Automatic high-beam systems are supposed to make night driving easier and safer by switching between low and high beams for you. But when these systems misfire—staying stuck on, failing to engage, or blinding oncoming traffic—the result can be dangerous and frustrating. If you’re dealing with repeated headlight issues, this guide explains how California’s lemon law generally treats high-beam malfunctions and how ZapLemon reviews these claims.
Is a High-Beam Malfunction a Lemon in California?
Automatic high-beam (AHB) problems show up in a few common ways: headlights that won’t switch to high beams, high beams that won’t turn off, lights that flicker or go dark intermittently, and warning messages tied to the camera or sensor that controls the system. These issues can stem from software bugs, faulty cameras or windshield-mounted sensors, wiring faults, or a defective headlight control module. Beyond annoyance, high-beam defects affect nighttime visibility and can create a safety risk for you and other drivers.
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the “lemon law”), a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. California also has a “lemon law presumption” that can apply within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, including scenarios such as multiple repair attempts for the same issue or 30+ cumulative days in the shop. Whether a high-beam defect meets those benchmarks depends on the facts, including the severity of the problem and the repair history.
In practice, a pattern matters. For example, if your dealership has attempted several software updates for the AHB system, replaced the camera or control unit, and the lights still misbehave in normal driving, that may signal a persistent defect. A car repeatedly returned for headlight faults that compromise nighttime visibility or cause near-misses could be viewed as having a safety-impacting issue. Not every headlight glitch will qualify as a lemon, but thorough documentation—dates, mileage, repair orders, and any days out of service—helps show the scope and impact of the defect.
How ZapLemon Evaluates Headlight Defect Claims
ZapLemon begins with a straightforward intake to understand your timeline and warranty status. We ask about when the high-beam problem started, how often it happens, and how it affects your driving—especially at night or in poor weather. We also review the repair history and any dealership notes to see what’s been tried, whether there are related technical service bulletins (TSBs), and how long the vehicle has been out of service. A consultation is necessary to evaluate your situation; this page is for general information only.
Evidence is key. Repair orders, invoices, and work summaries show the number of attempts and parts replaced. Photos or short videos demonstrating the malfunction (e.g., lights stuck on or refusing to engage) can be helpful, particularly with intermittent issues. We also look for patterns such as known software campaigns, windshield replacements that may have affected camera calibration, and NHTSA complaints or recalls that align with your symptoms.
You can help your claim by keeping all repair paperwork, noting dates and mileage for each visit, and avoiding “clearing” dashboard alerts before the technician can verify them. If the dealer provides a loaner or your vehicle sits waiting for parts, track those days—they may count toward time out of service. Consider asking the dealer to document any “no problem found” results and to road-test at night, where the issue is most likely to appear. When you’re ready to discuss options, ZapLemon can explain general processes and next steps; specific legal advice requires a formal consultation.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article or contacting us through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to an auto high-beam malfunction, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.