Lemon Law and Engine Defects: What to Know

Engine trouble is stressful, especially when your car is new or still under warranty. California’s Lemon Law gives consumers important protections when a vehicle’s engine can’t be fixed after reasonable repair attempts. Below, we explain how engine defects fit into the California Lemon Law and when it may be time to contact ZapLemon for guidance.

Engine Defects Under California Lemon Law Basics

California’s Lemon Law—part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—generally applies to new vehicles and many used vehicles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If your engine problem started during the warranty period and the manufacturer or its authorized dealer had a reasonable number of chances to fix it, you may have rights under this law. The remedy in a qualifying case can include a repurchase (often called a “buyback”) or replacement, or sometimes a negotiated cash settlement to keep the car, depending on the circumstances.

Engine defects come in many forms. Common examples include rough idling or misfires, sudden loss of power, stalling, excessive oil consumption, coolant leaks, overheating, timing chain or belt failures, turbocharger or fuel system issues, and persistent “check engine” lights with recurring trouble codes. If these problems keep coming back after multiple repair attempts—or if your car spends significant time in the shop—they may point to a defect that the law is designed to address.

California law also includes a “presumption” that can help consumers if certain things happen within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, such as multiple repair attempts for the same problem, repair attempts for issues that could cause serious injury or death, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service. Even if you’re outside those benchmarks, you may still have rights. Practical tip: document everything. Keep copies of repair orders, notes about symptoms and dates, mileage in and out, photos or videos of the issue, and any communications with the dealer or manufacturer. This record can be crucial in evaluating your options.

When to Contact ZapLemon About Engine Issues

Consider reaching out to ZapLemon if your engine problem keeps returning after two or more visits, if the vehicle has been in the shop for long stretches, or if the issue raises safety concerns like stalling in traffic or sudden loss of power. It’s also wise to contact us if a dealer says “no problem found” despite repeat symptoms, your warranty claim was denied, or your car is a certified pre-owned or used vehicle that still has warranty coverage.

We can help you understand the process, timelines, and what evidence tends to matter, all without giving legal advice in a vacuum. Before you call, gather your purchase or lease paperwork, warranty booklet, repair orders, towing receipts, rental invoices, and any emails or texts with the dealer or manufacturer. If you’ve received a recall notice or seen a technical service bulletin (TSB) related to your engine, keep those as well. These materials help us assess whether your situation may fit within California’s Lemon Law framework.

While every situation is unique and outcomes can’t be guaranteed, early guidance often prevents missteps. For example, continuing to bring the vehicle to an authorized dealer, reporting symptoms clearly, avoiding modifications that could affect the powertrain, and sending concerns in writing can all help build a clear record. If you’re unsure whether your issue is “serious enough,” a short conversation can clarify your next steps and whether a formal evaluation makes sense.