When your car keeps breaking down for the same reason, it’s more than bad luck—it’s a pattern. And under California’s recurring defects Lemon Law, that pattern is exactly what turns a frustrating situation into a legally valid Lemon Law claim. The key is proof: knowing how to document, organize, and present evidence that shows your vehicle’s issues aren’t random—they’re recurring.
What “Recurring Defects” Really Mean
A single mechanical glitch doesn’t make your car a lemon. But when the same problem keeps coming back—despite multiple repair attempts—it likely qualifies as a recurring defect under the California Lemon Law for defective vehicles.
For example, if your transmission has been repaired four times for the same issue, or your electrical system repeatedly causes the same warning lights, that’s not a coincidence. It’s evidence of a deeper defect that the manufacturer hasn’t resolved. California law typically considers a vehicle a lemon if:
- The same defect has been repaired two or more timesand poses a safety risk.
- The same issue has been repaired four or more timeswithout success.
- The car has been out of service for 30 cumulative daysdue to warranty-covered repairs.
The challenge isn’t just proving that your car has problems—it’s proving that those problems recur. That’s where documentation becomes your best weapon.
How to Track and Prove Recurring Defects
Dealerships and manufacturers often claim, “We fixed it this time,” even when they haven’t. To protect yourself, keep detailed records from day one. Here’s what matters most when proving a recurring defect Lemon Law case:
- Repair Orders and Invoices:Always request written service records for every visit, even if the dealer says the repair was “minor” or “covered.” Make sure the document describes the same symptoms each time (e.g., “vehicle stalls while idling”).
- Dates and Mileage:Track when the defect appeared and how many miles were on the car each time. This creates a timeline that demonstrates the persistence of the problem.
- Photographs and Videos:Visual evidence helps, especially for intermittent issues like warning lights or rough idling that might not appear at the dealership.
- Communication Records:Save emails, texts, or voicemails with the service department or manufacturer. These show your consistent attempts to get the issue fixed.
The stronger your paper trail, the harder it is for the dealership to deny your claim. A skilled Lemon Law attorney can organize these materials to show that the defect is recurring—and that the manufacturer has had enough chances to fix it.
We Turn Your Documentation into Legal Leverage
Organized communication and repair records give attorneys the leverage needed to win recurring defect Lemon Law cases.
At Ron Marquez Law Corp, we’ve seen countless cases where clients thought their records “weren’t enough”—until we showed them how powerful their documentation really was. Our experienced Lemon Law car lawyers know how to use your repair history to prove recurring defects, push back against manufacturer denials, and win compensation under California’s Lemon Law for faulty vehicles.
Even if the dealership insists they’ve “fixed it,” recurring breakdowns tell a different story. We’ll build your case using your own repair trail—each invoice, each visit, each delay—to demonstrate that your car’s defect is systemic, not situational.
If your vehicle keeps breaking down for the same issue and the dealer keeps giving excuses, contact Ron Marquez Law Corp today for a free consultation. We proudly serve drivers throughout Tehama County, Glenn County, and beyond. With the right documentation and our legal experience, your recurring problem can become your strongest case for justice.
