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 problems can turn even a short drive into a white-knuckle experience. If your vehicle pulls, wanders, loses power assist, or throws repeated steering warnings, you may be wondering whether California’s Lemon Law can help. This article explains, in plain language, how the California Lemon Law can apply to steering malfunctions, what signs to watch for, and what practical steps to take next. It’s provided by ZapLemon for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
What the California Lemon Law Covers for Steering
California’s Lemon Law, officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, can cover steering defects when the problem is fixed under the manufacturer’s warranty and the issue substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. Steering qualifies because it goes directly to safety: loss of power steering assist, a failing steering rack, or a vehicle that unpredictably pulls across lanes can all create serious risks. Generally, coverage focuses on defects that arise and are presented for repair during the warranty period and are not caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications.
The law applies to most new vehicles sold or leased in California and can also cover certain used or certified pre-owned vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. If your steering problem is recurring and the dealership can’t repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, or your vehicle spends a significant number of days in the shop for the steering issue, the Lemon Law may provide remedies. Those remedies can include a repurchase, a replacement, or in some situations a negotiated cash resolution, depending on the facts and applicable law.
California also provides a legal “presumption” that helps consumers in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. While every case is different, a presumption can arise if, for example, the manufacturer or its dealer has made four or more attempts to fix the same problem, two or more attempts for a defect that is likely to cause serious injury or death (steering defects may fit this category), or if the vehicle is out of service for repair for a total of 30 or more days. Even if your case falls outside those numbers, you may still have rights—documentation and timing are key.
Signs of Steering Defects, Repairs, Next Steps
Common steering red flags include a steering wheel that feels excessively heavy or suddenly loses assist, the vehicle drifting or “wandering” on a straight road, vibrations through the wheel, clunking or grinding noises while turning, or a noticeable delay between steering input and vehicle response. Electric power steering (EPS) warning lights, repeated alignment pulls that return within days, and fluid leaks from the steering system are also warning signs. If the steering wheel does not return to center, or you feel play or looseness in the column, get it checked promptly.
When you take the car in for repairs, describe the symptom in everyday terms (what you feel, hear, or see), note the speed, weather, and road conditions, and ask the service advisor to include those details on the repair order. Keep copies of all repair orders and invoices, even for “no problem found” visits. Tracking dates, mileage in/out, and days out of service helps show patterns. If the problem is intermittent, short videos of the symptom occurring can be helpful to demonstrate what happens between shop visits.
Next steps often include returning to the authorized dealer for additional repair attempts, contacting the manufacturer to open a case number, and checking for recalls or technical service bulletins related to steering. Review your warranty booklet to understand coverage and the process for escalating concerns. Avoid making modifications that could be blamed for the defect, and consider filing a safety complaint with NHTSA if you experience sudden assist loss or other hazardous behavior. If repairs drag on or the defect persists, a consultation with a lemon law attorney can help you evaluate whether your situation may meet California’s standards and what options may be available. ZapLemon can review your paperwork, timelines, and symptoms to help you understand your rights and next steps.
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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.