How to Sue a Car Manufacturer for a Defective Vehicle in California

At Valero Law, APC, we understand how frustrating it is to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle, only to find out it’s riddled with defects. Whether you’re dealing with recurring engine issues, electrical malfunctions, or a transmission that just won’t stay fixed, California’s lemon law is designed to protect you.

If the dealership keeps giving you the runaround, you don’t have to just live with it. You can take legal action — and we’re here to show you how.

What Is Considered a Defective Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered a “lemon” under California law if:

• The manufacturer has made multiple attempts to repair the defect under warranty.

• The defect is substantial, meaning it affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.

• The issues occur within the warranty period or a reasonable time/mileage thereafter.

Defects that may qualify include:

• Engine or transmission failure

• Electrical system malfunctions

• Faulty airbags or safety systems

• Recalls that aren’t adequately resolved

• Infotainment or navigation system glitches

• Persistent warning lights or sensor errors

When Can You Sue the Manufacturer?

You don’t need to keep going back to the dealership forever. If your vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly or for an extended period (typically 30+ days total), it may be time to escalate.

Here’s when suing the manufacturer becomes a real option:

1. The defect hasn’t been fixed after a reasonable number of attempts.

2. The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty or was recently out of warranty.

3. The dealer or manufacturer is unwilling to offer a fair resolution.

At that point, California’s lemon law may entitle you to:

• A full vehicle repurchase (buyback)

• A replacement vehicle

• Cash compensation (“cash and keep”)

• Coverage of your attorney’s fees and costs

Steps to Take Before Filing a Lawsuit

Before jumping into a lawsuit, here’s what you should do:

1. Document everything. Keep copies of repair orders, invoices, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.

2. Know your warranty. Check how long your original or extended warranty lasts and what it covers.

3. Consult a lemon law attorney. Don’t try to go it alone. The manufacturer has legal teams — you should too.

Suing the Manufacturer: What to Expect

Once you hire a lemon law attorney, your legal team (that’s us!) will:

• Review your repair history and documents

• File a claim with the manufacturer

• Negotiate a fair settlement (repurchase, replacement, or cash offer)

• File a lawsuit, if necessary, to force compliance

Most lemon law cases settle without trial. But if the manufacturer won’t budge, we’re ready to fight for you in court.

Consult a Lemon Law Attorney

If you believe your car qualifies as a lemon, don’t wait. Call Valero Law. We’ve helped California consumers get justice for their defective vehicles. Whether your case involves GM, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla, or any other automaker, we know how to handle it.

Call Valero Law – We Handle California Lemon Law Claims.

Your consultation is free. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Free Case Evaluation

If you’re driving a defective vehicle in California, you may be entitled to compensation under the lemon law. Call us at (424) 299-4447 or fill out our free case evaluation form to get started.

We’re here to help you get the resolution you deserve — and get you back on the road with confidence.