Common Vehicle Defects Covered by Lemon Law

Defective Cars: Know Your Rights

Buying or leasing a new car in California is a major investment. When that vehicle turns out to have recurring problems, it can feel overwhelming and unfair. If you’re facing persistent car troubles, California’s Lemon Law may protect you. This law is designed to help consumers with vehicles that have serious defects, offering possible replacement, buyback, or cash compensation. Understanding which vehicle defects qualify under Lemon Law is the crucial first step toward getting relief.

Many Californians are surprised to learn that Lemon Law protection isn’t just for new cars. Some used or leased vehicles, motorcycles, and even certain RVs may also be covered. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, or you have questions about warranty breaches, you’re not alone—thousands of drivers each year face similar challenges.

What Is a Vehicle Defect?

A vehicle defect is a problem or malfunction that affects the car’s use, value, or safety. Under California Lemon Law, the defect must be substantial and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Common examples include repeated engine issues, faulty brakes, or electrical problems.

Typical Lemon Law Defects

• Engine stalling or failing to start
• Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing
• Brake system failures
• Airbag or seat belt malfunctions
• Persistent electrical issues (e.g., lights, sensors)
• Steering problems
• Fuel system leaks
• Faulty infotainment systems
• Water leaks causing mold or rust
• Suspension failures

If you’ve experienced any of these issues, you may want to review our steps to file a vehicle defect claim for next steps.

California Lemon Law: The Basics

California’s Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) gives consumers strong legal protections. If your car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty and the dealer can’t fix a substantial defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to relief.

Lemon Law applies to:

• New cars, trucks, and SUVs
• Certain used vehicles with a valid manufacturer’s warranty
• Leased vehicles
• Vehicles purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use

To understand exactly what’s covered, see our guide to common warranty breaches under Lemon Law.

Is Your Defect Covered?

Not every problem is protected by Lemon Law. The defect must:

• Substantially impair use, value, or safety
• Occur within the warranty period
• Not be caused by owner abuse or unauthorized modifications
• Remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts

For example, minor rattles or cosmetic flaws typically don’t qualify, but persistent engine trouble or brake failures usually do. Find more details in our overview of what qualifies as a Lemon vehicle.

Common Engine Problems

Engine issues are among the most frequent Lemon Law claims. These may include:

• Engine stalling or hesitating
• Rough idling or shaking
• Excessive oil consumption
• Check engine light that won’t turn off
• Overheating even after repairs

If your car’s engine problems continue despite multiple repairs, you may have a strong claim. Our article on common vehicle defects explains which problems typically apply.

Transmission and Drivetrain Issues

Transmission defects can make a vehicle unsafe to drive. Look out for:

• Slipping or jerking gears
• Delayed shifting
• Grinding noises
• Loss of power
• Fluid leaks

Many drivers don’t realize that these problems can also affect leased vehicles. For more on leased car protections, visit our lemon law practice area.

Brake, Steering, and Suspension Defects

Safety-related defects are a priority under Lemon Law. Common examples include:

• Brakes that fail to stop the car properly
• Unresponsive or overly sensitive steering
• Alignment issues causing unsafe vehicle handling
• Suspension failures leading to poor ride quality

If you’ve faced repeated repairs for these issues, it’s important to document each visit. This documentation is key for proving your case.

Airbags and Seat Belts

Defects with airbags or seat belts put your safety at risk. Lemon Law covers:

• Airbags that won’t deploy
• Warning lights that stay on
• Seat belts that don’t latch or retract
• Malfunctioning seat sensors

If you’re unsure about your legal options, you can also learn about other product liability claims.

Electrical System Failures

Modern vehicles rely on complex electronics. Common Lemon Law defects in this category include:

• Malfunctioning dashboard or infotainment system
• Broken sensors (tire pressure, collision alerts)
• Power window or lock failures
• Persistent battery drain

Electrical problems can be frustrating and affect multiple aspects of your car’s operation. They’re among the top reasons drivers seek legal help for vehicle defects.

Water Leaks and Mold

Water leaks aren’t just annoying—they can lead to dangerous mold or electrical damage. Lemon Law may cover:

• Leaks in the roof, doors, or trunk
• Mold or mildew growth
• Unpleasant odors caused by moisture
• Electrical shorts due to water exposure

If you’ve experienced mold or water intrusion, review our resources on malfunctioning appliances and related claims.

Infotainment & Technology Malfunctions

Frequent problems with in-car technology may include:

• Frozen touchscreens
• Malfunctioning navigation systems
• Bluetooth or audio failures
• Software glitches

While some tech issues are minor, those that impact driving or safety may be covered. Our FAQ on vehicle defects answers more questions.

What to Do Next: Action Steps

If you believe your car qualifies as a “lemon,” take these steps:

• Gather repair orders and receipts for each visit
• Note each attempt to fix the same issue
• Keep all communication with the dealer or manufacturer
• Review your warranty for coverage details
• Speak to a lawyer experienced in lemon law claims

Understanding your rights is the first step. If your car has a recurring problem, check out our guide to filing a vehicle defect claim.

What Can You Recover?

If your claim is successful, you may be eligible for:

• A full refund or replacement vehicle
• Reimbursement for repair costs
• Payment for incidental expenses (towing, rental car)
• Compensation for diminished value

Explore understanding manufacturer responsibilities for more on your potential compensation.

When to Seek Legal Help

Lemon Law claims can be complex. The manufacturer may dispute your claim or offer less than you deserve. By working with an attorney, you ensure your documents are in order and your rights are protected. Our California Lemon Law team is ready to advise you.

We’re Here to Help

If your vehicle is plagued by persistent defects, don’t keep struggling or settle for less. Attain Law’s attorneys know California Lemon Law inside and out. For a free consultation, call us at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions about Common Vehicle Defects Covered by Lemon Law

What types of vehicle defects are covered by California Lemon Law? California Lemon Law covers defects that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and that remain unresolved after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Common examples include engine, transmission, brake, airbag, and electrical system problems.

Does Lemon Law cover used cars in California? In many cases, yes. Used vehicles may be covered if they are still under the manufacturer’s warranty and meet all other Lemon Law criteria.

How many repair attempts are considered ‘reasonable’ under Lemon Law? While it varies, California law generally considers two or more repair attempts for serious safety defects, or four or more for other substantial defects, as reasonable. If the car is out of service for more than 30 days, that may also qualify.

Are minor cosmetic issues covered by Lemon Law? Minor cosmetic defects are typically not covered. Lemon Law is meant for problems that impact the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

What should I do if my vehicle defect keeps coming back? Keep records of all repair attempts and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Consult a Lemon Law attorney to review your situation and help you take the next steps.