If your car spends more time in the shop than on the road, you could be dealing with a lemon law car defect. Every year, thousands of Californians face persistent vehicle problems, transmission failures, faulty brakes, or electrical malfunctions that dealerships can’t fix despite multiple repair attempts. These defects not only threaten your safety but also drain your time, money, and peace of mind.
Under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or compensation if your car meets certain defect and repair criteria.
Whether you drive a brand-new car or a Certified Pre-Owned model, understanding how to know if your car is a lemon and which defects qualify can help you protect your rights and take action before your warranty runs out.
Major Mechanical Defects That Trigger Lemon Law Claims
Some vehicle problems are more than inconveniences; they’re fundamental mechanical failures that directly affect your car’s performance and safety. These are among the most common issues that lead to lemon law claims in California.
1. Transmission Failures
A faulty transmission can cause slipping gears, delayed acceleration, or rough shifting, all of which create serious safety hazards. Many newer vehicles have experienced transmission defects due to design flaws or software errors, leading to recalls.
Transmission problems are among the most-reported car defects nationwide. If you’ve taken your car in two or more times for the same transmission issue and it still isn’t fixed, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
2. Engine Problems
Your car’s engine is its heart, and repeated stalling, overheating, oil leaks, or sudden loss of power are red flags. Persistent engine issues can leave you stranded or cause dangerous situations, especially at highway speeds. In some cases, engine defects are linked to manufacturer recalls, which can strengthen your claim.
Even if the car is drivable, multiple failed repair attempts for the same engine problem can trigger lemon law protections.
Tip: Keep all repair invoices and ensure each describes the same recurring problem to build a strong case.
3. Electrical System Malfunctions
Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous electronics, making electrical system failures particularly disruptive. Common defects include faulty sensors, warning lights that stay on, random shutdowns, or complete infotainment failure.
Electrical defects can disable critical systems like airbags, ABS brakes, or backup cameras. These are recognized car issues tied to lemon law if they affect safety or drivability.
If you are experiencing any of these defects, you may have a lemon. Contact our California lemon law attorneys for a case review. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim.
Safety-Related Defects Under California Injury Law
Some defects go beyond inconvenience; they create an immediate risk of harm. Under California injury law, these defects can not only qualify under the Lemon Law but also form the basis for a personal injury claim if they cause an accident.
1. Brake System Issues
Brake-related defects are a common trigger for large-scale NHTSA recall campaigns. For instance, in 2024, GM recalled over 62,000 Chevrolet Silverado trucks due to brake pressure sensor assemblies that could leak fluid and cause fires.
Even a single brake defect can drastically increase stopping distance or cause total brake failure, qualifying as a safety-related lemon law claim after just two unsuccessful repair attempts under California law
2. Steering or Suspension Defects
When steering or suspension fails, you lose control. Symptoms include difficulty turning, clunking noises, or uneven tire wear. Left unresolved, these problems can cause severe crashes.
These defects are considered a faulty vehicle concern under the lemon law and should be addressed immediately.
3. Airbag or Safety Equipment Failure
Airbags and seatbelts are your last line of defense in a crash. If your airbags fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly, you face a severe injury risk.
Seatbelt malfunctions and defective crash sensors fall in this category, too. These are top-priority defects under both the California Lemon Law and injury law.
Lesser-Known Car Issues Tied to Lemon Law
Not every qualifying defect looks like a catastrophic failure. Some of the most overlooked problems, like a broken A/C in summer or a glitchy backup camera, can still qualify under California Lemon Law if they affect your ability to use the vehicle safely or legally. Keep in mind that this is not what you bargained for when purchasing or leasing the vehicle.
These “hidden” defects are worth paying attention to, especially since over 3.5 million U.S. vehicles were recalled in the first few months of 2025 for safety-critical issues across 197 different defect categories.
1. HVAC and Climate Control Failures
In extreme heat or cold, a broken heating or air conditioning system can impact your health and safety. California’s climate means HVAC defects can cause more than discomfort; they can be dangerous for children, elderly passengers, or pets. If repairs fail after multiple visits, you may still qualify for a claim.
2. Fuel System and Emission Failures
California has some of the strictest emissions standards in the U.S. A leaking fuel system, persistent gas smell in the cabin, or a failed smog test can make your car illegal to operate.
Such defects often lead to both lemon law claims and compliance penalties if ignored.
3. Infotainment Glitches and Backup Camera Failures
While they may seem minor, these issues can affect safety. A frozen screen while reversing or a voice command failure while driving can cause accidents.
The law considers whether a defect affects safe operation, not just convenience.
How Many Repairs Before a Car Is Considered a Lemon?
California Lemon Law doesn’t require you to endure repair after repair. Your vehicle may qualify as a lemon if:
- 2 repair attempts for life-threatening safety defects
- 3+ repair attempts for non-safety-related problems
- Or 30+ cumulative days in the shop within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles
If your case meets one of these thresholds, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, refund, or cash settlement.
Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Vehicles?
Yes, if the vehicle was sold with a manufacturer’s warranty (either new or Certified Pre-Owned) and the warranty was active when the problem began.
- It does not cover vehicles sold “as is” without warranty.
- It does not cover a vehicle under an “extended” or dealer warranty.
- It does cover qualifying defects for newer used vehicles still under warranty.
For more information on how the lemon law applies to used vehicles, read our guide on New vs. Used vs. Leased: How California Lemon Law Treats Each Differently
What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If you’re dealing with repeated car issues tied to lemon law, here’s how to protect your rights:
- Document Everything – Keep repair orders, dealer notes, and photos of the defect.
- Be Consistent – Describe the issue the same way every time to show it’s recurring.
- Act Quickly – Don’t wait until your warranty expires. Once you hit the repair threshold, consult a lemon law attorney.
Conclusion:
A faulty vehicle isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a safety risk and financial drain. California law gives you the tools to fight back, but timing and documentation are everything.
If your car meets the defect criteria, Court House Lawyers can guide you toward the right next step, whether that’s a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.
Book your free consultation now before your warranty runs out and take control of your claim today.
