Overview: Typical Lemon Law Timeline in California
This guide walks you through the entire lemon law timeline, from the first repair attempt to settlement, replacement, or buy-back, so you know exactly what to expect. While every case is different, most lemon law claims follow this general timeline:
- Repair attempts: Weeks to months
- Attorney case review: 1–3 days
- Resolution of Claim: 30 days+
The amount of time it takes to reach the final resolution of a claim varies greatly and involves numerous variables. These variables include the manufacturer, the representative within the manufacturer assigned to the claim, the law firm hired by the manufacturer to handle the claim, and the court system. Some cases resolve in as little as 30–60 days, while others take longer.
Stage 1: First Repair Attempt (Week 1–4)
The lemon law process usually begins when you take your vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs under the manufacturer’s warranty.
At this stage:
- The defect is identified
- A repair attempt is made
- A repair order is created
Always keep copies of repair orders — they are critical evidence.
Stage 2: Repeated Repairs or Extended Downtime (1–6 Months)
A vehicle may qualify as a lemon if:
- The same problem is repaired multiple times without success, or
- The vehicle is out of service for 30 or more total days, or
- A serious safety defect is not fixed
This stage can take several weeks or months, depending on parts availability, severity of the defect, or dealer scheduling delays. This is often the longest part of the lemon law timeline — but it’s also when your case is being built.
Stage 3: Contacting a Lemon Law Attorney (1–2 Days)
Once your vehicle meets lemon law criteria, an attorney can usually:
- Review your case within 24–72 hours
- Determine eligibility
- Request repair records and warranty information
Good news: Under California Lemon Law, you pay nothing out of pocket — the manufacturer pays attorney fees.
Stage 4: Filing the Lemon Law Claim (1–2 Weeks)
After review, your attorney will:
- Submit a formal claim to the manufacturer
- Demand a buy-back or replacement
At this point, the manufacturer’s legal team becomes involved.
Stage 5: Resolution of Claim (30+ Days)
This stage varies the most.
Manufacturers may:
- Request additional documentation
- Offer a settlement
- Attempt delays
- Fight the claim
Most cases settle during this phase, but the length of time varies. Once the case is favorably resolved, the manufacturer will buy-back or replace the vehicle.
Do Lemon Law Cases Ever Go to Court?
Most California lemon law cases do not go to trial. The majority resolve through:
- Direct settlement
- Negotiation
- Manufacturer buy-back agreements
Court involvement happens when the manufacturer refuses to cooperate — and even then, the majority of cases settle before trial.
What Can Delay a Lemon Law Case?
Several factors can extend the timeline:
- Missing repair records
- Delayed reporting of defects
- Manufacturer pushback
- Complex electrical or intermittent problems
- Waiting until warranty expiration
Waiting too long to act is one of the biggest mistakes consumers make. You can help move your case faster by keeping detailed repair orders, reporting issues immediately, communicating in writing, tracking days out of service, and hiring an experienced lemon law attorney early.
Get Help With Your California Lemon Law Case
If your car has had repeated repairs or has been out of service for weeks, don’t wait.
The attorneys at California Lemon Law Services can:
- Review your case for free
- Handle negotiations
- Pursue a buy-back, replacement, or settlement
- Cost you nothing out of pocket
Call us today. The manufacturer pays all attorney fees.
