California Lemon Law for Electric Steering Assist Failures

Electric power steering (often called “electric steering assist” or EPS) has become standard in modern vehicles, but when it fails, drivers can face heavy steering, warning lights, and real safety concerns. If your car’s assist cuts out, comes and goes, or the steering wheel feels suddenly hard to turn, you may be wondering whether California Lemon Law can help. This article explains the basics of EPS problems and how California’s lemon law may apply—so you can understand your options and what to document before you talk with a professional.

Electric Steering Assist Failures: California Basics

Electric power steering replaces the old hydraulic pump with an electric motor and sensors that add assist only when needed. When something goes wrong, drivers often notice the steering wheel getting unexpectedly heavy at low speeds, a “Power Steering” or EPS warning light, or intermittent assist that drops out and returns. Because steering is a core safety function, even brief lapses can feel scary—especially during parking maneuvers, lane changes, or while turning through intersections.

Common EPS issues include failing torque or angle sensors in the steering column, a defective electric motor or the rack assembly, wiring harness problems, software glitches, and low-voltage events from a weak 12‑volt battery. Some drivers report the assist disappearing after startup, during hot weather, or after hitting a pothole. Dealers may reference service bulletins (TSBs) involving software updates, rack replacements, or updated harnesses and connectors; multiple visits can occur when the problem is intermittent and hard to replicate.

If you experience these symptoms, focus first on safety: slow down, pull over in a safe spot if the wheel becomes too hard to turn, and contact roadside assistance if needed. Then, schedule a warranty inspection at an authorized dealership and describe the exact conditions when the failure occurs (speed, temperature, turning angle, warning lights). Save everything—repair orders, dates, mileage, photos or videos of warnings, and any messages to or from the dealer—as these records can be important if your vehicle ends up meeting California’s lemon criteria.

How California Lemon Law Applies to Electric Power Steering

California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) can apply when a manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot fix a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts while the vehicle is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Steering problems are often considered “substantial” because they affect safety, use, and value. Covered vehicles can include new and, in some cases, used or certified pre-owned cars still within the manufacturer’s warranty period.

The law includes a helpful “presumption” that may apply within a certain early window of ownership or mileage if the car has repeated repair visits for the same issue, is out of service for extended days, or has fewer attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury. Even if your case falls outside that presumption, you may still have rights under the Act; the analysis simply becomes more fact-specific. Potential outcomes under the law can include a repurchase (buyback) or a replacement vehicle, but eligibility depends on your documentation, warranty status, and repair history.

Practical steps can strengthen your position. Always take the car to an authorized dealer for EPS complaints and ask that the repair order clearly describe your steering symptoms and any warning lights. Keep a chronological file: dates, mileage, days out of service, and parts replaced. Check for recalls and TSBs, ask for copies of work performed, and consider notifying the manufacturer directly if problems persist. Deadlines can apply to lemon claims in California, so timely action and a consultation are important. For advice about your specific situation, contact ZapLemon for a consultation to discuss your repair history and next steps.