Buying a Honda in California should be an exciting experience, but things don’t always go as planned. Any vehicle can develop serious problems that the dealership can’t fix after multiple attempts, and in these situations, it might just be that you own a Honda Lemon.
Fortunately, California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. These “Lemon” laws ensure that if your vehicle is defective, you can seek a refund, a replacement, or cash compensation. So how do you know if your car qualifies under the Honda Lemon Law?
In this article, we’ll explain everything you should know about Lemon Law in California and how to go about proving your case. Since protecting your investment starts with understanding your rights, let’s get started with what the lemon law actually is.
What Does California’s Honda Lemon Law Protection Entail?
California takes protecting car buyers and lessees very seriously. Unlike some states that treat the Lemon Law like a suggestion, the Golden State puts real teeth into its regulations. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (fancy name for California’s Lemon Law) is a set of rules that hold automakers accountable for defective vehicles. If a car is still under warranty and has a significant issue that the manufacturer can’t fix, it could be a lemon.
Essentially, this law allows the consumer to break free from their defective vehicle. Under this law, Honda has to buy back or replace your lemon if:
- It has a serious defect that affects its safety, value, or usability. This could involve serious issues that endanger you or others, like brake failure, engine problems, transmission issues, or steering malfunctions.
- The dealership has made multiple repair attempts, but the problem persists.
- The issue started within the manufacturer’s original or extended warranty period.
- The car has spent 30 days total at the dealership due to repairs.
For too many Honda owners, dealing with transmission failures, electrical glitches, or brake problems has become the norm. Fortunately, California’s Honda Lemon Law can be the key to getting rid of their defective cars and recovering their money.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Honda Vehicles?
Yes! The California Lemon Law applies to all vehicles, including Hondas, as long as they are still under warranty and meet certain conditions. So even if you drive a Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline, or any other model, the law protects you.
All you need to do is prove that your car has serious defects that cannot be resolved after multiple attempts. If you’ve experienced any of the following, you may have a valid claim:
- At least two failed repair attempts for a life-threatening defect, such as airbags, brakes, engine failure, etc.
- At least four failed repairs for a non-safety-related defect
- Your car has been in the shop for 30+ days (cumulative) for repairs.
If Honda has tried and failed to fix your car multiple times, you don’t have to keep driving a lemon. You have legal options that can get you into a reliable vehicle.
Common Honda Models with Lemon Law Complaints
While Hondas are known for their reliability, some models have had repeated mechanical issues reported by owners. Some of the most common complaints include:
- Honda Civic, popularly reported for transmission and electrical issues
- Accord, known for steering and engine problems
- CR-V, with common complaints about oil dilution and air conditioning failures
- Honda Odyssey, for transmission and power door malfunctions
- Honda Pilot, known for fuel injection and brake system problems
If you own one of these models and are experiencing persistent issues, you may have a strong case under California Law.
Does the Lemon Law Cover Used Honda Lemon Cars?
Yes, but only if the owner bought the vehicle with a valid manufacturer’s warranty at the time of purchase. Certified pre-owned cars usually come with a warranty, which means they may qualify for Honda Lemon Law California protections. However, buying a used Honda “as-is” with no warranty means you are not covered.
How to File a Claim Against Honda in California
If your Honda drives like a lemon, below are some steps to follow to ensure you get the protection you deserve:
Gather Evidence
First, you’ll need to prove that your car meets the criteria for the Honda Lemon Law. This is why you must save all repair invoices, receipts, and work orders from the dealership or service center. Write down the dates of repairs, the issue reported, what the dealer did to fix it, and any correspondence with Honda about the defect. You may also include photos or videos of the defect if applicable.
Notify Honda
Reach out to the manufacturer’s customer service and formally report the defect. Provide them with your repair history and request a Honda Lemon Law buyback or replacement. The law often requires that you give them one final chance to fix the issue, so it’s important to follow instructions and keep all communication in writing.
If they still can’t provide a permanent solution, you can proceed to the next step.
Consult a Lemon Lawyer
If Honda refuses to honor the Lemon Law, consider hiring a Lemon Law attorney to help with your claim. This is important because Honda may try to undermine your claim, and having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference. A good attorney will handle negotiations with Honda, making sure you receive full compensation for your troubles. If worst comes to worst, they will also represent you in court to argue your claim before a judge and jury.
The best part is that many lawyers offer free consultations and only get paid if you win your case.
Request and Receive Your Compensation
If the issue persists, formally request a buyback or replacement from Honda. If your claim is successful, you’ll get:
- A full refund: This includes the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and even finance charges. If you took out a loan on the car, the manufacturer will pay it off as well. However, they do have the right to subtract a small mileage deduction fee for the period you drove the vehicle without any issues.
- A replacement Honda: You may receive a comparable Honda of equal value and similar mileage and use if you prefer this option.
- Cash settlement: The manufacturer may offer to compensate you for your troubles while you keep the car. They may also reimburse any money spent on repeated repairs.
- Attorney’s Fees Covered: The manufacturer often has to pay your legal fees as well.
Don’t Let Honda Leave You Stuck with a Lemon
Buying a Honda should mean peace of mind, not constant trips to the repair shop. If recurring problems plague your Civic, Accord, CR-V, or Pilot, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The California Honda Lemon Law exists to protect consumers like you.
To enjoy the full scope of California’s protections, it’s best to work hand-in-hand with an attorney from Quill & Arrow LLP. They will educate you on your rights, organize your records, and ensure Honda doesn’t push you around. All you have to do is reach out to them, schedule your consultation, and follow through. It’s time to stand up to the auto manufacturers and get the compensation that you deserve!
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions