Los Angeles Lemon Law Crisis: Why 1 in 10 Court Cases Now Involve Defective Cars

According to latest figures, in Los Angeles County, nearly 10% of all civil court filings are now Lemon Law cases, largely driven by a surge in defective vehicle claims and recent legal changes that have altered consumer protections. Assembly Bill 1755, signed in late 2024, introduced stricter timelines and procedures for filing claims, while a recent California Supreme Court ruling has limited warranty protections for used vehicles. These developments have led to increased litigation and some level of confusion among consumers seeking remedies for faulty cars.

Systemic Shift in the California Lemon Law Claim Landscape

This dramatic rise in Lemon Law litigation points to more than just an uptick in faulty vehicles - it reveals a deeper systemic strain impacting everyday consumers and the auto industry at large. For drivers, it raises serious questions about safety, reliability and the recourse available when major purchases turn into ongoing problems. For automakers, the growing wave of legal disputes brings increased scrutiny, rising financial liabilities, and mounting pressure to improve quality control. With evolving legislation and impactful court rulings reshaping the landscape, Los Angeles County is at the forefront of a statewide shift in how defective vehicle claims are pursued and making knowledgeable legal guidance more important than ever.

In this blog, we will explore the dramatic rise in defective vehicle claims across California, the legal changes driving this surge and why the invaluable counsel of an experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law attorney is more important than ever for consumers navigating Lemon Law claims.

Lemon Law Cases on the Rise in California

In recent years, California has seen a sharp rise in Lemon Law litigation, with case numbers climbing from nearly 15,000 in 2022 to over 22,000 in 2023 - a jump of more than 68% in just one year. This upward trend is even more pronounced in Los Angeles County, where nearly 1 in every 10 civil court cases now involves a Lemon Law claim.

Who’s Driving California’s Lawsuits?

A significant portion of these lawsuits can be traced back to just a handful of manufacturers. According to recent statistics from consumer advocacy groups, four companies in particular - General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), Nissan and Ford Motor Company - are responsible for over 70% of California’s Lemon Law cases. Between 2018 and 2021 alone, GM faced 9,800 lawsuits, making up nearly one-third of all Lemon Law filings in the state during that period.

The scale and speed of this increase point to growing tensions between consumers and car manufacturers, driven by vehicle defects, legal reforms, and greater public awareness of consumer rights.

Legislative Changes Impacting California's Lemon Law

Recent legislative reforms are reshaping the Lemon Law landscape in California, which directly influences how and when consumers can pursue claims. These include:

1. Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755)

Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755), enacted in late 2024, aimed to streamline California Lemon Law procedures, however, it introduced notable restrictions. The bill imposes stricter timelines, requires pre-suit notice to manufacturers and, significantly reduces the statute of limitations for filing claims. While intended to bring clarity and efficiency to the whole process, these changes have sparked concern among consumer advocates, who are warning that the bill could make it more difficult for everyday drivers and California consumers to access justice.

2. Senate Bill (SB 26)

In response to growing criticism, Senate Bill 26 (SB 26) was passed in April 2025. This follow-up legislation introduced a degree of flexibility by allowing automakers to opt into the new AB 1755 procedures or continue under existing Lemon Law protocols. Though seen as a compromise, this dual-path approach has added complexity to an already complex legal environment, further reinforcing the need for consumers to seek experienced legal guidance when navigating a Lemon Law claim.

3. Judicial Decisions Affecting Consumer Rights

Alongside legislative changes, recent court rulings have also significantly influenced how California’s Lemon Law is interpreted - often in ways that directly impact consumer protections. For example:

Rodrigues v. FCA US LLC Case

In Rodriguez v. FCA US LLC (2024), the California Supreme Court ruled that manufacturers are no longer required to honor warranties on resold used vehicles, even if the original manufacturer's warranty has time remaining. This landmark decision marked a substantial shift, effectively narrowing the scope of warranty protection for used car buyers under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, and raising concerns about gaps in consumer rights when purchasing pre-owned vehicles.

Niedermeier v. FCA US LLC Case

In contrast, the ruling in Niedermeier v. FCA US LLC (2024) offered a win for consumers. The court held that trade-in credits should not be deducted from the restitution amount owed to a buyer under California’s Lemon Law. This decision reaffirmed the law’s intent to make consumers whole and clarified how compensation should be calculated when a defective vehicle is returned.

These legislative changes underscores the importance of understanding the nuances of California Lemon Law, and having skilled legal representation when pursuing a California Lemon Law claim.

How This Impacts Consumers

For California vehicle owners, the shifting legal landscape brings real and immediate consequences. The combination of legislative changes, court rulings, and rising case volumes has made the Lemon Law process more complex and harder to navigate. Stricter timelines, procedural requirements, and uncertainty, especially for used and pre-owned car buyers, may deter some consumers from pursuing valid claims altogether.

Even for those who do file, the path to resolution can be long, particularly if manufacturers contest the claim or legal representation is inadequate. As protections narrow and disputes grow more complicated, the burden increasingly falls on consumers to understand their rights and seek the invaluable support of an experienced California Lemon Law attorney to secure a fair outcome.

What Can Consumers Do in Light of This Systemic Shift

As California’s Lemon Law landscape becomes more complex and contested, it is more important than ever for consumers to be proactive and stay informed. While the system may be shifting, there are still clear steps car owners can take to protect their rights and improve their chances of a successful claim.

1. Keep Detailed Records

From the moment you notice an issue with your vehicle, begin documenting everything. Keep repair invoices, service reports, warranty information, and records of all communication with the dealer or auto manufacturer. This paper trail can be critical evidence if your case goes to court.

2. Act Quickly

With the reduced statute of limitations introduced by AB 1755 and new procedural requirements, delaying action can weaken your claim. If you suspect your car may be a lemon, don’t wait - consult a legal professional as soon as possible.

3. Understand What Qualifies as a Lemon

Not all vehicle problems are covered under California’s Lemon Law. Familiarize yourself with the lemon criteria - typically, the defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and the manufacturer must have been given a reasonable opportunity to repair it.

4. Be Cautious with Used or Certified Pre-Owned Cars

In light of recent court rulings, buyers of used or certified pre-owned vehicles should be extra cautious. Ask detailed questions about warranty coverage and understand whether the vehicle is likely to be protected under current Lemon Law statutes.

5. Seek Experienced Legal Advice

Most importantly, don’t navigate the process alone. Given the changing legal environment, consulting with an experienced Los Angeles Lemon Law attorney can make the difference between a dismissed claim and a fair resolution. An attorney familiar with the evolving laws and local court trends can offer strategic guidance and ensure your rights are fully protected.

While the system may be more challenging than before, informed and proactive consumers still have a path to justice - and the right legal support can help you get there.

Why Choose The Beck Law Office To Represent You

If you are dealing with a defective vehicle, a denied warranty claim, or a car manufacturer or dealership that is dodging responsibility, you need trusted legal representation.

With over a decade of exclusive focus on California Lemon Law, our founding attorney, Benjeman Beck, a skilled litigator, and our experienced legal team at The Beck Law Office have helped hundreds of consumers across the state hold manufacturers accountable and secure the compensation they deserve.

With offices in Los Angeles and Riverside, we proudly serve clients not just in Southern California, but the entire state, bringing local knowledge and statewide reach to every case.

✅ Proven Experience That Delivers Results

At The Beck Law Office, we understand the tactics automakers use to delay or dismiss valid claims - and we know how to beat them. Our legal strategies are built on deep experience, a proven track record and a clear understanding of how to avoid pitfalls and win.

✅ Ahead of the Curve on Legal Changes

California’s Lemon Law is evolving, with major changes introduced in 2024 and 2025. You can be assured that our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of what the law requires and stay fully up to date, ensuring your case is backed by the latest legal protections and positioned for success.

✅ Personal, Focused Client Care

At The Beck Law Office you are never just a case number. We listen, explain your rights in plain language, and keep you informed during the entire process. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight to get you the result you deserve.

Get in Touch Today

If you think you have a lemon vehicle on your hands or your warranty rights are being ignored, don’t delay. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case can be.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us quickly determine whether your vehicle qualifies so we can help you move forward with confidence.

Choose a legal team that knows the law, knows the system and puts your rights first.