Buying a certified pre-owned vehicle should feel like the smart, safe middle ground between new and used — a promise of reliability backed by inspection reports and manufacturer guarantees. Yet, sometimes that “certified” car starts sputtering, stalling, or flashing warning lights soon after you drive off the lot. If that sounds familiar, you might be protected under California’s certified pre-owned Lemon Law, which covers not just new cars, but qualifying used ones as well.
Understanding Your Rights Under California’s Lemon Law
California’s Lemon Law for defective vehicles (officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) doesn’t discriminate between brand-new and certified pre-owned cars. If your vehicle has persistent issues that affect its safety, use, or value—and the dealer or manufacturer fails to fix them after a reasonable number of attempts—you may be entitled to compensation or even a replacement.
As Lemon Law experts, we’ve seen countless cases where “certified” vehicles were anything but reliable. Whether the engine keeps stalling, the transmission slips, or the electrical systems glitch constantly, these problems fall squarely under what a Lemon Law attorney can help resolve. The key lies in documentation: keep every repair invoice, warranty record, and communication with the dealer. These details are vital for building a strong Lemon Law claim.
Why Certified Doesn’t Always Mean Problem-Free
Even “certified” used cars may hide defects—an experienced Lemon Law lawyer helps uncover the truth and secure compensation.
“Certified pre-owned” is a marketing term that implies thorough inspections and quality assurance. Unfortunately, not all dealers uphold the same standards. We’ve handled cases where supposedly certified vehicles had pre-existing mechanical problems masked by quick cosmetic fixes.
A skilled Lemon Law lawyer knows how to uncover these issues through expert evaluations and dealer record reviews. Even if the car is used, if it’s under warranty and shows repeated or unfixable defects, you may have a solid vehicle Lemon Law case. Don’t let a dealer convince you that used cars can’t qualify — that’s simply not true.
If your CPO car keeps failing despite multiple repair visits, you can pursue legal remedies under the California Lemon Law. You may be eligible for a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on your situation.
How We Help You Take Back Control
At Ron Marquez Law Corp, we specialize in representing clients who’ve been sold faulty vehicles under the guise of reliability. As experienced Lemon Law car attorneys, we guide you through every stage of the process — from collecting evidence to negotiating with manufacturers.
Our mission is to make sure your rights as a consumer are upheld. We handle the complexities so you don’t have to face dealerships or manufacturers alone. With our team on your side, you can focus on moving forward — not back to the mechanic every month.
If your certified pre-owned vehicle keeps breaking down, it might not just be bad luck — it might be a lemon. Contact Ron Marquez Law Corp today for a free consultation. We proudly serve drivers across Yuba County, Butte County, and beyond. Let’s make your car trouble someone else’s problem.
