If your car keeps flashing “Brake!” or slamming on the brakes for no reason, you’re not alone. False collision warnings and phantom braking from advanced driver-assistance systems (like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking) are becoming a common headache for California drivers. Here’s what that could mean under California’s lemon law and when it might be time to search for a “lemon lawyer near me” like ZapLemon.
False Collision Warnings and California Lemon Law
Modern vehicles rely on cameras, radar, and software to warn you of a potential crash or even apply the brakes automatically. When these systems misfire—triggering alarms in clear conditions, braking on empty roads, or chiming nonstop in traffic—they can turn a safety feature into a safety risk. Drivers often report false alerts in rain or sun glare, after windshield replacements, or on curvy roads, and dealers may attempt fixes like software updates, sensor recalibrations, or camera replacements.
California’s lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally applies to new vehicles under the manufacturer’s warranty that have defects affecting use, value, or safety. Repeated false collision warnings, phantom braking, or unfixable ADAS glitches can qualify as safety-related problems because they can diminish control, erode confidence, and increase crash risk. If the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t repair the issue after a reasonable number of opportunities, you may have rights to repurchase, replacement, or other remedies under the law—depending on your facts and warranty.
What counts as a “reasonable number” isn’t a fixed number for every case. In practice, safety defects may require fewer repair attempts, while other issues may involve more visits or 30 or more cumulative days out of service. Keep this practical checklist in mind: document every visit, ask for detailed repair orders, note road and weather conditions when the warnings occur, and preserve videos or dashcam clips if safe to do so. This information can help a professional evaluate your situation; it is not legal advice and does not predict any outcome.
Lemon Lawyer Near Me: When to Call ZapLemon
Consider contacting ZapLemon if you’ve brought your car in multiple times for false collision warnings or phantom braking and the problem keeps returning. Other signs it may be time: your vehicle has spent weeks at the dealership waiting for parts or calibration; the dealer acknowledges the concern but says it is “normal”; or software updates, camera/radar replacements, and alignments haven’t solved it. If you feel unsafe driving because of sudden, unexplained braking or constant alerts, scheduling a consultation can help you understand your options.
A lemon lawyer can review your repair history, warranty coverage, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer to assess whether your situation may fit California’s lemon law criteria. That review often includes looking at service bulletins, recalls, and the timing of repairs versus your warranty period. Every case is fact-specific, so a consultation is important to understand what the law may allow in your circumstances; reading an article isn’t a substitute for advice tailored to you.
Before you call, gather your purchase or lease agreement, warranty booklet, and every repair order and invoice. Make notes about when false warnings happen (speed, lane lines, weather, lighting), and avoid disabling safety features unless the manufacturer instructs you to do so in writing. Check for recalls on NHTSA’s website and ask your dealer whether any technical service bulletins apply. These steps won’t guarantee a result, but they can make your consultation with ZapLemon more efficient and informative.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and outcomes vary based on specific facts; you should consult an attorney for advice about your situation. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to false collision warnings or phantom braking, contact ZapLemon at (844) 927-5366 or https://zaplemon.com to request a consultation.