The Toyota Mirai is one of the most ambitious hydrogen-powered vehicles on the market, positioning itself as a pioneer in clean energy transportation. But for many drivers in California—where the Mirai has seen a large portion of its sales—the promise of innovation has come with mechanical headaches. Reports of frequent malfunctions, safety concerns, and recurring repairs have left some Mirai owners asking an important question: Does my Toyota Mirai qualify as a lemon under California law? If your vehicle has been in and out of the shop more than on the road, it may be time to take a closer look at your rights.
What Is California’s Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law — formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — offers strong protections for consumers who purchase or lease a defective new vehicle. Under this law, if a car like the Toyota Mirai has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.
To qualify, your Toyota Mirai must meet the following general conditions:
You purchased or leased the vehicle new in California.
The defect occurred during the warranty period (typically the first 3 years or 36,000 miles).
The dealership has made at least two attempts to repair a serious safety issue or four or more attempts to fix the same non-safety issue.
Alternatively, the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days for any combination of problems.
Even if your Mirai is outside the typical mileage or time window, you may still have rights under California’s lemon law or related consumer protection laws. A qualified attorney can help assess the specifics of your case.
Common Toyota Mirai Problems in California
California has been a key market for the Toyota Mirai due to its hydrogen infrastructure. But despite being at the forefront of green technology, the Mirai has drawn complaints from many drivers. Some of the most frequently reported issues include:
Hydrogen fuel system problems: Leaks, fueling errors, or failed tank pressurization can result in the vehicle being undrivable.
Sudden power loss: Drivers have reported instances where the vehicle shuts down or fails to accelerate—creating dangerous situations, particularly on busy L.A. highways.
Cold start issues: Although California isn’t known for freezing temperatures, certain regions like high desert or mountain areas have seen Mirais struggle in low temps.
Electrical glitches and warning lights: From malfunctioning dashboards to unresponsive controls, these issues not only frustrate drivers but also signal potential underlying faults.
These problems are not just annoyances—they can affect your safety and the reliability of a vehicle you’ve made a serious investment in. If you’ve brought your Mirai in for repeated service and the issue continues to return, you may be eligible for protection under California’s Lemon Law.
What Are Your Legal Options If Your Mirai Is a Lemon?
If your Toyota Mirai qualifies under California Lemon Law, you have the right to demand a legal remedy from the manufacturer. That typically means one of the following:
A full refund: This includes your down payment, monthly payments, registration fees, taxes, and more—minus a small usage fee based on mileage.
A replacement vehicle: Toyota must provide a new vehicle of comparable value, along with coverage for registration and taxes.
Reimbursement for related expenses: Including rental cars, towing, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred due to the defect.
Importantly, under California law, if you win your case, Toyota may also be required to pay your attorney’s fees. That means you can seek help from an experienced attorney without worrying about upfront legal costs.
If you’re unsure about the strength of your case, don’t rely solely on what a dealership tells you. Dealerships may attempt to delay or deny your claims in order to avoid involvement from the manufacturer. Our attorneys can step in to evaluate your case and represent your interests with clarity and confidence.
How to Strengthen Your Lemon Law Claim
Successful Lemon Law claims start with solid documentation. Here’s what you should gather if your Toyota Mirai is showing signs of being a lemon:
Repair orders and service records: Make sure to obtain a written service record each time your vehicle is brought in for repair.
Written complaints: Keep copies of all communications between you and the dealership or Toyota customer service.
Proof of purchase or lease: Including your sales contract, warranty documentation, and any financing agreements.
Photos, videos, or error logs: Visual evidence of the defect or warning lights can be a powerful addition to your case.
Once you have your documentation in place, the next step is to speak with a qualified attorney who understands how to hold manufacturers accountable. Legal representation can make the difference between a dismissed claim and full compensation.
At our Los Angeles-based firm, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with a defective especially one as complex and specialized as the Toyota Mirai. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is still relatively new, and consumers should not be left shouldering the burden when something goes wrong. If your Mirai continues to have problems despite repeated repairs, we’re ready to help you take the next step.
Don’t wait until the problem becomes worse or the warranty expires. Contact us today to find out if your Toyota Mirai qualifies under California Lemon Law and to explore your options for legal action and compensation.
