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 steering wheel clicks, clunks, grinds, or squeaks—especially when you turn or drive over bumps—you’re not imagining it. Steering column noises can point to problems with parts like the intermediate shaft, column bearings, clock spring, or the electric power steering system. If repeated repair visits haven’t fixed the issue, California’s Lemon Law may offer protections. Here’s what to know, in plain English.
Steering Column Noises and California Lemon Law
Steering column noises often show up as a clunk when turning into a driveway, a click at low speeds, a rubbing or scraping sound behind the wheel, or a squeak on cold mornings. Sometimes there’s also steering play, a brief loss of assist, or a vibration that travels up the wheel. Common suspects include a dry or worn intermediate shaft, loose column fasteners, a failing column bearing, an EPS motor or torque sensor concern, or a damaged clock spring (which can also affect the horn or airbag light). While some noises are just annoying, others can signal a developing safety issue—so they’re worth taking seriously and documenting.
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (often called the “California Lemon Law”) may help when a vehicle has a defect covered by warranty that substantially impairs use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts. California also has a legal presumption (the Tanner Consumer Protection Act) that may apply within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles when certain repair thresholds or days out of service are met. For steering column noises, examples might include multiple visits for the same clunk or squeak, repeated parts replacements that don’t last, or extended time at the dealership waiting on parts or engineering review. Every case is fact-specific, so eligibility depends on your particular records, timing, and warranty.
A few practical steps can help: keep every repair order and make sure your complaint is written clearly (“clunk from steering column on low-speed left turns,” not just “noise”). Note dates, mileage, and how many days the car is in the shop. Try to capture short videos or voice memos of the sound, especially when it’s most noticeable (cold starts, parking maneuvers, after highway driving). Ask the dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs), software updates, or column/shaft lubrication procedures that apply to your VIN. Use an authorized dealer during the warranty period, and avoid aftermarket modifications that could complicate coverage. If the problem persists, consider escalating with the manufacturer and saving the case number.
Call a Lemon Law Attorney for Steering Column Noises
If you’ve returned to the dealer several times, been told the noise is “normal,” or the fix only lasts a few weeks, it may be time to speak with a lemon law attorney. An attorney can evaluate whether your steering issue might meet California Lemon Law standards, help you understand what “reasonable number of repair attempts” can mean in your situation, and discuss potential remedies like repurchase or replacement. In California lemon law cases, the statute may allow recovery of reasonable attorney’s fees from the manufacturer if you prevail, but outcomes vary and depend on the facts.
A lawyer can review your repair orders, warranty terms, and timeline, and compare them with California’s legal requirements. They may identify patterns—like recurring steering column clunks after intermediate shaft lubrication—or find relevant TSBs that support your complaint. Attorneys also help organize evidence, communicate with the manufacturer, and protect you from common pitfalls, including missing deadlines. While a blog post can’t assess your claim, a focused review of your records often clarifies your options.
Before you call, gather your paperwork: a chronology of repair visits, all dealer repair orders (ROs), any videos of the noise, your warranty booklet, and communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Calculate total days out of service. On your next visit, ask the service advisor to record your exact complaint, the cause found, and the correction performed—and request a copy each time, even if it says “could not duplicate.” Avoid trading in or selling your vehicle based on a recurring defect without first understanding your rights. To discuss your situation, contact ZapLemon for a consultation.
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.