How Many Repairs Before My Car Qualifies as a Lemon

If you’re frustrated with constant trips to the dealership, you might wonder when your car officially becomes a lemon. California’s Lemon Law protects drivers whose vehicles can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts — but what does “reasonable” actually mean?

Let’s break it down.

What Does California Lemon Law Say About Repair Attempts?

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act says a vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if:

✅ The manufacturer or dealer has made four or more attempts to fix a warranty-covered defect, and it still isn’t repaired.

✅ OR, two or more repair attempts were made to fix a defect that is likely to cause death or serious injury (a safety defect).

✅ OR, the vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 days (cumulative) for warranty-covered repairs.

These guidelines are flexible. Even if you don’t meet them exactly, you can still win a lemon law claim based on the total repair history and seriousness of the problem.

Examples of Reasonable Repair Attempts

✅ Example 1: Your brakes fail repeatedly. You bring the car in twice, but the problem returns. That may qualify as a serious safety defect with only two repairs needed.

✅ Example 2: Your infotainment system freezes every few weeks. You bring it in four or more times, but it still doesn’t work. That may qualify under the “four repairs” rule.

✅ Example 3: Your vehicle sat at the dealership for 35 days while they tried to fix the engine. That may qualify under the “30-day rule.”

Tips to Strengthen Your Lemon Law Claim

• Always keep repair invoices and warranty paperwork

• Note the date, mileage, and description of every issue

• Take photos or videos if possible

• Keep a log of your communication with the service advisor

The more evidence you have, the stronger your lemon law case will be.

California Lemon Law FAQs

Q: Does the defect have to be the exact same every time?

A: Usually yes — you need to show the same problem was not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

Q: What if the dealership says “it’s normal” and refuses to repair it?

A: That does not erase your rights. Document everything and call a lemon law attorney.

Q: What if my car is still drivable?

A: It can still qualify as a lemon if the defect substantially impairs its use, value, or safety.

Get Help With Your Lemon Law Claim

If you’ve taken your car in multiple times for warranty repairs and it still doesn’t work properly, you may have a lemon. Our California lemon law attorneys can review your case for free and explain your options.

Contact Us Today