California Lawmakers Rush to Revamp Flawed ‘Lemon’ Vehicle Law—Again

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are racing against the clock to amend a controversial overhaul of the state’s “lemon law,” just months before significant changes take effect. The law, designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles, has been the subject of intense debate among automakers, consumer rights advocates, and lawmakers after last-minute legislation left key protections in limbo.

A Hasty Overhaul Sparks Backlash

In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755) into law, introducing sweeping changes to how consumers can file claims under California’s lemon law. The bill aimed to streamline the resolution of disputes but has been criticized for limiting consumer rights in favor of automakers.

AB 1755 was introduced in the final days of the legislative session following closed-door negotiations between U.S. automakers, attorneys, and judges. According to industry data, four manufacturers—General Motors, Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), Nissan, and Ford—account for over 70% of California’s lemon law cases. The increasing number of these cases had raised concerns among lawmakers and court officials, prompting efforts to reform the system.

However, critics argue the rushed nature of AB 1755 left consumers at a disadvantage. The bill reduces the timeframe for filing claims and places more burden on car owners to prove defects. Lawmakers who initially supported the bill have since expressed unease about the process and its unintended consequences.

Senate Bill 26: A Fix Before the Deadline

In response to mounting criticism, Governor Newsom has urged lawmakers to refine the law before it takes effect on April 1, 2025. Legislators have introduced Senate Bill 26 (SB 26), a proposed amendment that would allow automakers to opt out of the revised process and continue operating under the previous regulations.

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by consumer advocates and legal experts. SB 26 seeks to provide balance by ensuring consumers retain access to fair legal remedies while addressing industry concerns about excessive litigation,” said State Senator Ben Allen, a key supporter of the bill.

Consumer protection groups, however, remain skeptical. “This so-called ‘fix’ still favors manufacturers over consumers,” said Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS). “Instead of making it harder for people to get justice, lawmakers should be strengthening protections.”

California Supreme Court Ruling Further Complicates Matters

As lawmakers work to amend AB 1755, a separate development has added further uncertainty to the state’s lemon law landscape. In October 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled that manufacturers are not required to honor warranties for used vehicles resold within the original warranty period.

Previously, consumers who purchased used cars with remaining factory warranties could seek repairs or refunds under the state’s lemon law. However, the court’s decision effectively eliminates that right, leaving used-car buyers with fewer legal protections.

“The ruling creates a dangerous precedent,” said Brian Jones, a consumer rights attorney based in Los Angeles. “It allows manufacturers to evade responsibility for defective vehicles simply because ownership has changed.”

Consumer groups warn that the combination of AB 1755 and the Supreme Court ruling could significantly weaken protections for car buyers across California.

What This Means for Consumers?

With the April 1 deadline looming, consumers are being urged to stay informed about their rights and any upcoming changes to the law. The California Department of Consumer Affairs recommends checking official sources for updates and ensuring any warranty claims are filed before the new regulations take effect. Visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs for more information.

For consumers considering legal action, the California Attorney General’s Office provides resources on how to navigate auto-related disputes. More details can be found at oag.ca.gov.

The Road Ahead

As debate over California’s lemon law intensifies, the fate of SB 26 remains uncertain. Lawmakers must weigh the interests of consumers and manufacturers while ensuring the legal system can handle warranty disputes efficiently.

Automakers argue that reforms are necessary to prevent frivolous lawsuits, while consumer advocates insist that limiting legal options will disproportionately harm car buyers.

The coming weeks will be critical as legislators finalize any amendments before the April deadline. Until then, consumers and industry experts alike are watching closely to see whether California’s lemon law remains a robust protection or becomes another example of corporate influence in state policy.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.