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.
When your windshield wipers won’t “park” in the down position—or they keep running after you’ve turned the switch off—it’s more than a nuisance. Wiper motor park position faults can make it hard to see, distract you while driving, and lead to repeat trips to the dealership. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At ZapLemon, we regularly hear from California drivers dealing with recurring wiper issues under warranty. The information below explains what’s going on, why it matters, and general steps you can take to protect your rights under California’s lemon law.
What Is a Wiper Motor Park Position Fault?
Your wipers are designed to return to a “park” position—typically at the bottom edge of the windshield—when you turn them off. A park position fault happens when they stop mid-sweep, park too high, or continue running even though the switch is off. Common symptoms include wipers freezing in the driver’s line of sight, wiping once or twice after shutoff, or “hunting” up and down before stopping.
These problems often trace back to the wiper motor’s internal park switch or cam, a faulty relay, body control module (BCM) software glitches, or a mis-indexed wiper arm after a prior repair. The linkage that connects the motor to the wiper arms can also loosen or wear, changing the blade’s resting point. On vehicles with rain-sensing systems, a sensor or software issue can make the car think it should keep wiping even when it shouldn’t.
Why does this matter legally and practically? First, visibility. If wipers block part of your view or fail to clear the windshield during rain, that’s a safety concern. Second, these faults can be intermittent, making them hard to reproduce at the shop—so “no problem found” notes show up on repair orders. Finally, repeated attempts to fix the same defect under warranty can be relevant under California’s consumer warranty laws, especially when the issue affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
California Lemon Law Tips for Wiper Motor Issues
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—often called the California Lemon Law—can apply when a manufacturer or its authorized dealer cannot repair a warrantied vehicle defect after a reasonable number of attempts. There’s also a “lemon law presumption” that may help if certain repair attempts occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, but claims can still be viable outside that window if the vehicle is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Wiper park faults that impair visibility or safety may qualify as a substantial nonconformity, depending on the facts.
If you’re dealing with repeat wiper problems, start by documenting everything. Keep copies of all repair orders and invoices, note dates, mileage, weather conditions, and the exact setting used (intermittent, low, auto/rain-sense). Capture short videos showing the wipers stopping mid-windshield or continuing after shutoff. Ask the service advisor to write your complaint in your own words on the repair order. Check for recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your make and model, and make sure repairs are performed by an authorized dealer during warranty.
Be persistent but safe. Don’t try to “fix” the issue yourself if your car is under warranty—unauthorized modifications can complicate coverage. If a repair fails, return promptly and describe the same symptom again so the records show repeat attempts for the same concern. If the dealer says they can’t duplicate the problem, ask them to keep the car overnight or test it in rainy conditions when it happens most. If the problem continues after multiple visits, consider consulting a lemon law attorney to discuss your options.
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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.