Just Four Companies Are Responsible for More Than 70% of California’s Lemon Law Cases

If you’ve ever had to take your car back to the dealership time and again for the same frustrating issue, you are not alone! Recent data makes it clear just how common this is with certain car brands. A striking finding from consumer reports and legal data reveals how just four car manufacturers are responsible for nearly 70% of all California Lemon Law claims.

While most new vehicles perform reliably, this data sheds light on which brands are leaving drivers with unresolved mechanical issues, repeated trips to the repair shop and potentially dangerous defects, which could risk accidents or even serious bodily injury on the roads.

How Does This Affect You?

This matters to California consumers because it highlights which car brands are more likely to experience recurring defects and repair issues - problems that could ultimately lead you to seek protection through the California Lemon Law process. Whether you are shopping for a new motor vehicle or already dealing with a defective car, knowing which manufacturers are most frequently involved in Lemon Law disputes can help you make smarter decisions and protect your Lemon Law rights.

The Importance of an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney

At The Beck Law Office, we specialize in California Lemon Law cases, particularly providing dedicated representation for consumers dealing with vehicles from manufacturers with a history of recurring issues. Over the past decade, we have helped thousands of clients throughout the state get compensation through Lemon Law buybacks, vehicle replacements and out-of-pocket reimbursements, especially when they are up against some of the biggest names in the auto industry. If your car keeps letting you down, we’re here to help you fight for a fair settlement.

Understanding the Data

In 2023, California saw a staggering increase in Lemon Law filings, from nearly 15,000 cases in 2022 to more than 22,000 in 2023. This trend has showed no signs of slowing down in 2024-25, highlighting both growing consumer awareness and ongoing quality concerns in the auto industry. In Los Angeles County alone, Lemon Law cases today constitute around 10% of all civil filings.

New Rules Aimed at Easing Court Backlogs and Speeding Up Claims

In response to this court crowding, in late 2024, lawmakers passed AB 1755, a reform bill designed to reduce delays and clear some of this backlog.

The new law introduced:

• Stricter Statutes of Limitations: Under the state's Lemon Law, claims must now be filed within one year of the vehicle's warranty expiration, and no later than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date.

• Mandatory Pre-Suit Notice: Consumers pursuing civil penalties must provide the manufacturer with a written notice at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit.

• Required Mediation: Parties must now engage in mediation before formal discovery, encouraging early dispute resolution and reducing court congestion.

• Faster Timelines for Discovery and Settlement: These new rules aim to promote streamlined case management to help resolve claims quicker, and ease the burden on California courts.

A Delicate Balance: Reform or Roadblock for California Consumers?

While proponents argue that the reforms will lead to faster resolutions and reduced court congestion, critics also caution that some measures may quietly tip the scales in favor of manufacturers, making it more difficult for consumers to navigate the process and successfully pursue valid Lemon Law claims.

Acting Early Now Matters More Than Ever

For individuals facing recurring vehicle defects, timing is now more crucial than ever. Early reporting, precise documentation of several repair attempts and legal oversight by a skilled Lemon Law attorney are all essential to preserve your legal rights under the revised law. At The Beck Law Office we can quickly establish if your car qualifies as a lemon, help you navigate these new deadlines, satisfy notice requirements and secure the best possible outcome under California’s redesigned Lemon Law.

The Four Brands Leading California Lemon Law Cases

When it comes to Lemon Law filings in California, staggeringly 70% of claims are concentrated among just four manufacturers, according to recent reports. These are:

1. General Motors

Leading the pack is General Motors (GM), which includes well-known brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac. According to data, GM vehicles were the subject of approximately one Lemon Law lawsuit for every 78 vehicles sold in California at the end of 2021, making GM the most frequently named manufacturer in these types of legal actions.

👉 Recent Recall Puts GM’s Reliability Under the Microscope Again

Adding to its legal exposure, GM was responsible for a significant share of U.S. vehicle recalls in April 2025, with nearly two-thirds of all recalls traced back to a single issue. The recall affected nearly 600,000 full-size trucks and SUVs, including popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon. At the center of the problem is their 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, which was found to be at risk of engine failure due to a manufacturing defect.

2. Stellantis (Chrysler/FCA)

Formerly known as Fiat Chrysler, Stellantis includes major brands such as Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Chrysler. Stellantis ranks among the top four automakers in California Lemon Law activity, frequently facing claims related to powertrain issues, electrical failures and ongoing performance problems.

👉 Ram 1500 Recall Highlights Stellantis’s Ongoing Lemon Law Risk

A key example of this is the Ram 1500, one of Stellantis’s best-selling models. Between 2019 and 2024, over 1.2 million Ram 1500 vehicles were recalled due to a software issue that disabled the electronic stability control system, significantly impacting driver safety and vehicle handling.

This large-scale recall, combined with a steady volume of consumer complaints and warranty claim disputes, underscores Stellantis’ ongoing legal exposure and a distinct loss of confidence in reliable transportation.

3. Ford

Ford consistently ranks among the most frequently cited manufacturers in California Lemon Law cases. Common consumer complaints include transmission issues, stalling engines, faulty powertrains and ongoing warranty repair disputes, many of which remain unresolved even after multiple repair shop visits.

👉 Ford Tops 2024 Recall Charts - Signaling Major Lemon Law Red Flags

At the end of 2024, Ford further solidified this position by leading the nation in vehicle recalls. The automaker recalled more than 3.6 million vehicles - including popular models such as the Ford Escape, F-150, Explorer and Bronco Sport - representing nearly 36% of all U.S. recalls that year. This staggering figure highlights not only widespread quality concerns but also the potential safety risks facing Ford owners.

4. Nissan

Nissan remains a major contributor to California Lemon Law claims, frequently cited for a range of persistent defects, especially electrical system failures and drivetrain issues.

👉 Phantom Braking Lawsuit Puts Nissan’s Safety Technology Under Scrutiny

In April 2022, a class action was filed against Nissan in California federal court claiming that the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) system could activate unexpectedly or fail to engage when needed, posing a serious safety risk. Owners reported alarming “phantom” activations causing sudden stops without warning, sometimes leading to near-miss incidents. Over 1,500 complaints were filed regarding AEB malfunctions, linking to at least 14 crashes and 5 injuries. The affected models included the Nissan Rogue, Altima, Murano and Sentra - vehicles commonly equipped with the FEB system that allegedly triggered these dangerous braking events.

While a federal appeals court later decertified the class in November 2024 due to varying software across models, the legal exposure remains significant and individual claims continue.

A Small Group of Giants

Together, GM, Stellantis, Nissan and Ford make up more than 70% of all Lemon Law cases in the state, which means that the remaining 30% of claims are spread across dozens of other auto manufacturers, including luxury brands and electric vehicle startups.

Other Major Brands with Frequent Recalls:

• Tesla: From January 2024 through early 2025, Tesla issued 20 separate recall campaigns impacting nearly 5.8 million vehicles - many fixed via over-the-air software updates.

• BMW & Mercedes: European luxury brands, BMW and Mercedes, consistently appeared in the top five for number of recalls in 2024. BMW issued 36 separate recall campaigns affecting approximately 1.83 million vehicles, primarily due to electronic and safety system faults, while Mercedes-Benz launched nine recalls by early 2025 impacting nearly 38,000 vehicles, including EVs at risk of brake fluid overheating and battery fires.

• Hyundai & Kia: Hyundai issued 25 separate recalls in 2024, while Kia had 19 campaigns, including major recalls of 427K+ and 462K+ Kia Tellurides in 2024, for unintended rollaway and fire hazards, respectively.

• Honda & Toyota: Both automakers recorded 18 separate recalls in 2024, including a major recall of 1.69 million Civics, CR‑Vs and Accords for steering gearbox issues, plus an additional 259,000 vehicles, such as Pilots and Acura MDXs, for defective brake pedals. Toyota also had a significant Takata airbag recall involving tens of thousands of vehicles in California.

• Volkswagen: Between 2024 and 2025, Volkswagen recalled over 598,000 vehicles, including 177,493 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs for fire hazards, 271,000 models for airbag issues, and nearly 90,000 ID.4 electric SUVs for software defects impacting visibility and speed tracking.

Research shows that there are currently an estimated 72.7 million vehicles with open recalls on U.S. roads.

What This Means for Consumers

If you are buying, leasing, or currently driving a vehicle from any of these manufacturers, it doesn’t automatically mean your vehicle will have problems, but it does pay to remain especially vigilant.

Proactive Steps You Can Take

Before purchasing a vehicle, it is good practice to check for any recent recalls and reliability concerns. You can search for open recalls using your VIN at the NHTSA recall website. You can also review owner complaints, technical service bulletins (TSBs) and make sure you understand what your written warranty covers.

If your vehicle is already experiencing problems:

• Keep detailed records of all repairs and document every visit to the dealership.

• Log any time the car is out of service.

• Save all communication with the manufacturer or dealer.

Determine If Your Vehicle Qualifies as a Lemon

Under California Lemon Law, a vehicle may qualify for a buyback or replacement if:

• There are two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death.

• There are four or more repair attempts to fix the same problem.

• The vehicle is out of service for 30+ cumulative days for warranty-related repairs.

Once those thresholds are met and the consumer sues, in consumer disputes, the law requires a neutral third party (via arbitration or court) to assess your claim.

Get the Legal Edge You Need Against Major Manufacturers

At The Beck Law Office, we specialize in Lemon Law representation across California. We know how to deal with these manufacturers and push for full compensation, including attorney’s fees, on your behalf. Our team of skilled Lemon Law attorneys is here to guide you through the entire process, from the first consultation to resolution.

From First Call to Final Compensation

At The Beck Law Office, we don’t just react to claims - we anticipate them. Our team continuously monitors brand-specific defect patterns and lawsuit trends, particularly for automakers that dominate California’s Lemon Law landscape.

Personalized Support for Manufacturer-Specific Vehicle Defects

As a trusted California Lemon Law attorney, we offer clients tailored legal guidance based on the specific challenges tied to each manufacturer. Whether you are dealing with a faulty vehicle plagued by recurring electrical issues, transmission failures, or safety system malfunctions, we help you determine if your case meets the thresholds California Lemon Law covers, including a reasonable number of repair attempts or excessive days in the shop.

We Are Not Just Your Attorneys - We Are Your Advocates

With our attorneys, you are not just another case numbers. Our clients trust us because we provide a transparent, one-on-one service tailored to their specific situation. We offer strategic, personalized guidance based on the unique issues tied to each manufacturer, whether it's electrical failures, faulty transmissions or defective safety systems.

Staying One Step Ahead of Manufacturers

And because we’ve handled countless Lemon Law cases across California, we know the tactics and loopholes manufacturers often resort to in order to delay, deny or minimize valid claims. Our experience allows us to anticipate these obstacles and build a case that is always one step ahead - so you are not left navigating the process alone.

Fair Representation Without the Financial Burden

At The Beck Law Office, we make sure you're not left paying out of pocket for seeking justice. Under California Lemon Law, if your case qualifies, the manufacturer - not you - is responsible for covering attorney’s fees.That means no upfront costs, no hidden fees and no risk: we only get paid if we win your case. This structure is designed to level the playing field and ensure everyday consumers can stand up to powerful automakers with confidence.

Contact Us Today

If you think you have a lemon vehicle on your hands, don’t wait. Call us today for a free case review and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.