California Lemon Law for Electric Power Steering Issues

Electric power steering (EPS) is now standard on most modern vehicles, and when it fails, drivers can face sudden loss of steering assist, warning lights, and unsafe handling. If you’re dealing with repeated EPS problems in California, you may be wondering whether the state’s Lemon Law can help. This article explains how California’s Lemon Law can apply to EPS defects and offers practical tips for documenting your claim—presented in plain English so you can make informed decisions. This content is for general information only and isn’t legal advice; reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Do EPS Defects Qualify Under California Lemon Law?

Electric power steering problems can be serious safety issues. When steering assist cuts out, becomes erratic, or pulls the car to one side, it can substantially impair a vehicle’s use, value, or safety—the core test under California’s Lemon Law (officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act). Common EPS symptoms include a “Power Steering Assist Reduced” warning, sudden stiffness at low speeds, intermittent assist that comes and goes, vibrations or “notchy” steering, and persistent steering angle/torque sensor faults.

Whether an EPS defect qualifies often turns on warranty status and repair history. Generally, California’s Lemon Law applies to new and certain used cars that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The law presumes a vehicle is a lemon if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the manufacturer or its authorized dealer has made: (1) two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause death or serious injury, (2) four or more attempts for the same issue, or (3) a total of 30 or more days in the shop for warranty repairs. These are presumptions, not hard limits; issues outside those time/mileage windows can still qualify based on the facts.

EPS defects can be tricky because the root cause might be software, sensors, wiring, the EPS control module, the steering rack, or even low 12-volt battery voltage. If your dealer has replaced parts or applied software updates multiple times and the problem returns, that pattern can support a claim that the defect wasn’t fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. Potential remedies under the law can include repurchase or replacement, though specifics—like mileage offsets and eligibility for penalties—depend on individual circumstances. To understand options and timing, a case-specific consultation is essential.

Documentation Tips for Electric Power Steering Claims

Good documentation can make or break an EPS lemon claim. Each time you visit the dealer, insist the repair order clearly lists your complaint in your own words, such as “customer states steering assist cuts out after 20 minutes at highway speed; EPS light on; vehicle drifts right.” Note when the issue happens (cold start, after rain, during parking maneuvers), speeds, warning messages, and how often it occurs. If safe, take short videos capturing warning lights, messages, or the stiff/jerky steering behavior.

Ask the service advisor to check for technical service bulletins (TSBs), software updates, and recalls related to EPS. Request copies of the final repair invoice, any fault codes pulled (DTCs), and the technician’s notes. Track the dates your vehicle is in the shop and out-of-service days; if it’s towed, keep tow receipts. If the dealer can’t replicate the issue, schedule a ride-along and describe the exact conditions that trigger it. Repeated “no problem found” visits still count toward your history—make sure they are documented.

A few practical habits help avoid gaps: do not leave the dealership without paperwork for every visit; avoid aftermarket modifications that could muddy the diagnosis; replace weak 12-volt batteries if advised; and keep copies of any communications with the manufacturer’s customer care (including case numbers). Review your warranty booklet to confirm coverage and timing, and be mindful that California has deadlines for bringing claims. If you think your vehicle may qualify, consider speaking with a California lemon law attorney to evaluate your documentation and next steps.

Electric power steering problems are more than an inconvenience—they can undermine safety and driver confidence. California’s Lemon Law may offer relief when repeated warranty repairs fail to fix an EPS defect, but the outcome depends on the details of your warranty coverage and repair history. Careful documentation and a timely evaluation can help you understand your options.