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.
When a modern car’s steering angle sensor acts up, it can trigger a chain reaction of warning lights, disable stability control, and make the vehicle feel unpredictable. If your dealership can’t fix the problem under warranty after multiple attempts, California’s Lemon Law may offer remedies. This article explains what steering angle sensors do, why failures can be serious, and how the California Lemon Law may apply—so you can make informed decisions and protect your rights.
What Steering Angle Sensors Do and Why Failures Matter
A steering angle sensor (SAS) tracks how far and how fast you turn the steering wheel. That data feeds systems like electronic power steering (EPS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and advanced driver-assistance features (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assist. In short, the sensor helps your car know where you intend to go so safety systems can keep the vehicle stable and predictable.
When the SAS malfunctions or loses calibration, the car can’t accurately interpret steering input. Common symptoms include ESC, traction control, ABS, or power steering warning lights; messages like “Service Power Steering” or “Stability Control Off”; heavy or inconsistent steering assist; pulling or drift after an alignment; and disabled driver-assistance features. Because these systems are tied to safety, a faulty SAS can substantially impair the vehicle’s safety, use, and value.
Why do these sensors fail? Causes range from internal sensor defects and worn clock springs to wiring harness damage, steering column module faults, and software glitches. Battery disconnects, wheel alignments, or collisions can knock the sensor out of calibration. Heat, moisture, and vibration can accelerate failure. Manufacturers may issue technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls addressing SAS issues—so checking for updates tied to your VIN can be helpful.
How California Lemon Law Applies to This Defect
California’s Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally covers new and many used vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. If your car has a defect covered by the warranty that the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to remedies. Because steering angle sensor failures can affect steering, stability, and crash-avoidance systems, they often qualify as issues that can substantially impair safety, use, or value. Each situation is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the record of repairs and other details.
California has a “presumption” that can help consumers during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: typically two or more repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; four or more attempts for other defects; or a total of 30+ days out of service for warranty repairs. Meeting the presumption isn’t required to bring a claim, but it can strengthen it. Real-world SAS examples include repeated warning lights after recalibration, sensor replacements that don’t hold, or recurring failures after clock spring or module repairs. Clear documentation is critical.
Practical tips: take the vehicle to an authorized dealership for diagnosis and warranty repairs; describe symptoms precisely and ask that all complaints be written on the repair order; keep copies of every repair invoice, calibration printout, and any photos/videos of dash warnings; track dates, mileage, and days out of service (including loaner or rental days); and check for recalls or TSBs using your VIN at NHTSA.gov. If the problem persists, consider opening a case with the manufacturer and consulting a lemon law attorney. Potential remedies under California Lemon Law can include repurchase (buyback), replacement, or other relief, but results vary based on the facts and the law. This information is general and not legal advice.
Steering angle sensor malfunctions are more than an annoyance—they can undermine the very safety systems designed to keep you on the road. If you’ve given the dealer multiple chances to fix the issue under warranty and the problem keeps coming back, it may be time to learn about your options under the California Lemon Law. Solid records, prompt reporting, and a clear timeline of repair attempts can make a real difference.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and you should consult an attorney to obtain legal advice about your specific situation.
Need a case-specific review?
Use the case-review form to share the warranty, repair orders, dates, mileage, and supporting facts an attorney would need to evaluate, or call (844) 927-5366.
Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.