California RV Lemon Law: Fight Defects, Win Relief

Does California’s Lemon Law Cover RVs?

Yes—California’s Song‑Beverly Consumer Warranty Act applies to “new motor vehicles,” which includes the chassis, chassis cab, and the portion of a motorhome designed primarily for propulsion. Living-area components (appliances, coach HVAC, plumbing, cabinetry, generators, etc.) are not part of the “new motor vehicle” for Lemon Law presumptions, but they may still be covered under their own written warranties and Song‑Beverly’s general consumer-goods protections. See Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22 and the Act generally at Song‑Beverly (official site).

Towable RVs (e.g., travel trailers and fifth wheels) are not treated as “motor vehicles” for the Lemon Law presumption in § 1793.22, but owners may still have claims under express component warranties and Song‑Beverly’s consumer-goods provisions when a written warranty applies. See § 1793.22 and § 1795.5.

What Counts as a “Lemon” RV?

An RV may qualify when a covered defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety and the manufacturer (or its authorized facility) has had a reasonable opportunity to repair. California provides a helpful presumption that a reasonable number of repair attempts occurred if, within the warranty period: (1) there were at least two repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, (2) at least four repair attempts for the same defect, or (3) the vehicle was out of service for repair for a total of 30 or more calendar days. See § 1793.22(b). If the manufacturer maintains a qualified third-party dispute resolution program, resorting to that program can be required to use the statutory presumption, and any decision is not binding unless you accept it. See § 1793.22(c).

Reasonable Repair Opportunities

You do not need to meet a specific number in all cases to win—courts assess the facts, including the nature of the defect, number of repair visits, days out of service, and safety risk. The statutory presumption is a helpful evidentiary shortcut, but you can still prove your case without it. See § 1793.22.

Remedies: Refund, Replacement, or Cash Compensation

If your RV qualifies, you may be entitled to a repurchase (refund), replacement, or cash compensation. Repurchase generally includes the price paid (less a mileage-based use deduction), along with certain taxes, registration fees, and incidental damages such as towing, rental, and reasonable out-of-pocket costs. Replacement must be substantially identical and properly warranted. See Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.2(d).

The use deduction is typically calculated by multiplying the vehicle’s price by miles driven before the first repair attempt for the qualifying defect, divided by 120,000. See § 1793.2(d)(2)(C). Successful consumers may also recover reasonable attorney’s fees and, for willful violations, a civil penalty up to two times actual damages. See Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(c), (d).

Living-Area Components and Supplier Warranties

In motorhomes, the “house” systems (appliances, coach HVAC, cabinetry, plumbing, entertainment systems, generators) are commonly covered by their own manufacturer warranties and are not part of the “new motor vehicle” for Lemon Law presumptions. Claims for these items may proceed under those written warranties and Song‑Beverly’s consumer-goods protections when a warranty applies. See § 1793.22(e) and California DCA Consumer Guide.

Used RVs and Warranty Coverage

Used motorhomes can be protected if a manufacturer’s written warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty is in effect when the defects arise. Song‑Beverly also covers used consumer goods sold with an express warranty. Private-party “as-is” sales may limit remedies, but remaining manufacturer warranties or unlawful disclosures can change the analysis. See Cal. Civ. Code § 1795.5 and the California DCA Consumer Guide.

What To Do If Your RV Has Persistent Defects

• Report the issue promptly and use an authorized repair facility.
• Keep every repair order, note symptoms, mileage, and days out of service.
• Follow warranty instructions, including any required manufacturer notice or final repair opportunity.
• If available, consider whether to use a qualified dispute-resolution program—this may affect use of the Lemon Law presumption. See § 1793.22(c).
• Send a clear written demand describing defects, repair history, and the remedy requested.
• Consult counsel early—attorney’s fees may be recoverable if you prevail. See § 1794(d).

Arbitration and Manufacturer Programs

Some manufacturers maintain qualified dispute-resolution programs. Using such a program can be a condition to invoke the statutory Lemon Law presumption, but an adverse decision is not binding unless you accept it. You can still pursue your rights in court even if you do not use the presumption. Review your warranty booklet and consider legal advice before proceeding. See § 1793.22(c).

How a Lawyer Helps

An attorney can evaluate whether your defects substantially impair use, value, or safety; assemble evidence; present demands; and pursue repurchase, replacement, or settlement. Fee-shifting provisions may allow you to pursue relief without upfront legal costs if you prevail. See § 1794(d).

Key Evidence to Preserve

• Purchase, finance/lease, and warranty documents
• All repair orders and invoices (with symptom notes and road-test notes)
• Photos/videos of the defect when safe to capture
• Towing, rental, lodging, and other incidental expense receipts
• A timeline of dates out of service and communications with the dealer/manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the lemon law apply to towable RVs (travel trailers or fifth wheels)?
Not as “motor vehicles” under the Lemon Law presumption, but claims may proceed under component warranties and Song‑Beverly’s consumer-goods protections where a written warranty applies. See § 1793.22 and § 1795.5.

Do I need a specific number of repair attempts?
No fixed number applies in every case. The statutory presumption is met with 2 attempts for a serious safety defect, 4 attempts for the same defect, or 30 days out of service, subject to notice and program-resort requirements if applicable. You can still prove your case without the presumption. See § 1793.22(b)–(c).

Can I recover for time without my RV?
Incidental damages (e.g., towing, rental) are available in qualifying cases, and civil penalties may be awarded for willful violations. Eligibility depends on the facts and warranties. See § 1793.2(d) and § 1794(c).

Will a buyback include taxes and fees?
A qualifying repurchase generally includes the price paid and certain charges (tax, registration), less a mileage-based use deduction. Exact amounts depend on the transaction and outcome. See § 1793.2(d).

Next Steps

If your motorhome’s defects keep returning, gather your repair records and get a case evaluation. Early guidance can speed resolution—through settlement, replacement, or repurchase. Contact our team.

Disclaimer

This blog provides general information about California consumer warranty rights for motorhomes and is not legal advice. Laws change and outcomes depend on specific facts. Consult a California attorney about your situation.