Start with the records. Repair orders, warranty documents, mileage, and days out of service are more useful than general assumptions about whether a vehicle qualifies.
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control rely on precise sensor and camera calibration to work safely. When a new or certified pre-owned vehicle is delivered in California with these safety systems uncalibrated—or miscalibrated—the result can be warning lights, false braking, steering pull, or features that shut off unexpectedly. If the dealer or manufacturer can’t fix the issue after reasonable attempts under warranty, the California Lemon Law may come into play. Below, ZapLemon explains how the law may apply and what to document to protect your rights.
California Lemon Law: Uncalibrated Safety Systems
ADAS calibration is not just a nicety—it’s essential. Cameras behind the windshield, radar in the grille, and ultrasonic sensors around the bumper must be aligned and calibrated to the vehicle’s specifications. Signs of an uncalibrated system at delivery include messages like “Front camera unavailable,” “Lane Assist currently not available,” persistent collision warnings without obstacles, steering corrections that feel erratic, or features that turn off in ordinary weather. These concerns can rise to a safety defect, especially if the system behaves unpredictably or disables itself on normal roads.
California’s Lemon Law—part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—requires manufacturers to repair covered defects within a reasonable number of attempts while the vehicle is under warranty. It applies to many new vehicles and certain used vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty. California also has a “lemon law presumption” during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles that may apply if, for example, the car is out of service for more than 30 cumulative days, there are two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause serious injury or death, or four or more attempts for the same issue. Even if the presumption period has passed, you may still have rights under the statute, depending on the facts.
If ADAS wasn’t calibrated at delivery and repeated warranty visits don’t solve it, potential remedies under the law can include repurchase, replacement, or another negotiated outcome, but only after the legal standards are met and the facts are evaluated. The key is to document symptoms, get detailed repair orders, and escalate concerns early. Every situation is different, and nothing is automatic—consulting a California lemon law attorney can help you understand your options without making promises about results.
What to Document if ADAS Wasn’t Calibrated at Delivery
Start with delivery-day paperwork. Look for a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) checklist, any calibration certificates or printouts, and alignment reports—many manufacturers require a static or dynamic calibration after windshield installs or certain repairs. Keep the window sticker (Monroney) showing which safety features your vehicle was advertised to include. If the dealer sublet calibration to a glass or specialty shop, ask for those sublet invoices and reports as well.
During ownership, save every repair order and make sure each visit lists your exact complaint in plain language, such as “AEB false activates,” “Lane Keep pulls to left,” or “Front camera unavailable in clear weather.” Ask the service advisor to include diagnostic trouble codes, road test notes, software versions, TSB numbers, and whether calibration was performed and passed. Track dates the vehicle is at the dealership, including time waiting for parts, and keep records of loaners, rentals, and tows. Photos or short videos of dash warnings can be powerful documentation, especially if the issue is intermittent.
Add a few practical steps. Avoid aftermarket windshields or non-OEM camera brackets unless the manufacturer’s procedures are followed and calibration is verified. If you’ve already had a windshield replaced, ask for the calibration printout tied to your VIN. Request a case number from the manufacturer’s customer care and note all calls and emails. If the dealer says “no problem found,” ask for a ride-along with a technician and request the test route be similar to where the issue appears. You can also file a safety complaint with NHTSA if the behavior creates a hazard, while continuing to work with your warranty provider and exploring your legal options.
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Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.