California Lemon Law Firm for Repeated Tows for Same Condition

When a car needs to be towed again and again for the same problem, it’s more than an inconvenience—it may be a sign of a serious defect. Under California’s lemon law, repeated tows for the same condition can be an important part of showing that a manufacturer has not fixed a warranty-covered issue within a reasonable number of attempts. This article explains how repeated tows fit into California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and what steps you can take to protect your rights, with ZapLemon here to help you understand your options.

Repeated Tows for Same Defect: California Lemon Law

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—often called the California Lemon Law—generally protects consumers when a new or certified pre-owned vehicle has a substantial defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that the manufacturer (through its authorized dealers) cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. Repeated tows for the same condition can be powerful evidence that the issue persists and substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Think of issues like an engine that stalls unexpectedly, a transmission that refuses to shift, a no-start condition, or an electrical failure that drains the battery overnight—if these problems keep forcing you to call a tow truck, those events may matter under the law.

A tow can show that the defect left the car undrivable, and the time your vehicle spends at the dealership because of that defect may also count toward “days out of service.” California law includes a rebuttable presumption that may apply within certain time and mileage limits when there are multiple repair attempts or 30 or more total days out of service for warranty repairs. While every situation is fact-specific and the law is nuanced, repeated tows for the same underlying problem often support the story that the issue has not been resolved despite giving the manufacturer opportunities to fix it.

Here’s a relatable example: Your SUV stalls at a stoplight, won’t restart, and gets towed to the dealer. The service department clears a code and sends you on your way. Two weeks later, the same stalling happens on the freeway—another tow, another “no problem found.” A month after that, the vehicle dies in your driveway and needs a third tow. Even if the dealership hasn’t replaced major parts yet, the pattern of tows for the same condition can help show that the defect is real, recurring, and not being corrected under warranty. ZapLemon can help you evaluate whether facts like these may fit within California’s lemon law framework.

What to Document and When to Call ZapLemon

Good records are key. Save every towing receipt and roadside assistance log, including the date, time, location, and description of what happened (e.g., “vehicle stalled and would not restart”). Keep copies of all repair orders from the dealership—front and back—and make sure the service advisor accurately writes the symptom you reported, not just “customer states.” Note your mileage at drop-off and pickup, and keep any videos, photos, or dashboard warning light pictures that show the issue. If you received loaner or rental cars, hold on to those receipts, too.

Consistency helps. When the same condition triggers each tow, describe it the same way every time (for example, “engine stalls at low speed,” “no-start after sitting overnight,” or “transmission stuck in neutral”). If the dealer says “could not duplicate” or “no trouble found,” ask that those exact phrases appear on the repair order. If a manufacturer opens a case or you speak with a customer-care representative, write down the case number and the dates of your calls. These details can be crucial in assessing whether the manufacturer had a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem.

As for timing, consider contacting ZapLemon if you’ve had two or more tows for the same condition, a serious safety-related breakdown, or multiple “could not duplicate” visits that leave you stranded again. It can also be helpful to reach out if your vehicle has been in the shop for lengthy or repeated periods, or if you are nearing 18 months or 18,000 miles and want to understand how California’s lemon law presumption may apply. A consultation can clarify your options and next steps. ZapLemon can review your documents, help you understand your rights, and discuss possible paths forward—without offering legal advice until an attorney-client relationship is formed.

Repeated tows for the same defect are frustrating, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous—and in California, they can be an important signal that lemon law protections may be in play. By documenting each tow, keeping thorough repair records, and getting informed early, you put yourself in the best position to evaluate your options. ZapLemon is here to help you understand the process and what information matters most.