5 Signs Your Car Might Be a Lemon

Most people don't realize their car might be a lemon — they just know they keep taking it back to the dealer. Under California's Lemon Law, a vehicle that can't be fixed may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. Here are five signs worth paying attention to.

1. The same problem keeps coming back

You've brought the car in for the same issue more than once — and it returns. Repeated repairs for one recurring problem are the single most common sign.

2. Your car has spent weeks in the shop

If your vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days during the warranty period, that alone can support a claim — even if it was for different issues. Track the days; loaner paperwork and repair orders prove it.

3. The dealer can't figure out what's wrong

Sometimes the problem is real but the dealer keeps saying they "couldn't replicate it" or can't identify the cause. A defect the manufacturer is unable to diagnose and repair after reasonable attempts can still qualify — you don't have to keep accepting "no problem found."

4. It's a safety problem

Defects that affect safety — brakes, steering, stalling, airbags, or electrical fires — are treated more seriously and require fewer repair attempts to qualify. If your car has done something that scared you, don't wait.

5. It happened under warranty

The Lemon Law applies to defects covered by the manufacturer's warranty. As long as the problem first appeared while the vehicle was under warranty, you may have a claim — even if you're pursuing it later.

If even one or two of these sound familiar, it's worth finding out where you stand. Hold on to every repair order, and a free case review will tell you whether your car qualifies.