When your car is experiencing repeated problems, filing a California Lemon Law claim can help you recover compensation, get a refund, or qualify for a vehicle replacement. But many consumers unintentionally weaken their case by making avoidable mistakes — usually because they don’t know how the process works or what documentation matters most.

This guide explains the most common mistakes people make during a lemon-law claim and what you should do instead to protect your rights, strengthen your case, and avoid delays.

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1. Not Keeping Copies of All Repair Orders

The #1 mistake consumers make is failing to keep copies of their repair orders (ROs) and invoices. These documents prove:

• What the dealer inspected
• What repairs were attempted
• How many days your vehicle was out of service
• Whether the issue was duplicated or diagnosed

Why it matters:
California Lemon Law requires you to show reasonable repair attempts. Without repair orders, you have no evidence.

What to do instead:

• Always ask for a printed or emailed repair order each time you drop off your vehicle
• Before leaving the dealership, confirm that the RO includes:
  • Accurate problem descriptions
  • All diagnostic steps
  • Dates and mileage
  • Days out of service

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2. Not Describing the Problem Clearly When Dropping Off the Vehicle

Dealers sometimes write vague notes like “customer states vehicle acts weird” — which hurts your claim. Instead, be specific about what the actual problem is and how often it happens. 

Why it matters:
Clear descriptions help prove the recurrence of the same substantial defect over multiple repair attempts.

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3. Not Taking Photos, Videos, or Screenshots

Consumers often assume the dealer will document everything — but they don’t.

Document everything yourself, including:

• error messages
• dashboard warning lights
• noises (video/audio)
• symptoms that the dealer claims they “can’t duplicate”
• tow receipts
• roadside assistance records

This evidence can make or break a claim, especially for intermittent issues.

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4. Letting the Dealership Pressure You Into “No Problem Found”

Some dealers report “Could Not Duplicate” even when ongoing problems exist.

How to protect yourself:

• Bring photos/video proof
• Request a test drive with a technician
• Ask the advisor to write your symptoms exactly as described
• Do not accept “that’s normal” without an explanation in writing

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5. Not Tracking the Days Your Car Is at the Dealership

The law protects you if your car is:

• Out of service 30+ days (not necessarily consecutive), or
• Repaired unsuccessfully multiple times for the same defect

But many people forget to record:

• Drop-off dates
• Pick-up dates
• Loaner car information
• Delays waiting for parts

Your record should match the dealership’s repair orders.

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6. Not Asking for a Loaner Car

If your vehicle is under factory warranty, many manufacturers will cover costs for:

• Loaner vehicle, or
• Rental reimbursement

But dealerships don’t always offer this unless you ask.

Tip: Save all documentation — rental receipts, mileage, insurance charges — since you may recover these costs in a lemon-law claim.

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7. Communicating by Phone Only (Without Written Proof)

Verbal conversations with dealerships or manufacturers leave no trail.

Protect yourself by communicating in writing, such as:

• Email
• Text (if dealership allows)
• Online service portals

If you must speak by phone, follow up with an email recap. This creates a timestamped record that strengthens your case.

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8. Not Reporting New Problems Immediately

Some owners wait months before going back to the dealer, hoping the problem resolves itself.

This can:

• weaken your claim
• allow the manufacturer to argue “customer neglect”
• push repairs outside the warranty window

Report defects immediately and document them on a repair order.

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9. Waiting Too Long to Start the Lemon-Law Process

California Lemon Law applies during your vehicle’s warranty period, but many people wait too long, assuming the issue will “fix itself later.”

If your vehicle has:

• multiple repairs for the same issue, or
• a major safety defect, or
• 30+ days out of service,

…it’s time to seek legal help now, not after the warranty expires.

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10. Trying to Handle the Claim Alone Against the Manufacturer

Manufacturers have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. Consumers who try to handle cases alone often:

• accept low settlements
• agree to unnecessary arbitration
• get stalled by “ongoing investigation” delays
• unknowingly waive rights

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How to Strengthen Your Lemon-Law Claim from Day One

To protect your rights:

• Document every defect
• Keep every repair order
• Communicate in writing
• Track days out of service
• Save receipts and photos
• Report new issues immediately
• Get legal representation 

And most importantly — don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder your claim can become.

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