If your car’s high beams won’t turn on, flicker unpredictably, or stay stuck on and blind other drivers, it’s more than an inconvenience—it can be a serious safety concern. California’s Lemon Law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, may protect you if the problem keeps returning during the warranty period and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. Below, ZapLemon explains how high beam malfunctions are treated under California law and what steps you can take to preserve your rights.
Does a High Beam Malfunction Qualify as a Lemon in CA?
California’s Lemon Law generally applies to new (and certain used) vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. The law covers defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, and that the manufacturer (through its authorized dealer) cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. High beams are part of your vehicle’s lighting and driver-assistance systems, and malfunctions can directly affect nighttime visibility and road safety.
A high beam defect can be electrical (a bad stalk switch, relay, or body control module), software-related (auto high-beam calibration or camera issues), or tied to advanced headlights (LED/matrix systems). If your high beams fail to engage on dark roads, intermittently shut off, or stay on and create dangerous glare, that can impair safety. Under the Lemon Law, safety-related problems often require fewer repair attempts to meet the “reasonable” threshold, but the exact number can vary by situation. There is also a legal presumption for defects that arise within 18 months or 18,000 miles, though cases outside that window can still qualify with sufficient proof of repeated, unsuccessful warranty repairs.
Whether a high beam issue qualifies as a “lemon” depends on the facts: how often the defect appears, how long the vehicle has been in the shop, the number of documented repair attempts, and whether the problem substantially affects safety or usability. Possible outcomes under the law can include a repurchase or replacement, but results depend on evidence and timing. The key is building a clear record of the defect and the manufacturer’s repair opportunities.
What to Document and When to Seek Help in High Beam Cases
Start a simple paper trail. Each time the high beams act up, note the date, mileage, conditions (dark rural road, rain, oncoming traffic), and what happened (e.g., “high beams won’t engage,” “auto high beams flicker,” “stuck on high beams after startup”). If the issue is intermittent, short videos taken safely and legally can help show the problem. When you visit the dealer, make sure the repair order accurately states your complaint in your own words—“customer states high beams fail to activate at highway speeds,” for example—and get a copy of every repair invoice.
Ask the dealer to check for technical service bulletins (TSBs), software updates, camera calibrations (especially after windshield replacements), and headlight module tests. If the vehicle spends multiple days at the shop, keep track of those dates. If the defect returns after you pick up the car, go back promptly so the issue is recorded and the manufacturer has another opportunity to repair. Consistency and documentation are critical in Lemon Law matters.
Consider seeking help if the problem keeps returning after several warranty attempts, the vehicle has been out of service for an extended period (for example, around 30 or more cumulative days), or the dealer says “normal operation” but the condition remains unsafe. A consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney can help you understand your options, deadlines, and next steps. ZapLemon can review your repair history, discuss typical timelines, and explain potential remedies—without making promises about outcomes—so you can make an informed decision.
This article is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and you should consult a lawyer about your specific situation. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to high beam malfunctions, contact ZapLemon at (844) 927-5366 or https://zaplemon.com to request a free, no-obligation consultation.