California Lemon Law Guide
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is what makes lemon-law claims work in this state. These pages explain the specific statute mechanics — formulas, definitions, and consumer rights — without the legal jargon.
Bottom line
If your car keeps going back to the dealer for the same warranty defect, California's lemon law can force the manufacturer to buy it back, replace it, or pay you to keep it — and because the law makes the manufacturer cover your attorney’s fees, pursuing a claim costs you nothing out of pocket.
Estimate your buyback
Live calculatorPunch in your numbers. The calculator runs the §1793.2(d)(2)(C) formula and shows what the manufacturer should owe under Song-Beverly.
Enter a purchase price to see your estimate.
Free and no obligation. We'll check your estimate against your actual repair and purchase documents.
Estimate only. Your actual recovery depends on the specific facts of your case. The civil penalty requires a court to find a willful violation under §1794(c) — see the civil penalty pillar for what triggers it.
All Song-Beverly references
California Lemon Law 18-Month / 18,000-Mile Presumption: How Song-Beverly §1793.22 Works (2026)
California's Song-Beverly Act presumes a vehicle is a lemon when 4 repair attempts (or 2 for safety defects / 30+ days out of service) happen within 18 months or 18,000 miles — whichever first.
California Lemon Law Buyback Calculator: Song-Beverly Refund Formula (2026)
Calculate your California lemon law buyback under Song-Beverly. Interactive calculator + the full §1794(b) formula explained, with what manufacturers commonly miss in their offers.
California Lemon Law Civil Penalty: 2× Damages Under Song-Beverly §1794(c) (2026)
California's Song-Beverly Act lets you recover up to 2× your actual damages as a civil penalty when a manufacturer's violation is willful — on top of the buyback. Here's what triggers it.
California Lemon Law Mileage Offset: Formula & Buyback Calculator (2026)
Calculate your California lemon law buyback: see the Song-Beverly mileage offset formula, real examples with numbers, and how to estimate the reduction on your case.
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