fixed number, but generally:

• Two or more repair attempts for a serious safety defect
• Four or more attempts for other substantial defects
• The vehicle is out of service for 30 days or more (cumulative)

These guidelines help courts and arbitrators decide whether a manufacturer has met its obligations.

Potential Damages and Remedies

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Repurchase or replacement of your vehicle
• Refund of all payments made, including down payment, monthly payments, and taxes
• Reimbursement for towing and rental car costs
• Payment of your attorney’s fees and costs

For more information, see Understanding Compensation in Consumer Product Lawsuits.

What If the Manufacturer Denies Your Claim?

If a manufacturer refuses your claim, you can:

• Request a written explanation of the denial
• Appeal through the manufacturer’s dispute resolution process
• File a complaint with California’s Department of Consumer Affairs
• Pursue legal action under Lemon Law with the help of an attorney

How Federal Law Works with California Lemon Law

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also protects consumers and may provide another avenue for relief, especially for products not covered by California Lemon Law. Federal law requires clear warranty terms and forbids deceptive practices.

Related Lemon Law Topics

• Vehicle Defects and Your Rights
• Warranty Breaches Explained
• How to Prove Manufacturer Liability
• Common Vehicle Defects

Frequently Asked Questions about Manufacturer Responsibilities in Warranty Claims

What are manufacturers required to do under California Lemon Law? Manufacturers must repair substantial defects under warranty, and if repairs fail after a reasonable number of attempts, they must offer a replacement vehicle or a refund.

How many repair attempts does California require before a buyback or replacement? Generally, two or more attempts for serious safety issues or four or more for other defects, or if the vehicle is out of service for 30 days or more.

Can I recover attorney’s fees in a successful Lemon Law claim? Yes, if you win your Lemon Law case, California law allows you to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the manufacturer.

What if the manufacturer denies my warranty claim? You can appeal through the manufacturer’s process, file a complaint with California’s Department of Consumer Affairs, or pursue legal action under Lemon Law.

Does Lemon Law apply to used vehicles in California? California Lemon Law may apply to used vehicles that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty.

Get the Help You Deserve

Dealing with a stubborn manufacturer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. The team at Attain Law is committed to guiding California consumers through every step of the lemon law process. If you think your warranty rights have been violated, call us at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you.