Lemon Law Attorney in San Diego, CA

Your Advocate for a Fair Resolution Under California Lemon Law

If your car, truck, or SUV keeps going back to the dealership for the same problem, you deserve more than temporary fixes. At Rick Dalton Law Firm, LLC, we help San Diego drivers pursue relief under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California Lemon Law) and, when appropriate, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

A vehicle that will not stay repaired disrupts your commute on I-5 or I-805, your work schedule, and your family’s routine. California law protects consumers when a manufacturer cannot repair a warranty-covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts. Our role is to handle the legal process, communicate with the manufacturer, and pursue a remedy such as a buyback, replacement, or cash compensation.

If you need guidance from a San Diego lemon law lawyer, contact Rick Dalton Law Firm, LLC online or call (888) 577-8520 to schedule a free consultation and review your repair history.

How Our Lemon Lawyers Can Support Your Case

California Lemon Law generally applies to new vehicles and many used vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty. The law covers defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, and that the manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot repair within a reasonable number of attempts.

At Rick Dalton Law Firm, LLC, we focus on the details that matter:

• Case evaluation: We review your purchase or lease agreement, warranty coverage, repair orders, and timeline to determine eligibility.
• Documentation review: Proper repair records are critical. We organize service invoices, “could not duplicate” notes, and out-of-service days to present a clear pattern.
• Manufacturer communication: We handle negotiations and written demands so you are not pressured into accepting inadequate offers.
• Remedy strategy: Depending on the facts, we pursue a repurchase, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.
• Ongoing updates: You stay informed without having to chase answers.

Common issues in San Diego cases include engine or transmission failures, electrical malfunctions, battery defects (including EV issues), infotainment failures, repeated warning lights, brake or steering problems, air conditioning failures, and water intrusion. Whether the defect affects drivability or safety, the key question is whether the manufacturer had a reasonable opportunity to fix it.

Defining a “Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts”

California law does not require an exact number in every case, but it provides guidelines. A vehicle may qualify if:

• The same defect was subject to multiple repair attempts and continues to exist.
• The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty repairs.
• A serious safety defect was not repaired after a reasonable number of attempts (sometimes as few as two).

Every case is fact-specific. Consistent documentation and timing often determine success.

Remedies Under California Lemon Law

A successful claim may result in meaningful relief. Depending on your situation, possible outcomes include:

• Vehicle Buyback (Repurchase): The manufacturer refunds the purchase price, including certain taxes and fees, minus a mileage offset for use before the first repair attempt.
• Replacement Vehicle: A comparable new vehicle may be provided instead of a refund.
• Cash-and-Keep Settlement: In some cases, you may choose to keep the vehicle and receive compensation for diminished value or ongoing issues.
• Attorney’s Fees: California Lemon Law allows prevailing consumers to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the manufacturer. This often means clients do not pay fees out of pocket for qualified claims.

Manufacturers sometimes offer “goodwill” assistance or trade-in incentives that require signing a release of claims. Before accepting any offer, we will review the terms to ensure you are not giving up stronger legal rights. Reach out to an experienced lemon law attorney at our firm as soon as possible.

What to Expect When Working With Our Firm

We keep the process organized and practical:

• Free Consultation: Review of purchase details, warranty coverage, and repair history.
• Case Strategy: Identify whether California Lemon Law, Magnuson-Moss, or both apply.
• Evidence Organization: Build a chronological record of repair attempts and downtime.
• Demand & Negotiation: Communicate formally with the manufacturer.
• Escalation If Needed: If negotiations fail, we pursue arbitration or litigation when appropriate.
• Resolution Oversight: Confirm the manufacturer fulfills the agreed remedy.

Our goal is to reduce stress while positioning your claim for the strongest possible outcome.

Practical Tips for San Diego Drivers

Strong lemon law claims rely on clear records. Keep the following in mind:

• Save all repair orders, even if no repair was performed.
• Ensure your complaint is written clearly on each service visit.
• Track days out of service, including waiting for parts.
• Report issues promptly while under warranty.
• Avoid signing releases or settlement documents without review.

Dealerships in San Diego can have long service backlogs, especially for parts shortages or EV-related repairs. Extended downtime can strengthen a claim when properly documented.

Used Vehicles, Certified Pre-Owned Cars, and California Lemon Law

California Lemon Law may apply to used vehicles if they were sold with a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty, certified pre-owned warranty, or dealership-issued warranty. Even if the vehicle is not brand new, warranty coverage at the time the defect arose is often the determining factor.

When state lemon law does not apply, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may provide additional protection for breach of written warranty.

Secure legal assistance quickly by connecting with a lemon law lawyer near you. Fill out our online form to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California Lemon Law Apply to Leased Vehicles?

Yes. Leased vehicles are generally covered if they are under a manufacturer’s warranty and meet the defect and repair attempt standards.

What If My Warranty Has Expired?

You may still qualify if the defect first arose and was reported during the warranty period. Timing matters, and documentation is critical.

How Long Can a Lemon Law Case Take in San Diego?

Some cases resolve within a few months through negotiation. Others may take longer if arbitration or litigation becomes necessary. After reviewing your records, we can provide a realistic estimate.

Do I Have to Pay Attorney’s Fees?

In many successful California Lemon Law cases, the manufacturer is required to pay the consumer’s reasonable attorney’s fees. We explain fee arrangements clearly during your consultation.

Why Choose Rick Dalton Law Firm, LLC?

Drivers choose our firm because we provide:

• Free consultations to evaluate your claim.
• Direct attorney involvement from start to finish.
• A focused lemon law strategy grounded in California law.
• Contingency-based representation in qualifying cases, meaning fees may be recovered from the manufacturer.

If you are searching for a San Diego lemon law lawyer who will handle manufacturer communications and pursue a structured, strategic claim, we are prepared to assist.

Speak With a San Diego Lemon Lawyer

You should not have to keep rearranging your life around a vehicle that will not stay repaired. If your car has recurring warranty-covered defects, contact Rick Dalton Law Firm, LLC to schedule your free consultation and review your legal options under California Lemon Law.

Our expert lemon law attorney in San Diego is ready to provide personalized guidance in your case. Call (888) 577-8520 to secure your consultation.