Losing power steering assist—whether hydraulic or electric—can turn an ordinary drive into a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. If your vehicle repeatedly loses steering assist, flashes an EPS warning, or becomes hard to turn at low speeds, you may be wondering if California’s lemon law can help. Below, we explain how steering assist failures are viewed under California law, what “qualifies” a car as a lemon, and practical steps to protect your rights.
Power Steering Assist Failures and California Lemon Law
Power steering assist is designed to make turning the wheel easier, especially at low speeds and during parking maneuvers. Modern vehicles often use electric power steering (EPS) controlled by sensors and software; others rely on hydraulic pumps and fluid. Common symptoms of a faulty system include a steering wheel that suddenly becomes heavy, intermittent loss of assist, EPS or steering warnings on the dash, clicking or whining noises while turning, or assist that cuts out after hitting a bump. Because steering is a critical safety function, these issues can create hazardous situations in traffic or while parking.
California’s lemon law, formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, helps consumers when a warrantied vehicle has a persistent defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot fix it within a reasonable number of attempts. The law may apply to new cars and certain used cars that are still under the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If the lemon law applies, the manufacturer may be obligated to provide a buyback or replacement, subject to deductions and conditions set by statute, but every case depends on its facts and warranty coverage.
Steering assist problems are often tied to components like the EPS control module, torque sensor, steering rack, wiring harnesses, low voltage events, or software that needs updating. Dealers may attempt fixes such as software reprogramming, steering rack replacement, column sensor replacement, or addressing battery/charging issues that trigger EPS faults. If you are experiencing recurring steering assist loss, it’s essential to document each incident, keep all repair orders, and verify that each visit clearly describes the steering complaint and the technician’s findings.
When Steering Assist Defects Qualify as a Lemon
Not every steering issue makes a car a “lemon.” Generally, the defect must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. In California, there is a legal “presumption” that can make your case easier to prove if, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first), the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of chances to fix the problem. While specifics vary, examples often discussed include multiple repair attempts for the same issue, repeated days out of service (such as 30 or more total days), or two or more attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death.
Steering assist failures can meet these criteria when they occur repeatedly despite repair attempts or when they create a serious safety risk, such as unexpected loss of assist during driving or at low speeds in traffic. For example, if your EPS light comes on and steering suddenly becomes very heavy, or if you repeatedly experience assist cutting out after the dealer has reprogrammed the module or replaced parts, those facts may support a lemon law claim. Evidence like consistent repair orders, diagnostic codes, and technician notes can be important.
Practical steps can help you assess whether your situation may qualify. Keep detailed records: note the date, mileage, speed, and conditions when assist is lost; take photos or short videos of warning lights; and request a copy of each repair order. Ask the dealer whether there are technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for your VIN. Check your warranty booklet to confirm coverage periods. If the problem persists, consider discussing your options with a lemon law attorney who can evaluate the facts; a consultation is the best way to understand how the law may apply to your circumstances.
This article is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising; past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to faulty power steering assist, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at (844) 927-5366 or visit https://zaplemon.com.