Federal Lemon Law Attorneys in California
File Your Claim Under The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Now
The federal lemon law act, formally referred to as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, ensures that warranties are enforced on products that fail to perform as advertised after they have already been purchased. Its goal is to protect consumers from falling prey to deceptive manufacturing tactics by requiring warranties that are clear and straightforward, as well as enforcing them if a breach of contract were to occur. Each state has its own laws regarding lemons that work in tandem with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to protect the rights of people.
Don’t let a faulty vehicle cause you more frustration! Contact us today at (818) 960-1550 for a free consultation and let our experienced federal lemon law lawyers fight for your rights.
Understanding The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs warranties on consumer products and provides legal recourse for anyone who purchases a faulty product that repeatedly fails to live up to its expected standards. It prevents manufacturers from including unfair or misleading disclaimers and warranties with their products, as well as provides consumers with access to reasonable remedies when a breach of warranty occurs. While mediation and arbitration are encouraged first steps for settling disputes, this act gives the federal government the power to step in and take action against a manufacturer who fails to meet the law's requirements.
Key Requirements of The Magnuson-Moss Act
The 1975 federal law known as the Magnuson-Moss Act requires that:
- A product has a valid warranty
- The product was presented for repairs within the warranty period
- The manufacturer failed to adhere to the warranty's provisions within a reasonable amount of time or repair attempts
How The Uniform Commercial Code Protects Consumers
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a comprehensive set of laws that applies to all 50 states and works in tandem with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to protect consumers against faulty vehicles. Under the UCC, customers have a right to seek a refund or replacement of a lemon as well as compensation for attorneys' fees. With that being said, the UCC does not define what a “lemon” is, requiring the courts to decide whether to award a replacement or a refund.
Implications for CA Residents
The California Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.22) protects consumers like you when a vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. This lemon law act stipulates that in such cases, the manufacturer must either replace or repurchase the vehicle—whichever you prefer.
California law works with federal lemon laws to ensure that consumers with a faulty car, motor home, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicle have the ability to pursue compensation for their troubles.
An applicable vehicle must be:
- Under the original manufacturer’s warranty
- Purchased primarily for personal or family use
- Under 10,000 pounds if used for commercial purposes
- Owned by a person, group, or other legal entity that possesses fewer than five vehicles registered in California
Differences Between Federal and State Lemon Laws
While the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law that protects consumers nationwide, California’s Lemon Law provides stronger protections. Key differences include:
- Broader Coverage – California Lemon Law covers a wider range of vehicles, including leased and used cars under warranty.
- Stronger Consumer Protections – California law often requires manufacturers to buy back defective vehicles more quickly.
- Higher Compensation – State laws may offer better remedies, including reimbursement for legal fees.
Understanding these differences can help you make the best decision when pursuing a lemon law claim.
Steps to Take If You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If your car is showing recurring issues, follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your lemon law claim:
- Keep Detailed Records: Document every repair visit, including dates, problems reported, and work done. Save all receipts, work orders, and manufacturer communications.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Many manufacturers require written notice before taking legal action. Send a certified letter detailing the issue and past repair attempts.
- Determine When to Escalate: If the issue persists after multiple repair attempts, you may be eligible for a replacement or refund. Contact a federal lemon law act lawyer in California to explore your legal options.
You deserve a reliable vehicle! If your car has recurring issues, contact us at (818) 960-1550 to see if you qualify for a refund or replacement under the federal lemon law act.
Why Choose Us?
Client-Focused. Results-Driven.
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Expert on California Lemon Law Civil Codes
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Free Consultations & Case Evaluations
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Exemplary Track Record of Success
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as a “lemon” under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
A "lemon" is a product that has significant defects that affect its safety, performance, or use. The product must have failed to meet the terms of its warranty and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts by the manufacturer.
How does the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act work with California’s Lemon Law?
While California’s Lemon Law provides additional protections for defective vehicles, it works in tandem with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Both laws offer remedies, such as refunds or replacements, when a product does not perform as advertised and the manufacturer fails to honor the warranty.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Under the Federal Lemon Law Act?
Under the Federal Lemon Law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), you generally have four years from the date of the warranty breach to file a claim. Working with an experienced Federal Lemon Law Act attorney in California can help ensure your case is filed properly and within the deadline.
What do I need to prove in order to file a claim under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
To file a claim, you need to provide evidence that the product was under warranty, that you sought repairs within the warranty period, and that the manufacturer failed to make the necessary repairs or provide a remedy. Keeping detailed records of repair attempts and communication with the manufacturer is crucial.
Can I get my attorney’s fees covered under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
Yes. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows consumers to recover attorney’s fees, costs, and other expenses incurred in pursuing a claim against the manufacturer, provided you are successful in your case.
How do I start a lemon law claim under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act?
Contact a lemon law attorney to help assess your situation, review your repair records, and guide you through the process of filing a claim under both the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and California’s Lemon Law. An attorney can also negotiate on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.
Find Your Advocate at CA Lemon Law Firm
Many people incorrectly assume they must pursue their lemon law claim through the manufacturer’s provided arbitration program. This is not the case. While the program’s theoretical aim is to help customers find a resolution to their issues directly with the manufacturer, they are typically geared towards placing the liability back on you and avoiding having to provide any compensation for their faulty product. If you’ve been battling a defective vehicle for months, stop dealing with the frustration. Let our federal lemon law attorney handle it for you. Our CA lemon law firm handles cases in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and throughout California. You can read our testimonials and view our case results to learn more about the ways we can help you!
Tired of dealing with car troubles? Contact us at (818) 960-1550 and let our expert federal lemon law act attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve!
