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.
If your car’s Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) flicker or turn off without warning, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. DRL intermittent shutdowns can be frustrating, hard to reproduce at the dealership, and potentially unsafe. This article from ZapLemon explains what these shutdowns mean and when they may qualify for protection under California’s lemon law, so you can feel more informed before you talk to a lawyer.
DRL Intermittent Shutdowns: What They Mean
Daytime Running Lights are low-intensity lights that help other drivers see you in daylight. When they intermittently shut down, you might notice the DRLs turning off and on while driving, a dash message like “Exterior lighting fault,” or no warning at all—just a video or reflection showing lights going dark. Because DRLs often run through a body control module (BCM) or lighting control circuit, sudden outages can point to electrical or software issues rather than burned-out bulbs.
Intermittent problems are notoriously tricky. You might drive for days with no hiccups, then the lights blink out after hitting a bump, using auto start-stop, or on hot afternoons. Common culprits include loose or corroded connectors, moisture intrusion in lamp housings, failing BCMs, software bugs, weak grounds, or alternator/voltage irregularities. Some models have Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that acknowledge DRL behavior changes after updates or wiring repairs.
Even though DRLs aren’t the same as headlights, losing them can affect visibility and safety—especially in rain, fog, or heavy traffic. If your car’s DRLs cut out while moving, other drivers may not see you as easily. That’s why documenting the issue matters: take photos or short videos when the lights fail, note the speed and conditions, and capture any dash messages. Consistent evidence can help a technician reproduce the problem and can help you later if you explore your rights under California law.
When DRL Shutdowns May Qualify Under CA Law
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—often called the California Lemon Law—may apply if a defect covered by warranty isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts and the problem substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. For some drivers, persistent DRL shutdowns can raise safety concerns, especially if the vehicle is frequently driven in conditions where daytime visibility matters. The key questions are whether the DRL failures are recurring, whether the manufacturer (through an authorized dealer) had a fair chance to repair them, and whether the issue is tied to the warranty period.
What counts as “reasonable” depends on the facts. Many cases involve multiple visits for the same lighting complaint—think repeated BCM reprogramming, wiring harness repairs, or lamp assembly replacements that don’t stick. Time out of service can also matter if your vehicle spends significant days at the shop waiting for diagnosis or parts. Keep in mind that California has special presumption rules in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, but claims can exist outside those limits, and every situation is different. A consultation can help you understand how the law applies to your specific documentation and repair history.
If you’re dealing with intermittent DRL shutdowns, practical steps can strengthen your position. Bring the vehicle to an authorized dealer while under warranty and describe the symptom consistently (“DRLs shut off intermittently while driving”). Ask the service advisor to record your exact complaint, and save all repair orders—especially those noting “could not duplicate,” any TSBs applied, parts replaced, software updates, and dates the car was in the shop. Consider capturing short videos of the failure and any dash warnings. Then, talk with a California lemon law lawyer about your options. ZapLemon can review your records, help you understand potential next steps, and discuss whether a manufacturer buyback, replacement, or other resolution may be available under the law.
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.