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 that feels loose, pulls to one side, or suddenly loses power assist isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous. If you’re a California driver dealing with unreliable steering controls, you might be wondering whether the California Lemon Law can help. Below, ZapLemon explains how the law can apply to steering issues and what you can do to document problems the right way.
What the California Lemon Law Covers for Steering Controls
California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) protects consumers when a vehicle has defects that substantially impair use, value, or safety and the manufacturer can’t fix them under warranty after a reasonable number of attempts. Steering problems often fit this definition because they go directly to safety. The law can apply to new vehicles and to used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty or were sold with a dealer’s written warranty.
Steering-related defects can include a wide range of issues: intermittent loss of power steering assist, electronic power steering (EPS) warnings, stiff or “sticky” steering, excessive play or drifting, a steering wheel that doesn’t return to center, fluid leaks from the rack-and-pinion, or software glitches that affect lane-keeping and automated steering features. If these problems keep happening despite warranty repairs, they may meet the threshold of a substantial impairment. The focus is on real-world impact—how the defect affects your ability to drive safely and confidently.
A “reasonable number” of repair attempts depends on the circumstances, but California has guidelines that may help. Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts if: (1) the steering defect is likely to cause serious injury or death and the manufacturer had two or more opportunities to fix it; (2) the manufacturer had four or more attempts to repair the same issue; or (3) the vehicle was out of service for a total of more than 30 days for warranty repairs. Even if you’re outside these benchmarks, you may still have rights under the law. If a vehicle qualifies, remedies can include repurchase (buyback) or replacement, and in some cases reimbursement of incidental costs like towing or rental—though the manufacturer may apply a mileage offset. Every situation is different, and a consultation is recommended to understand your options.
How to Document Steering Control Defects and Repairs
Start a defect log as soon as you notice steering issues. Write down what you feel (for example, “steering wheel pulls left on freeway,” “EPS light on with heavy steering,” “vibration at 55 mph”), when it happens, your speed, road conditions, weather, and any dashboard warnings. Short videos or photos can be powerful, especially for intermittent problems. If the vehicle feels unsafe, do not drive it; use roadside assistance or towing included with your warranty.
At every dealer visit, clearly describe the symptoms and ask that your exact words be printed on the repair order (“customer states…”). Always leave with a copy of the repair order and the final invoice that shows the complaint, diagnosis, work performed, parts replaced, dates in and out, and mileage. Ask the service advisor to note any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), technical service bulletins (TSBs), or software updates applied, and to confirm whether the work was performed under warranty. Keep everything in one folder: repair orders, invoices, towing and rental receipts, and your defect log.
If the dealer says “no problem found,” schedule another visit when the issue is occurring more frequently, and request a test drive with a technician so they can feel the problem. Open a case with the manufacturer’s customer care line and record the case number and dates of all calls. If your vehicle spends many days in the shop or you’ve had multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, consider an evaluation of your rights under the California Lemon Law. Arbitration programs may be available for some brands, but they are not the only path. ZapLemon can review your documentation and help you understand next steps—no promises or guarantees, just clear information so you can make an informed decision.
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.