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.
Steering wheel clicks or pops when you turn? You’re not alone. Many California drivers report a “click-click” from the steering column during low-speed turns, parking maneuvers, or over bumps. If the noise keeps coming back despite dealership visits, you may be wondering whether California’s Lemon Law can help. This article explains, in plain language, how steering column clicking fits into the California Lemon Law framework and what steps you can take to protect your rights—without giving legal advice.
Steering Column Clicking and California Lemon Law
A clicking sound in the steering column can have several causes. Common culprits include a worn intermediate steering shaft, loose column components, a failing clock spring, or issues within an electric power steering (EPS) unit. Sometimes the noise is accompanied by a sensation in the wheel—like a notch, pop, or slight bind—especially when turning at slow speeds or going over uneven pavement. Even if the vehicle still steers, recurring noises can point to wear or misalignment that deserves prompt attention for safety and peace of mind.
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—often called the California Lemon Law—generally applies to new and certain used vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. In simple terms, if a defect that arose during the warranty period substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have remedies under the law. Remedies can include repurchase or replacement, but what’s available depends on the facts and the law, and requires a case-by-case analysis.
Steering column clicking can be more than an annoyance when it affects vehicle control or signals a deeper steering defect. For example, a faulty clock spring might not only click—it can also interfere with airbag or horn function; a loose column or worn shaft could lead to play in the wheel. Whether a clicking issue qualifies under the Lemon Law depends on severity, safety risk, how often it occurs, and the repair history. Document when the noise appears (speed, temperature, turning left/right), share videos with the service advisor, and keep all paperwork from each visit. This creates a record that helps evaluate your options under California law.
Repair Attempts, Warranties, and Contact ZapLemon
Repair history matters. California law looks at whether the manufacturer had a reasonable number of chances to fix the defect. While there isn’t a single magic number for every situation, the Lemon Law includes a presumption that may apply within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles if certain thresholds are met—such as multiple attempts for the same problem or 30 or more total days out of service. Serious safety-related issues may require fewer attempts than non-safety concerns. The takeaway: promptly take the vehicle to an authorized dealer, clearly report the clicking, and make sure every visit is documented on a repair order.
Warranties also play a key role. Steering components are typically covered under the manufacturer’s new-vehicle limited warranty, and many Certified Pre-Owned vehicles carry limited warranties too. If the clicking started during the warranty period, that timing can be important even if the warranty later expires. Review your warranty booklet, check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), and ask the dealer to note whether a TSB applies. If you’ve added aftermarket steering or suspension parts, tell the service advisor—modifications can complicate coverage decisions.
Attorney advertising. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship, and past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. For advice about your specific situation, please consult an attorney.
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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.