California Lemon Law Case Value Calculator
A California lemon law buyback centers on the vehicle's purchase price, reduced only by a mileage offset for pre-defect use. That offset is generally figured as (miles at first repair attempt ÷ 120,000) × purchase price. For a $40,000 truck with 9,000 miles when the defect first appeared, the offset is about $3,000, leaving roughly $37,000 in refundable purchase price before incidental damages such as sales tax, license fees, and finance charges are added back.
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In California, you generally have 4 years to file a lemon law claim. What your case is worth depends on your specific damages and California's laws — use the calculator below for a free estimate of your low-to-high range.
Key California Laws
| Filing Deadline | 4 years in line with the national average of 4.1 years |
|---|---|
| Repair-Attempt Presumption | 4 attempts Failed repairs that presume a lemon |
| Days Out of Service | 30 days Cumulative days that presume a lemon |
| Used Vehicles | Covered Used cars with warranty may qualify |
| Attorney Fees | Paid by manufacturer If you win your claim |
How California Law Affects Your Lemon Law Case
California recognizes a "lemon presumption" that shifts the burden to the manufacturer once your repair history crosses set thresholds. If the dealer cannot fix the same substantial, warranty-covered defect after 4 repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for a cumulative 30 days, the vehicle is presumed to be a lemon. This presumption generally applies within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership.
California is among the states whose lemon law extends to qualifying used vehicles sold with a manufacturer's warranty, not just new cars. California's law also reaches recreational vehicles (RVs), which many states exclude.
You generally have 4 years to bring a lemon law claim in California, in line with the national average of 4.1 years. Acting before the warranty expires and while repair records are fresh protects your claim. When a vehicle qualifies, California requires the manufacturer to repurchase or replace it rather than keep attempting repairs. Because California's lemon law shifts attorney fees to the manufacturer when you prevail, most lemon law attorneys take these cases on contingency at no upfront cost.
How Does California Compare?
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Legal Disclaimer
This calculator uses California's statutes as of 2026-03-06. Laws change frequently. This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current rules with a California-licensed attorney before making decisions about your case. Learn about our methodology.
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