How to Properly Document Repairs for a Lemon Law Case in California

If your vehicle keeps breaking down, spending more time at the dealership than in your driveway, and still isn’t getting fixed — you might have a lemon. But even if your car clearly qualifies under California Lemon Law, your case is only as strong as your documentation.

The truth is, properly tracking your repair history can make or break your claim. Here's exactly how to do it the right way.

📋 1. Always Get a Repair Order — Before and After Service

Every time you bring your car in, make sure the dealership or service center gives you:

- A repair order when you drop the vehicle off

- A final invoice or repair report when you pick it up

These documents should include:

- The date and mileage when you brought the car in

- A detailed description of the problem you reported

- What was done (even if they say “could not replicate issue”)

- Date and mileage when the car was returned to you

Why this matters:

This paper trail helps prove how many attempts were made to fix the problem, how long your car was out of service, and whether the dealer actually addressed the issue.

🧾 2. Don’t Rely on Verbal Statements — Get Everything in Writing

Sometimes a service advisor might say, “Yeah, this is a known issue,” or “We’ve seen this before.” That’s useful — but unless it’s documented, it doesn’t help your case.

Ask them to include all findings and comments in the repair notes. If they hesitate, write down what was said yourself in a follow-up email so there's a digital paper trail.

📸 3. Take Photos or Videos of the Problem (When Possible)

If your car is making a strange noise, throwing error codes, or physically damaged due to the defect, record it. These visual proofs can support your case — especially if the dealer later claims they couldn't “duplicate” the issue.

Bonus tip: If your car is towed, take a photo of the tow truck or receipt.

📆 4. Track the Days Your Vehicle is Out of Service

One key factor in California Lemon Law is how many days your vehicle is in the shop — 30 days or more (cumulative) could qualify you for a buyback, even if the issue wasn’t fixed.

Keep a simple log that includes:

- Drop-off and pick-up dates

- Location of service center

- Reason for repair

📂 5. Organize Your Records in One Place

Whether it's a physical folder or a cloud-based folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.), keep every single piece of documentation — repair orders, emails, texts, warranty info, recall notices, towing records, etc.

The cleaner your file, the easier it is for your attorney to build a strong case quickly.

⚠️ Bonus Tip: Avoid Independent Shops While Under Warranty

Always go to an authorized dealership for repairs if your vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty. If you take it to an outside mechanic, it could weaken your case — the manufacturer can claim they weren’t given the chance to fix the problem themselves.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a legal expert to win a Lemon Law case — but you do need to document like one. By keeping thorough, organized records of each repair attempt and service visit, you give yourself the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve.

If you think your vehicle might qualify under California Lemon Law, reach out today at 949-535-1800 for a free case review. You may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or even civil penalties — and the manufacturer pays your attorney’s fees.