Electric power steering (EPS) makes modern driving smoother, safer, and more efficient—but when it fails, steering can suddenly feel heavy, erratic, or even unresponsive. If you’re in California and your vehicle’s EPS keeps acting up under warranty, you may be wondering whether the California Lemon Law can help. This article explains how EPS problems fit under California’s consumer warranty laws and offers practical steps to document what’s happening so you can talk with a professional about your options. ZapLemon is here to help Californians understand the process and take informed next steps.
California Lemon Law and Electric Steering Failures
California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles when a manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix a covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts. Electric power steering failures can fall under this umbrella because steering affects the safe use of a vehicle. EPS issues often show up as sudden loss of assist, a steering wheel that gets stiff or jerky, or a dashboard warning like “Power Steering Assist Reduced.” If these problems keep coming back despite warranty repairs, it may be time to explore your rights.
The law doesn’t require a specific number of repair visits to qualify, but California has a “presumption” that can help consumers if certain conditions are met within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first). For example, multiple repair attempts for the same steering defect, two or more attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death, or a total of 30 days out of service may support the presumption. Even if you’re outside those milestones, you can still have a valid claim; the presumption is just one tool that can make a case easier to prove.
EPS problems can stem from many causes: failed torque sensors, steering racks, wiring or ground issues, low battery voltage in hybrids/EVs, or software glitches addressed by over-the-air updates. Some brands issue Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for EPS. Keep in mind that remedies under the law can include repurchase or replacement, but every case is fact-specific. This page is for general information only. ZapLemon can review your repair history, warranty status, and timelines to help you understand what may be possible before you take action.
Steps to Document Electric Power Steering Failures
Start by recording when the steering issue occurs and the conditions around it. Note the date, mileage, speed, weather, road surface, warning lights, and what you felt—stiff wheel, loss of assist, pull to one side, vibration, or intermittent assist that comes and goes. If safe, take clear photos or short videos showing warning messages or the steering behavior. These details help connect a pattern, especially with intermittent EPS faults.
Each time you visit the dealer, make sure your written repair order accurately states your complaint in your own words (for example, “intermittent loss of EPS assist at highway speeds; steering becomes very heavy; EPS warning light illuminated”). Ask the dealer to document diagnostic trouble codes, freeze-frame data, software versions applied, battery/charging test results, and any parts replaced. Keep copies of every invoice and work order showing “complaint, cause, and correction,” as well as dates your car was out of service.
Between visits, save any emails or texts with the dealer or manufacturer, note any roadside assistance or tows, and check for recalls or TSBs related to EPS on your model. If your owner’s manual or warranty booklet requires written notice to the manufacturer for warranty claims, follow those steps carefully. Avoid self-repairs that could affect warranty coverage. With a clear paper trail, a California lemon law firm like ZapLemon can evaluate whether your EPS issue meets legal standards without guessing—and without making promises about outcomes.
This article is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship with ZapLemon. Lemon law outcomes depend on specific facts, documentation, and timelines. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to electric power steering failures, contact ZapLemon for a free, no-obligation consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. We’ll review your repair history, explain your options under California law, and help you decide on next steps.