Dodge Lemon Law in California: Durango, Charger, Challenger & Hornet
If your Dodge keeps returning to the dealer for the same defect, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, a replacement, or a cash settlement. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, when Dodge can't repair a substantial, warranty-covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you have rights — and the manufacturer pays your attorney fees on a successful claim.
Common Dodge problems owners report
Across the Durango, Charger, Challenger, and the newer Hornet, complaints California owners have raised include:
- Automatic transmission shifting problems, hesitation, and hard shifts.
- Electrical, Uconnect infotainment, and electronics failures.
- Stalling, no-start, and sudden loss of power.
- Engine and cooling-system faults with recurring warning lights.
- On the Hornet PHEV, charging, battery, and software issues.
What you may be entitled to
If your Dodge qualifies, you may receive a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement. Save every repair order and dealer communication — thorough documentation is what makes a claim succeed.
If your Dodge has a defect that won't stay fixed, a free case review will tell you whether it qualifies and what your claim could be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dodge models does the Lemon Law cover?
All of them, including the Durango, Charger, Challenger, and Hornet, when sold or leased with a manufacturer's warranty in California and a substantial defect can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.
How many repair attempts make my Dodge a lemon?
There's no single magic number, but California generally looks at whether the manufacturer had a reasonable number of attempts — often a few for the same serious defect, fewer for safety problems, or 30+ cumulative days out of service.
What can I recover for a defective Dodge?
Potentially a buyback (a refund minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — plus your attorney fees paid by the manufacturer.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; for advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.