Lemon Law Coverage for Power Steering Failures

Power steering problems can turn a routine drive into a white-knuckle experience. If your car’s steering assist cuts out, feels stiff or jerky, or throws repeated power steering warnings, you may be wondering whether California’s Lemon Law can help. Below, we explain how power steering defects fit into California law, what “reasonable repair attempts” means in plain English, and what records to keep so you can protect your rights. This article is for general information only and isn’t legal advice.

California Lemon Law and Power Steering Failures

Power steering defects often look like sudden loss of steering assist, intermittent stiffness when turning at low speeds, warning messages for “Power Steering Assist Reduced,” fluid leaks from a hydraulic rack, or repeated failures of an electronic power steering (EPS) module. These issues can substantially affect safety, especially during parking maneuvers, lane changes, or emergency situations. Even if the steering still “works,” a vehicle that veers, binds, or requires unusual force to turn may be unsafe to drive.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (commonly called the California Lemon Law), a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if, during the manufacturer’s warranty, the maker (through its authorized dealers) can’t repair a defect that substantially impairs the car’s use, value, or safety after a reasonable number of attempts. Power steering defects often fall into this category because steering is central to safe operation. The law can apply to new vehicles and many used vehicles that are still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty at the time the problem first appears.

What counts as a “reasonable number” depends on the facts. For serious safety-related defects like steering, fewer attempts may be considered reasonable than for minor cosmetic issues. Long periods where your car is in the shop can also count—California law looks at the number of days out of service for warranty repairs. There is no one-size-fits-all rule, but patterns like multiple EPS module replacements, recurring warning lights after software updates, or weeks of waiting for steering racks or sensors can be important indicators. A consultation is needed to evaluate any particular situation.

What to Document and When to Call ZapLemon

Documentation is your foundation. Each time you visit the dealer, ask for a detailed repair order that lists your steering symptoms, diagnostic codes, technician notes, parts replaced, software updates performed, and mileage in and out. Keep dates, invoices, tow receipts, loaner or rental records, and any communications with the dealer or manufacturer. If the steering intermittently loses assist or binds, note when it happens (cold starts, after highway driving, turning left vs. right) and consider a brief video capturing the warning light or unusual steering effort—never drive unsafely to capture a video.

Also check your warranty booklet and any recalls or technical service bulletins related to power steering for your year, make, and model. If the dealer says “no problem found,” ask them to write your reported symptoms on the repair order anyway. Consistent, clear records can show a pattern of defects and repair attempts over time, even if the issue is intermittent. If parts are on national backorder and your car sits at the dealer, keep a log of those out-of-service days.

It may be time to call ZapLemon if you’ve had repeated steering-related repair attempts without a lasting fix, your vehicle has spent significant cumulative days in the shop, the problem first occurred under warranty but continues, or the defect raises obvious safety concerns like sudden loss of assist. California has deadlines that can apply, and the specifics matter—how many attempts occurred, what was replaced, whether the dealer is authorized, and whether the issue substantially impairs use, value, or safety. A consultation can help you understand your options, but only after we review your facts.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with ZapLemon, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Laws are subject to change and how they apply depends on your specific facts.