Defective Used Cars Under Warranty in California

Defective Used Cars Under Warranty

Brand new cars often don’t have problems after purchase, and when they do, they’re covered under California lemon laws. But what about cars or trucks bought used? Are they protected? If a used car or truck has major issues and the manufacturer’s warranty on the vehicle is still valid (or the issues happened while the warranty was in place), lemon law protection may be extended to that vehicle as well.

Arthur with Lemon Law Partners was professional, easy to work with, and explained clearly the options I had as a frustrated lemon owner.

Hiring an attorney was a last option but a forced hand. Once the manufactuer received letters of demand from Lemon Law Partners the issue was resolved very quickly.

Lemon Law Partners, thank you for doing your best to make lemonade out of lemons. Keep up the good work!

– Stefan (Google)

Manufacturer Warranties Can Provide Lemon Law Protection for Used Vehicles

Just because you bought a car used doesn’t mean you aren’t protected under the Lemon Law if the car turns out to be a lemon. Certain protections extend from the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act for used vehicles as well. It isn’t just about defective new cars and trucks – the act is about warranties, and if a vehicle, new or used, has problems that cause it to not conform with the warranty, the consumer is entitled to certain remedies. Therefore, used cars or trucks that are purchased with remaining time on the manufacturer’s warranty are also protected under the law.

Used “Lemons” Without Warranty

In some cases a used vehicle may still be protected by California lemon laws even if the manufacturer warranty has expired. Say you attempted repairs to fix a defective car while it was still under warranty, but the problem persisted long after the warranty expired. In this case the warranty may be extended, meaning the defective car or truck may still be seen as covered by the warranty and thus eligible for the lemon law protections that come with it. Every case is different, however, and if you’re dealing with a lemon your best option is to seek counsel from an experienced California lemon law lawyer.

Used Car Problems Covered by California Lemon Laws

Pre-owned cars or trucks that are deemed lemons can show the same symptoms of brand new lemons. In either case, if a defect is causing significant problems the buyer may be able to get a replacement or a refund for the lemon vehicle. Visit our Lemon Law Basics page to see what qualifies as a lemon in California.

Examples of Defects We’ve Seen in Used Cars and Trucks Include:

  • Engine stalling or failing to start
  • Engine fails to maintain power and/or car does not maintain strong pull
  • Little to no response when gas pedal is pressed
  • Diminished acceleration or sudden acceleration/deceleration
  • Car or truck shuts off while driving
  • Car or truck loses torque and/or experiences other steering problems
  • Sudden forward jerking movements
  • Transmission grinding/faulty transmission
  • Electrical problems, including malfunctioning door locks, headlights or windshield wipers
  • Black smoke emitted from exhaust
  • Inoperable air conditioning system
  • Brake defects
  • Excessive tire wear
  • Excessive noise and vibration
  • Recurring fluid leaks
  • Continually dying batteries
  • Bubbling paint
  • Convertible top that does not close properly

Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are several other issues that may be wrong with a car or truck under warranty that may be covered under the law. If you’re having recurring issues with a defect that is impairing your vehicle’s use, value or safety, you may have a lemon. Not sure if you’re protected? Call the experts at Lemon Law Partners, LLP to set up a free case evaluation.

I was receiving tons of letters from Lemon Law attorneys. I looked at several of the letters but this firm caught my eye. I decided to check their reviews and all the reviews were very positive. So, I decided to call this firm. I was first connected to Alvaro, who told me to send all the paperwork i accumulated from the work done to my car, recalls, transmition issues, the list goes one. Once he received my paperwork, he contacted me right away and was told they would take my case.

I purchased my car in Los Angeles, CA and had relocated to Atlanta, GA. All correspondence and communication was done over the phone and email. I never met my attorney, Arthur Obolsky. I like knowing whom I’m dealing with in person and it’s hard to trust that attorney’s will come through based on my previous experience.

Arthur Obolsky, Arturo and his whole team did not disappoint!!! They answered every call, every email and my concerns with immediacy. I got the call from Arthur that we won the settlement and I was shocked! No one ever really believes that they can win a lemon law settlement but with the right attorney that specializes in these kind of cases, it’s possible!!!

I can’t express enough how thankful and pleased I was with my experience with Arthur and his team. Highly recommend Lemon Law Partners.
– Vanessa (Google)

The Manufacturer Pays Our Fees if We Win Your Case

If you’re concerned about having to pay exorbitant attorneys’ fees on top of what you’re already burdened with in regards to your defective vehicle, worry not. Part of the beauty of California Lemon Law is that if we win your case, the manufacturer must also pay our fees.

Some used cars under warranty do have protection under California lemon laws. Schedule a free case evaluation with the experienced attorneys at Lemon Law Partners, LLP today by calling (510) 944-0336. We serve Berkeley, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, and all of California.

Do I Have A Lemon?

Does Your Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon?