California Lemon Law and Malfunctioning Power Steering

Power steering problems can make your car feel unpredictable—and unsafe. If your steering assist cuts out, becomes jerky, or triggers warning lights, you may be dealing with a defect that falls under the California Lemon Law. This article explains how the law can apply to malfunctioning power steering systems and what practical steps you can take if the problem keeps coming back.

How California Lemon Law Applies to Power Steering

California’s Lemon Law—part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—generally protects consumers when a new or used vehicle under the manufacturer’s warranty has a substantial defect that the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t repair after a reasonable number of attempts. Power steering problems often qualify as “substantial” because they affect vehicle safety and drivability. Examples include sudden loss of electric power steering assist, intermittent assist that comes and goes, steering racks that bind, fluid leaks, or steering columns and modules that fail and illuminate warning lights.

If the defect shows up during the warranty period and isn’t fixed after multiple repair attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for many cumulative days, you may be entitled to remedies under the law. California also recognizes a “lemon law presumption” during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first) if certain thresholds are met—for example, repeated repairs for the same problem, or a safety-related defect that has been repaired two or more times. While every situation is unique, steering defects often implicate safety, which can weigh heavily in evaluating your rights.

It’s important to know that the law can apply to both new and certain used vehicles when covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, including many certified pre-owned cars. Remedies can include a repurchase (often called a “buyback”) or a replacement vehicle, and in some cases incidental costs—but outcomes vary based on facts like mileage, repair history, and timing. Because the rules are technical and the details matter, a consultation is the best way to understand how California’s Lemon Law may apply to your steering issue.

What to Do When Power Steering Fails Repeatedly

Start by documenting everything. Each time the steering acts up—heavy wheel, sudden loss of assist, grinding or popping sounds, warning lights, or the wheel pulling—note the date, mileage, speed, weather, and what you were doing (e.g., turning into a parking space, driving on the freeway). Take photos or short videos when safe to do so, and keep copies of every repair order, invoice, and dealer service note. These records help show patterns, especially for intermittent electrical issues that are hard to replicate on a short test drive.

Bring the vehicle to an authorized dealer and clearly describe the symptoms. Ask for the concerns to be written on the repair order in your own words, and request copies when you pick up the car—even if the dealer says “no problem found.” Check whether your vehicle has recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to steering by looking up your VIN on the NHTSA website. If the problem recurs, return promptly for further diagnosis; delays can complicate warranty timelines. If you feel unsafe, do not drive the car—arrange towing through roadside assistance or the dealership when possible.

If the steering defect persists after multiple repair attempts or your car spends significant time at the shop, consider speaking with a California lemon law attorney about your options. A lawyer can evaluate your repair history and warranty status, explain potential remedies like repurchase or replacement, and discuss next steps such as notifying the manufacturer. This article is general information, not legal advice—your situation may involve additional deadlines or requirements. The sooner you get guidance, the easier it usually is to protect your rights.