BuildNGoLawGet started

Think you have a lemon? (555) 480-5300 · Free case review · In a winning case the manufacturer pays our fees

Sterling Lemon Law

Questions Answered

Straight answers about qualifying, remedies, fees, and what to do if your vehicle is a lemon.

1,400+ Buybacks $0 Out-of-Pocket Statewide

How much does it cost to hire Sterling?

Nothing out of pocket. Lemon law is fee-shifting: when we win, the manufacturer is required by law to pay your attorney fees and costs on top of your recovery. There are no hourly charges and no retainer — if we don't win, you owe us nothing.

What actually qualifies a vehicle as a lemon?

Generally, a substantial defect covered by the warranty that the dealer can't fix after a reasonable number of attempts — often two or more for a serious safety issue, four for the same recurring problem, or 30+ cumulative days out of service. The defect must have first appeared during the warranty period. We confirm qualification before you commit to anything.

Do I have to give the car back?

Not necessarily. You usually have two options: a buyback (the manufacturer repurchases the vehicle and refunds your payments, less a small mileage offset) or cash-and-keep (you keep the car and receive a cash settlement for the diminished value). We'll explain which makes more financial sense for you.

My warranty already expired. Am I out of luck?

No. What matters is when the defect first appeared and was reported — not whether the warranty is still active today. If the problem started during the warranty period and you have the repair orders to show it, you may still have a strong claim.

How long does a lemon law case take?

Many cases resolve in a matter of weeks to a few months once we send the manufacturer notice and demand. Stronger documentation — complete repair orders and a clear out-of-service record — almost always means a faster, larger recovery.

What do I need to get started?

Your repair orders or service invoices, your purchase or lease contract, and a quick description of what keeps going wrong. Don't have everything? Start anyway — our intake concierge will tell you exactly what to gather and we can request records on your behalf.

Have a more specific question?

Ask Vera, our AI claim concierge — she answers instantly and books your attorney call. Or start a free lemon check.

Free Lemon Check