Lemon Law Attorney for Failing EV Power Modules

Electric vehicles depend on power electronics to safely convert and deliver energy from the high-voltage battery to the motors and the rest of the car. When those components—often called the power module, power electronics module, inverter, onboard charger, or DC/DC converter—start failing, drivers can face sudden loss of power, repeated warning lights, charging failures, and weeks of downtime waiting on parts. If you’re in California and your EV keeps going back to the shop for the same power module problem, understanding how the state’s lemon law works can help you decide your next steps. The overview below is for general information only and not legal advice.

California Lemon Law for Failing EV Power Modules

Electric vehicle power modules control how electricity flows, converts, and reaches the drive unit. Symptoms of a failing module can include intermittent no-starts, “limp mode,” propulsion power loss on the freeway, disabled DC fast charging, overheating or isolation fault warnings, or a check EV system light that returns after “software updates.” Because these issues can directly affect safe operation and a vehicle’s value, they often fall within the types of problems California’s lemon law was designed to address when they persist under warranty.

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (the “lemon law”) generally requires the manufacturer to repair defects covered by an express warranty within a reasonable number of attempts. There is a “presumption” that may apply within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles if: there were at least two repair attempts for a serious safety defect, four for a non-safety defect, or the vehicle was out of service for repair for more than 30 cumulative days. Software flashes and control module updates typically count as repair attempts, and days waiting for backordered parts usually count toward days out of service. Even if you’re outside those guidelines, you may still qualify—every situation is fact-specific.

If your EV qualifies, potential remedies under the law can include a manufacturer repurchase (often called a buyback) or a replacement vehicle, plus certain incidental damages such as towing and rental costs. Which remedy may be available depends on your facts and the law—nothing is guaranteed. To protect yourself, keep complete repair orders that show your complaint, the technician’s findings, and the fix; save towing and rental receipts; and note mileage, dates, and warning messages. Clear documentation is often the difference between a frustrating back-and-forth and a smooth resolution.

When to Consult a Lemon Law Attorney at ZapLemon

It may be time to speak with a lemon law attorney if your EV repeatedly shows power module or inverter fault codes, loses propulsion without warning, refuses to DC fast charge, or cycles through “temporary” software updates that don’t hold. Long periods out of service—especially due to part backorders—or a dealer saying “no problem found” while the issue continues are additional signals. Power electronics issues that started under warranty but persist as the warranty nears expiration also warrant a prompt review.

A lemon law attorney at ZapLemon can help you understand how the Song-Beverly Act may apply to your circumstances. We review your repair orders, warranty history, mileage timelines, and communications with the dealer and manufacturer to evaluate whether your situation may meet the legal standards. We can also explain the difference between the presumption and the broader law, what “reasonable number of attempts” might look like in practice for a safety-related EV power failure, and what information the manufacturer typically needs to evaluate a claim. We do not promise outcomes—each case turns on its own facts.

Before your consultation, consider gathering: all repair orders (including software update visits), tow and rental/ride-share receipts, screenshots or photos of dashboard warnings, charge session failures, and any texts or emails with the dealer or manufacturer. Request the dealership’s full warranty/repair history printout. Avoid clearing fault codes or disconnecting the 12V battery before a service visit so data can be captured. Keep a simple timeline of dates, mileage, and symptoms. These steps don’t replace legal advice, but they can make your consultation more productive.