Lemon Law filings have increased drastically in the last three years, with annual cases jumping from 15,000 in 2022 to over 25,000 in 2024.
To reduce growing court backlogs, the state made some significant changes to the law in 2025, which impacts filing deadlines and paperwork requirements.
If you are a victim of a defective vehicle, and wondering what are the new Lemon Law changes in California for 2025, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.
New California Lemon Law Changes
Time Limits For Filing
If you unknowingly purchased a defective vehicle, you must file your new California Lemon Law case within one year after your warranty expires—even if you discover defects later.
There is one exception: The deadlines may be extended if your car was in repair or you submitted a manufacturer's notice.
Mandatory Pre-Filing Notice
Beginning April 1, 2025, you must notify the manufacturer of the defect(s) before filing a lawsuit. The notice must include:
- Your name
- The VIN number
- Copies of the vehicle’s repair history
- A formal request that the manufacturer either buy back or repair your vehicle
Manufacturers have 30 days to respond and 60 days to fulfill a buyback or replacement plan.
Document Exchange
To expedite the information-gathering process, both parties must share critical documents within 60 days after cases begin. These documents include repair records, proof of warranty, and any communication you’ve had with the manufacturer.
Mediation Requirements
As of 2025, new California Lemon Law cases require mediation where a neutral third party works with you and the manufacturer to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Mediation must be scheduled no later than 90 days after the manufacturer responds to your official complaint. The entire process must be completed within 150 days.
Penalties & Fines
To streamline the process, the courts now impose daily $50 fines to manufacturers who do not fulfill buyback and replacement agreements within 30 days of receiving the signed release. Those fines will continue indefinitely until the settlement is finalized.
How Do 2025 Lemon Law Updates Affect California Consumers?
From our perspective, the new California Lemon Law changes are likely to pose more challenges for consumers. While the law does retain its core protections, it now requires more paperwork, mediation, meeting strict deadlines and puts the burden on the consumer rather than the warrantor who sold the defective vehicle.
This is why it is so critical to work with an experienced California Lemon Law attorney. Our attorneys will:
- Handle pre-filing notices
- Help you gather the appropriate documentation
- Meet strict filing deadlines, including the one-year post-warranty filing limit
- Ensure manufacturers meet their deadlines
- Guide you through the mandatory mediation process
- Track the manufacturer’s replacement and buyback deadlines
Our goal is to protect your rights while reducing stress. By partnering with us, you can have the confidence and peace of mind knowing that your case is in the right hands.
Don’t Let the New California Lemon Law Give You a Sour Deal
Feeling overwhelmed by the 2025 Lemon Law updates in California? Hand over the wheel to CA Consumer Law APC. With free consultations, fair prices, and no contingency fees on Lemon Law matters, we set you up for success from the beginning. And we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation today!
