Does the California Lemon Law Apply to Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles?
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- Does the California Lemon Law Apply to Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles?
Everything California Drivers Need to Know About CPO Lemon Law Protection
If you purchased a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle in California and it’s already having problems, you may be wondering whether the California Lemon Law protects you. The short answer is:
Yes — California Lemon Law DOES apply to CPO vehicles.
But there are important rules and exceptions you need to understand to know whether your CPO car qualifies for a refund, replacement, or compensation.
This guide breaks down exactly how the Lemon Law applies to CPO cars, which vehicles qualify, and what to do if your CPO vehicle keeps breaking down.
Yes — California Lemon Law DOES apply to CPO vehicles.
But there are important rules and exceptions you need to understand to know whether your CPO car qualifies for a refund, replacement, or compensation.
This guide breaks down exactly how the Lemon Law applies to CPO cars, which vehicles qualify, and what to do if your CPO vehicle keeps breaking down.
What Is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle?
A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is a used car that:
- Goes through a manufacturer-backed inspection
- Meets specific age and mileage requirements
- Comes with a manufacturer-issued extended warranty
- Must be sold by an authorized dealership
Because CPO cars come with written warranties, California Lemon Law can apply.
When Does the California Lemon Law Apply to CPO Vehicles?
California Lemon Law protects a CPO vehicle when:
1. The defect began during the warranty period
The issue must start while the CPO warranty or remaining factory warranty is active. You do NOT need to still be under warranty today — only when the defect first appeared.
2. The car has a defect that affects use, value, or safety
Examples include:
- Engine failure or overheating
- Transmission slipping or jerking
- Electrical system malfunctions
- EV/hybrid battery defects
- Steering or brake problems
- Repeated warning lights
- Stalling or hesitation
- Airbag or safety system failures
3. The dealership could not repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts
California Lemon Law typically uses:
- 2 repair attempts for a serious safety issue
- 4 repair attempts for non-safety issues
- OR 30+ cumulative days in the shop
Even if the dealership says “No problem found,” your case may still qualify.
1. The defect began during the warranty period
The issue must start while the CPO warranty or remaining factory warranty is active. You do NOT need to still be under warranty today — only when the defect first appeared.
2. The car has a defect that affects use, value, or safety
Examples include:
- Engine failure or overheating
- Transmission slipping or jerking
- Electrical system malfunctions
- EV/hybrid battery defects
- Steering or brake problems
- Repeated warning lights
- Stalling or hesitation
- Airbag or safety system failures
3. The dealership could not repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts
California Lemon Law typically uses:
- 2 repair attempts for a serious safety issue
- 4 repair attempts for non-safety issues
- OR 30+ cumulative days in the shop
Even if the dealership says “No problem found,” your case may still qualify.
Which CPO Brands Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
Any manufacturer-backed CPO program counts, including:
- Toyota Certified
- Honda Certified
- Nissan Certified
- BMW Certified Pre-Owned
- Mercedes-Benz CPO
- Ford Certified
- Chevrolet Certified
- Audi Certified
- Volkswagen CPO
- Kia Certified
- Hyundai Certified
- Lexus L/Certified
- Land Rover Approved CPO
- Porsche Approved CPO
- Infiniti Certified
- Acura Certified
- GMC Certified
- Cadillac Certified
…and any other manufacturer-issued CPO program.
Dealer-only warranties or extended third-party warranties do NOT qualify. California Lemon Law applies only to manufacturer-backed CPO warranties.
- Toyota Certified
- Honda Certified
- Nissan Certified
- BMW Certified Pre-Owned
- Mercedes-Benz CPO
- Ford Certified
- Chevrolet Certified
- Audi Certified
- Volkswagen CPO
- Kia Certified
- Hyundai Certified
- Lexus L/Certified
- Land Rover Approved CPO
- Porsche Approved CPO
- Infiniti Certified
- Acura Certified
- GMC Certified
- Cadillac Certified
…and any other manufacturer-issued CPO program.
Dealer-only warranties or extended third-party warranties do NOT qualify. California Lemon Law applies only to manufacturer-backed CPO warranties.
Does the 6-Year Lemon Law Deadline Apply to CPO Cars?
Yes.
California has a 6-year statute of limitations, which is measured from the original owner’s purchase date, not your CPO purchase date. This means the car can qualify even if you’re the second or third owner, as long as:
- The defect started during the warranty period, AND
- The claim is brought within six years of the car’s original sale.
California has a 6-year statute of limitations, which is measured from the original owner’s purchase date, not your CPO purchase date. This means the car can qualify even if you’re the second or third owner, as long as:
- The defect started during the warranty period, AND
- The claim is brought within six years of the car’s original sale.
What If the Dealership Cannot Duplicate the Problem?
This is extremely common with CPO vehicles.
If the dealership says:
“Unable to verify concern”
“Could not duplicate”
“No problem found”
…you can still qualify for Lemon Law protection.
Strengthen your claim by:
- Taking photos & videos when the issue occurs
- Describing symptoms clearly
- Requesting all repair orders in writing
- Trying a different dealership for diagnosis
Intermittent defects are still covered.
If the dealership says:
“Unable to verify concern”
“Could not duplicate”
“No problem found”
…you can still qualify for Lemon Law protection.
Strengthen your claim by:
- Taking photos & videos when the issue occurs
- Describing symptoms clearly
- Requesting all repair orders in writing
- Trying a different dealership for diagnosis
Intermittent defects are still covered.
What Does a CPO Lemon Law Buyback Include?
If your CPO car qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to:
- Refund of your down payment
- Refund of monthly payments
- Refund of taxes & fees
- Loan payoff
- Registration & DMV fees
- Rental, towing, and incidental expenses
- Civil penalties (in some cases)
You may also receive a replacement vehicle instead of a refund if you prefer. And best of all…
The manufacturer — not you — pays your attorney’s fees.
- Refund of your down payment
- Refund of monthly payments
- Refund of taxes & fees
- Loan payoff
- Registration & DMV fees
- Rental, towing, and incidental expenses
- Civil penalties (in some cases)
You may also receive a replacement vehicle instead of a refund if you prefer. And best of all…
The manufacturer — not you — pays your attorney’s fees.
How Alemi Law Group Helps CPO Vehicle Owners
At Alemi Law Group, PC, we help consumers throughout California who purchased a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that turned out to be defective. We handle everything:
- Reviewing your CPO warranty and repair history
- Determining whether your CPO vehicle qualifies
- Communicating with the dealer and manufacturer
- Filing your Lemon Law claim
- Fighting for a buyback, replacement, or settlement
- Reviewing your CPO warranty and repair history
- Determining whether your CPO vehicle qualifies
- Communicating with the dealer and manufacturer
- Filing your Lemon Law claim
- Fighting for a buyback, replacement, or settlement
- No out-of-pocket costs
- No risk
- Manufacturer pays your attorney’s fees if we win
Free California Lemon Law Case Review for CPO Vehicles
If your Certified Pre-Owned vehicle keeps having problems, you may have a strong Lemon Law case.
Call (818) 946-9911
Email: info@alemilawgrp.com
Or contact us online for a free case evaluation. You don’t have to deal with the manufacturer alone — we’re here to help.
Call (818) 946-9911 Email: info@alemilawgrp.comOr contact us online for a free case evaluation. You don’t have to deal with the manufacturer alone — we’re here to help.
