Honda Lemon Law

Honda is undoubtedly one of the top-selling automakers in the world, and these Japanese cars are very popular in California.  The company manufactures more than 14 million engines a year, and Honda-built engines have won more Indy 500 races than any other manufacturer. With a track record like that, it seems unlikely that Honda could produce a lemon. Unfortunately, that’s not so.

Honda Motor Company is subject to California Lemon Law, just like all other automakers. If you’ve purchased a defective Honda that continues to have mechanical and electrical problems no matter how many times you take it to the mechanic for repairs, it may be time to call a Honda Lemon Law attorney. The skilled lawyers at Neale & Fhima have decades of experience successfully litigating lemon law claims on behalf of clients, and they can do the same for you.  Don’t get stuck with a Honda lemon.  Call us today at (888) 407-2955 for a free initial consultation about your case.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if you purchase a defective Honda, you are legally entitled to a refund, or the vehicle can be replaced at Honda’s cost. At Neale & Fhima, we fight Honda Motor Company to enforce the lemon law rights of people living in California. Honda lemon law applies to both new and used vehicles. Keep in mind that the lemon law extends to other transportation products Honda manufactures, like watercraft, ATVs, motorcycles and SUVs. It also extends to vehicles in Honda’s luxury brand, Acura.

A “lemon” is a car, SUV, truck or other vehicle that does not really worked right.  Whether it’s a faulty engine, poor suspension, a faulty transmission, electrical problems or a myriad of other mechanical and electrical problems, these vehicles are chronically damaged and can’t be acceptably repaired despite frequent trips to the mechanic. To determine whether you have a Honda lemon law claim, check to see whether your vehicle repair visits occurred while the vehicle was under Honda original warranty or Certified Pre-Owned Warranty. If they were, you probably have a claim. If you own a used vehicle, then you will need one of three specific warranties to have a Honda lemon law claim. These warranties are listed below. Either way, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your Honda repaired before filing a legal claim.

Is Your Honda a Lemon?

California law sets down specific guidelines to determine whether your Honda is a lemon.  It’s not enough to be frustrated because there’s a small dent in the door or a bit of discoloration on the carpet.  The defect needs to be somewhat more significant, and it has to be something that impacts the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.  Find out more in: Do You Have a Lemon?

Following are some examples of defects that could trigger a Honda lemon law claim:

• Check-engine lights
• Steering issues
• Braking problems (not squeaking)
• Faulty windshield wipers
• Fuel gauges and speedometer don’t work
• Door locks don’t work
• Won’t start
• Poor acceleration
• AC does not work
• Radio or navigation malfunction
• Transmission is not smooth during starting and stopping
• Battery dies regularly.

The Honda lemon law requires that “nonconformities” must be present, which are defined as any defect or malfunction that substantially impairs the vehicle and is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.  Nonconformities compromise the use, value or safety of the Honda. Find out more in: What to Do if You Have a Lemon.

A skilled and experienced Honda lemon law attorney can sort through these guidelines and help you decide whether you have a claim. Call us today at (888) 407-2955 and we can answer any questions you may have.

How Does a Honda Lemon Law Buyback Work?

Once you successfully prove that you have a lemon, your options are 1) to have the manufacturer repurchase or replace your vehicle or 2) negotiate a cash settlement with Honda. California has one of the most extensive lemon laws in the nation to ensure consumer protection.  When you hire Neale & Fhima, our Honda lemon law lawyers will help you take a look at your options so you can make an informed decision.

The first step is to determine that your warranty is still in effect.  Remember, service contracts and extended warranties do not count. Then, check your paperwork to determine whether you have made a “reasonable number” of repair attempts.  The next step in the process is to file a claim against Honda.  One of our Honda lemon law attorneys can do this on your behalf.

The statute of limitations under California’s Lemon Law is four years, but don’t wait that long. If you have purchased or leased a lemon, start collecting copies of your repair orders and call a Honda lemon law attorney right away. 

At Neale & Fhima, we pride ourselves on creating legal strategies that give our clients the best possible opportunities to succeed with their legal claims. Find out more in: The Lemon Law Claims Process.

Will Honda Buy Back My Car?

Yes, Honda will buy back your car if you meet all the guidelines that include:

• possessing the appropriate warranty
• establishing that your vehicle has “nonconformities,” and
• making unsuccessful attempts to have the vehicle repaired.

Honda Lemon Law and Used Vehicles

Some used Hondas are covered under California’s Lemon Law, depending on whether your car has a warranty.  If you bought the Honda “as is,” then the law does not apply, unless you can prove that fraud was involved.  But if you have one of three specific warranties, then you may be protected.  A Honda lemon law attorney can explain all of this in greater detail.  Here are the three types of warranties that qualify:

Transferred New Car Warranty

As a buyer of a recent model used Honda you may have a copy of the manufacturer’s new-car warranty.  When a titled Honda is sold to a new owner and the vehicle is still under its original warranty period, the warranty protections transfer to you for the duration of that period.

Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty

“Certified Pre-Owned” Hondas have more protections than typical used cars.  Only authorized Honda dealerships can sell CPOs, so if you bought your vehicle elsewhere this warranty will not apply to you.  Certified Pre-Owned means that these used Hondas have been inspected, repaired and resold, and therefore they come with a CPO warranty.

Lemon Law Buyback Warranty

If you buy a used Honda that was once a lemon (but Honda repaired it and resold it), then you should have received a “lemon law buyback warranty.”  Honda is required by law to provide new owners of these buyback lemons a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty covering the lemon’s defect.

If all of this sounds confusing, that’s understandable.  Your best bet is to consult a Honda lemon law attorney to find out whether your used car qualifies.

Contact a Honda Lemon Law Attorney Today

It’s true that Honda manufactures some powerful engines and reliable cars.  But if you have been unlucky enough to purchase a Honda lemon, you might have a legal remedy.  The Honda lemon law in California is a powerful tool that can be used to demand that Honda replace or repurchase your defective vehicle or even give you a cash settlement.  To learn more about your legal rights, contact a Honda lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima today at (888) 407-2955 for a free initial consultation.