How to Prove Your Car is a Lemon

The best evidence in making a lemon law claim in California is the repair order and subsequent repair invoice provided to you by the repairing dealership.

Can you prove your car is a lemon?

Many people think that if they take their new vehicle to their dealership for repair work that is performed under the warranty there is no reason to keep copies of the repair documents. The repair gets done, but shortly thereafter, you’re back at the dealership due to the exact same problem. After repeated trips to the dealership for the exact same repair, you now strongly suspect that your vehicle is a lemon and you want to file a lemon law case.

As a word of caution: If you’re thinking about starting a lemon law case, don’t post about it on any of the automotive message forums, or social media sites, including your own. The attorney for the auto manufacturer will likely find what you have posted and try to use it against you in a deposition.

What evidence do you have as proof?

Are you counting on the dealership to have an accurate record of every time you have brought your vehicle in, and exactly what measures they took in an attempt to remedy the problem? Did the service advisor accurately record your complaint on the repair order? By clearly articulating the issues you are experiencing with your vehicle, you enable the service team to diagnose and address the problem efficiently. A detailed and precise description not only helps in identifying the root cause of the issue but also ensures that the necessary repairs are carried out accurately. Furthermore, it can help prove your car is a lemon.

Under the California lemon law, if you have brought your vehicle to the dealership four or more times for the exact same problem, it was repaired under the original factory warranty, the problem substantially impairs your use, value, and/or safety, and the dealership cannot repair the problem, you may have a lemon. If you can prove your car is a lemon, the manufacturer is required to either repurchase it from you or replace it for you.

prove your car is a lemon with vehicle repair orders

do not leave the dealership without a Final closed out copy of the repair invoice

When you take your vehicle into the dealership for a warranty repair, make sure that your service advisor accurately records your complaints on the repair order and make sure that you do not leave the dealership without a copy of the repair order. Then, when you pick your vehicle after the repairs have been performed, make sure that the repair invoice actually states what was repaired on your vehicle.

Do not sign the repair order or invoice until you have read it and you have made sure that what is written on the repair invoice actually matches with what your service advisor told you. Never leave the dealership without a final closed out copy of your repair invoice. This document serves as a detailed record of the services rendered, ensuring transparency and clarity in all transactions. By diligently requesting and reviewing this essential paperwork before leaving, you demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your interests at the time of service, and in the future.

Remember to keep all of your repair orders and invoices so that in the event you want to file a lemon law claim, you have all of the evidence in your possession and will better be able to prove your car is a lemon. Each case is different and each automobile manufacturer handles these types of cases differently.

Contact us for a free case evaluation. By reviewing your repair documents, interviewing you about the problems you have been having, and conducting some automotive research, we will be able to tell you if your particular situation meets the criteria for a Lemon Law case, and will be able to help you to get the compensation that you legally have a right to.