AB 1755 / 871.20 & California Lemon Law: What’s Changed & What It Means for You
California has long led the nation in protecting consumers with the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, better known as the California Lemon Law. Starting January 1, 2025, those protections shift in important ways. With the passage of Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755), vehicle owners now face stricter deadlines, new notice requirements, and mandatory mediation before filing suit.
Here’s what car buyers, lessees, and their attorneys need to know about these changes.
What’s the Problem?
For decades, the California Lemon Law has provided strong remedies: a manufacturer buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation when a car cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.
But AB 1755, signed into law in September 2024, introduces new hurdles that could make it harder for consumers to enforce their rights. The law shortens timelines, requires pre-litigation notices, and creates a mandatory mediation process.
Allegations Driving the Change
Supporters of AB 1755 claimed that California needed to streamline litigation and reduce “frivolous” lawsuits. In practice, however, these changes appear designed to give automakers more leverage and slow down consumer claims.
Critics warn that the bill undermines the very protections that have made California’s Lemon Law one of the strongest in the country.
Key Changes Under AB 1755
1. Pre-Litigation Notice Requirement For Civil Penalties
Old Rule: Consumers could file lawsuits immediately once repair attempts failed.
New Rule: You must now provide the manufacturer with 30 days’ written notice before filing.
Impact: This delays relief and gives manufacturers more time to respond, even when the car is unsafe or unusable.
2. Shortened Statute of Limitations
Old Rule: Consumers had up to four years from discovery of the defect to file.
New Rule: You must file within one year after the warranty expires, and no later than six years from delivery.
Impact: The window to bring claims is much smaller, which can bar late-discovered defects.
3. Negative Equity Restrictions
Old Rule: Negative equity (when a car loan exceeds vehicle value) was less of a statutory focus.
New Rule: AB 1755 adds specific limits on negative equity treatment.
Impact: Consumers may still owe money on their loans, even after a buyback or replacement.
Symptoms of the Change
Consumers may notice these practical effects under AB 1755:
Delays in filing lawsuits due to mandatory notice and mediation
Shorter deadlines to file claims, which may leave late-discovered defects unprotected
Stricter financial consequences if negative equity applies
Higher pressure to settle early under manufacturer-controlled timelines
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."
Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.
Do you have a lemon law claim?
California’s Lemon Law is changing, but your rights don’t disappear with AB 1755. They just become more complex to enforce.
At Valero Law, APC, we specialize in navigating these evolving rules — including strict filing deadlines, notice requirements, and mediation procedures. If your car has repeated defects, don’t wait: early action is the best way to protect your claim.
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 today or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form. Cases are taken on a contingency basis — meaning no upfront cost to you.