The California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Act) covers a broader range of vehicles than most state lemon laws. Coverage extends to new vehicles, used vehicles sold with remaining manufacturer warranty, certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, leased vehicles, electric vehicles, motorcycles, RVs and motorhomes, and commercial trucks under 10,000 lbs GVWR purchased by small businesses with five or fewer vehicles. Coverage depends on the existence of a manufacturer’s express written warranty — not on the buyer being the original purchaser. Vehicles purchased out-of-state can also qualify when registered and primarily used in California.
The General Rule
A vehicle qualifies for Song-Beverly coverage when:
- It is a motor vehicle sold or leased in California (or purchased elsewhere and now registered and used in California)
- It is covered by a manufacturer’s express written warranty
- It is sold or leased primarily for personal, family, or household use (commercial use up to specific limits also qualifies)
- It has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs or less
Used Vehicles
Used vehicles qualify when sold with the manufacturer’s original written warranty still in effect, or with a dealer-issued written warranty. Civil Code § 1795.5 specifically extends the statute to used vehicles. “As-is” sales are limited to vehicles with no warranty.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
Manufacturer-CPO vehicles have one of the strongest profiles — covered by both residual original warranty and CPO supplemental warranty, often providing coverage for 7 years / 100,000 miles from original delivery. Dealer-certified is not the same as manufacturer-CPO.
Leased Vehicles
Explicitly covered under Civil Code § 1793.22. Lessees can recover capitalized cost reduction, all lease payments, sales tax, registration, and acquisition fees — less the statutory mileage offset — or elect a replacement vehicle.
Electric Vehicles
EVs are fully covered. Extended federal-mandate battery warranty (8 yr / 100k mi minimum) extends Song-Beverly reach for battery, charging, and HV powertrain defects. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Ford Mach-E, GM Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia EV6 all generate California lemon claims.
Motorcycles
Same Song-Beverly coverage as cars. Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, KTM, Indian, Zero, LiveWire — all covered. Safety nexus on most motorcycle defects triggers the two-attempt presumption.
RVs & Motorhomes
Class A, B, and C all covered. RV cases involve multiple warrantors — chassis manufacturer (Ford, Freightliner, Mercedes) and coach manufacturer (Thor, Winnebago, Forest River, Jayco, Tiffin). Separate claims may be brought against each.
Commercial Trucks (Under 10,000 lbs GVWR)
Commercial trucks purchased by small businesses (5 or fewer vehicles) qualify under § 1793.22(e)(2). Most ½-ton and ¾-ton pickups and cargo vans fall within the GVWR limit. Lost-business-income damages may add to standard buyback recovery.
Free California Lemon Law Case Review
Verify whether your vehicle qualifies for Song-Beverly coverage. McMillan Law Group evaluates at no cost. No fee unless we win.