When your vehicle’s hazard lights don’t work, every stalled shoulder stop, construction zone slowdown, or sudden emergency becomes riskier. In California, repeated or unfixable problems with safety equipment like hazard lights can trigger consumer protections under the state’s Lemon Law. Below, ZapLemon explains how the California Lemon Law can apply to hazard light failures and what practical steps you can take to document the issue—without giving legal advice.
When Hazard Lights Fail: CA Lemon Law Basics
Hazard lights—also called emergency flashers—are essential safety equipment. When they fail, other drivers may not see you in time during breakdowns, roadside stops, or slow-moving emergencies. Under California’s Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), a vehicle that has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that substantially impairs use, value, or safety, and that the manufacturer or its dealer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts, may qualify for relief.
What counts as a “reasonable number” depends on the facts. California’s Lemon Law includes a legal “presumption” during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first): generally, two or more repair attempts for a defect that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, four or more attempts for other defects, or a total of 30 or more cumulative days in the shop can trigger the presumption. That presumption is not required to win a claim, and cases outside those limits can still be valid. Because loss of hazard lights impairs a key safety function, repeated failures can be significant under the law.
If a vehicle qualifies, potential remedies may include repurchase (a refund with a mileage offset) or replacement, along with possible reimbursement of certain incidental expenses. Some manufacturers offer arbitration programs, and the law can provide additional penalties in specific, willful circumstances. Outcomes vary by case, and this information isn’t legal advice. If your hazard lights keep failing under warranty, it may be worth having your situation evaluated by a professional.
Tracking Hazard Light Repairs and Safety Risks
Hazard light problems can stem from a faulty flasher module, a bad combination switch, a failing body control module (BCM), corroded wiring, software glitches, moisture intrusion, blown fuses, or even aftermarket lighting changes that confuse the vehicle’s electronics. Symptoms might include all hazards failing to blink, hyperflashing, hazards that won’t turn off, intermittent operation that only appears in rain or at night, or one side flashing while the other doesn’t. When the defect is intermittent, short videos showing the failure can be especially helpful.
If you visit the dealer, ask for a detailed repair order showing your complaint, the technician’s diagnosis, and the repair performed. Keep copies of all invoices, dates in and out of service, mileage at each visit, and any towing, rental, or rideshare receipts. Check whether your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, and look up recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and your manufacturer’s website. Even if the shop “cannot duplicate,” keep that paperwork—it still helps establish your repair history.
Practical tips that can help your record: note exactly when the failure occurs (speed, weather, after hitting bumps, following car washes), avoid modifications to lighting while the issue is being assessed, and ask the service advisor to verify the concern with you if possible. If the dealer replaces multiple components without a durable fix, or the same problem returns across several visits, you may be approaching the “reasonable number of repair attempts” threshold. At that point, consider contacting a lemon law firm like ZapLemon to discuss your options in a consultation.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship with ZapLemon. Laws and outcomes are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney about your particular situation. If you believe your vehicle’s hazard light failures may qualify under the California Lemon Law, contact ZapLemon for a consultation by visiting our website or calling our office. We’re here to listen, review your documentation, and help you understand your next steps.