Overview

If your 2024 Dodge Challenger has repeat issues, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Law. The law can force the manufacturer to buy back or replace a defective car that can’t be fixed within a reasonable number of tries.

This guide explains when you qualify and how to start a claim in California, step by step.

Do You Qualify?

  • Covered vehicle: New or leased 2024 Challenger bought or registered in CA and used mainly for personal/family use. Small businesses may qualify if the vehicle is under 10,000 lbs GVW and you own 5 or fewer vehicles.
  • Warranty defect: A problem covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impairs use, value, or safety, and keeps returning after reasonable repair attempts.
  • Repair opportunities: You gave an authorized Dodge/Stellantis dealer a fair chance to fix it. Keep work orders and dates.
  • Timing: Problems occurred during the warranty period. The legal deadline to sue is generally 4 years from when the warranty was breached.
  • Not just recalls: Recall work alone doesn’t make a lemon. The issue must persist or keep recurring.

How CA Law Applies

Presumption (helps prove your case)

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (including the Tanner presumption) protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles. It applies to Stellantis (Dodge) vehicles sold or registered in CA.

within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). You don’t need the presumption to win, but it helps.

Many manufacturers use a state-certified program (often BBB AUTO LINE). Arbitration is usually optional in CA and free. You can still go to court if you’re unhappy with the result.

  • 2+ attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, or
  • 4+ attempts for the same non-safety defect, or
  • 30+ total days out of service for warranty repairs,
  • Repurchase (buyback): Refund of price paid (including taxes and fees) minus a mileage offset based on miles at the first repair attempt/120,000, plus eligible towing/rental costs.
  • Replacement: A comparable new vehicle, plus reimbursement of fees; you pay the same mileage offset.
  • Attorney’s fees: If you win, the manufacturer pays your reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
  • Civil penalties: Up to 2x actual damages if the manufacturer willfully violates the law.

Step-by-Step: What to Do

  1. Step 1: Document every problem. Each time the issue appears, take photos/videos, note warning lights, and record dates, mileage, and symptoms.
  2. Step 2: Use an authorized dealer. Schedule repairs at a Dodge/Stellantis dealer. Describe the same concern each visit. Get a printed work order and final invoice showing the complaint, diagnostics, and outcome.
  3. Step 3: Track repair counts/days. Keep a simple log of visits and days out of service. Save rental/towing receipts.
  4. Step 4: Give a final repair opportunity. Send the manufacturer a written notice (certified mail) requesting a final chance to fix the defect. Include your name, VIN, mileage, dealer info, and copies of repair orders. Use the contact in your warranty booklet (Stellantis Customer Care).
  5. Step 5: Consider arbitration. If the problem continues, file with the manufacturer’s CA-certified arbitration program listed in your warranty guide. It’s faster and free, and you can reject an unfavorable decision.
  6. Step 6: Make a lemon law demand. Request a repurchase or replacement under the CA Lemon Law, referencing your repair history and the presumption (if met). Keep communication in writing.
  7. Step 7: Consult a CA lemon law attorney. Most offer free consultations and work on fee-shift (paid by the manufacturer if you prevail). They can handle negotiations and file suit in CA Superior Court if needed.
  8. Step 8: Prepare your file. Organize purchase/lease contract, registration, warranty booklet, all repair orders, tow/rental receipts, photos, and your timeline log.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only telling the dealer verbally: Always get written repair orders and save emails/texts.
  • Not notifying the manufacturer: For the presumption, provide written notice and a final repair opportunity.
  • Mixing new complaints: Be consistent describing the recurring defect so it counts as the “same issue.”
  • Skipping authorized service: Independent shops can undermine proof. Use a franchised Dodge dealer for warranty work.
  • Accepting a trade-in or “goodwill” fix: This can undercut lemon rights. Get advice before signing anything.
  • Waiting too long: The general deadline is 4 years from breach. Don’t delay once repairs keep failing.
  • Ignoring mileage offset math: Verify the buyback calculation, including taxes, fees, and add-ons you paid.

What You Should Do Next

Schedule service with a Dodge dealer and start (or continue) documenting. Send a certified letter to Stellantis requesting a final repair opportunity.

If the issue persists, file for arbitration listed in your warranty booklet and speak with a California lemon law attorney about a repurchase or replacement. Acting early protects your rights and strengthens your claim.