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.
A clicking sound from your steering column can be unsettling. Beyond the annoyance, it may signal a problem with components that affect how your vehicle handles and steers—key areas for safety. If you’re in California and your car’s steering column keeps clicking despite multiple repair attempts under warranty, you may be wondering whether the state’s lemon law applies. This article explains how California’s lemon law could relate to a clicking steering column, what signs to watch for, and practical steps to protect your rights, all in plain language.
Is a Clicking Steering Column a Lemon in California?
A “lemon” in California generally refers to a vehicle with a warranty-covered defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. A clicking steering column can fit into this framework when the noise is linked to a steering or suspension defect that affects handling, stability, or driver confidence. Common causes include issues with the intermediate steering shaft, column bearings, universal joints, electric power steering components, or loose fasteners—problems that can worsen over time if not corrected.
The law looks at how the defect impacts your real-world driving. For example, if the clicking occurs while turning, going over bumps, braking into a turn, or at low speeds during parking maneuvers, it may point to wear or play in components that can impair precise steering. California’s lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) focuses on whether the manufacturer had a fair opportunity to repair the issue under warranty and whether the problem substantially impairs use, value, or safety. The specifics can be nuanced, and every situation is fact-dependent.
California has a legal “presumption” that may apply within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership if, for example, a serious safety issue isn’t fixed after two or more attempts, a non-safety defect isn’t fixed after four or more attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days. These numbers are not strict limits for all cases, and the presumption rules have exceptions. Because outcomes depend on details—warranty terms, documented repair history, and how the defect affects the vehicle—consider speaking with a professional to understand how the law may apply to your situation.
Steps, Records, and When to Contact ZapLemon
If your steering column clicks, start by documenting everything. Note the dates, mileage, driving conditions when the clicking occurs (e.g., low-speed turns, driveway entrances, uneven roads), and whether it changes with temperature or after repairs. When you visit the dealer, describe the symptoms clearly, request a test drive with a technician to reproduce the noise, and ask that all observations and repairs be recorded on the repair order. Keep copies of every repair order and invoice, even if the repair was “no problem found” or covered at no charge.
Make sure you’re visiting an authorized dealership for warranty repairs and ask for a repair order each time—even for inspections. If the dealer says the clicking is “normal,” but it persists, politely ask them to note that statement in writing and inquire whether any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) exist for your model. Avoid modifications that could complicate diagnosis (such as aftermarket steering or suspension parts), and consider recording short videos capturing the sound and conditions that trigger it—these can help a technician reproduce the noise.
It may be time to contact ZapLemon if the clicking continues after multiple repair visits, the vehicle has spent significant time in the shop, your warranty window is closing, or you’re being told the noise is normal but it’s affecting your confidence in the vehicle. You can also reach out if you have questions about how California’s lemon law applies to steering-related issues, what counts as a “reasonable” number of repair attempts, or how to organize your records. A consultation can help you understand your options without making assumptions about your case.
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Attorney advertising. General information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. No result is promised or guaranteed.