The California Lemon Law covers commercial trucks under 10,000 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) when purchased or leased by small businesses. Under Civil Code § 1793.22(e)(2), the statute applies to vehicles purchased “primarily for business purposes” by a business with five or fewer motor vehicles registered to its name. This brings most contractors, tradespeople, real-estate agents, food trucks, and small fleet operators within Song-Beverly’s protection. Common qualifying defects include engine, transmission, electrical, and emissions-system failures.
Who Qualifies for Commercial Truck Coverage
- The vehicle is a motor vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less (most ½-ton and ¾-ton pickups; cargo vans like the Transit, ProMaster, and Sprinter 2500)
- It was purchased or leased primarily for business use
- The purchasing business has 5 or fewer vehicles registered in its name (in California)
- The vehicle is sold with the manufacturer’s express written warranty
Common Commercial Truck Models Covered
- Ford F-150 and F-250 (under 10k GVWR), Transit Connect, Transit (under 10k GVWR), Ranger
- Ram 1500, ProMaster, ProMaster City
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Express (under 10k GVWR), Colorado
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Toyota Tacoma, Tundra (under 10k GVWR)
- Nissan Frontier, Titan (under 10k GVWR)
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2500 variants ≤ 10k GVWR)
Heavy-duty pickups and chassis-cab variants above 10,000 lbs GVWR are not covered by Song-Beverly. Class 4–8 trucks (Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth) are excluded.
Common Qualifying Defects
- Engine (Ford EcoBoost coolant intrusion, GM lifter failure, etc.)
- Transmission (GM 8L90 shudder, Ford 10R80, Ram 8HP)
- Electrical system failures
- Emissions and DEF system failures on diesel models
- Driver assistance / ADAS failures
- Brake and steering defects
How Business Use Affects the Claim
Commercial use does not weaken the claim — but it does affect damages calculation. Lost business income from vehicle downtime can be recoverable as incidental damages under Song-Beverly when documented (work orders not completed, equipment rental, replacement vehicles). This is in addition to the standard buyback math.
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