Unstable power steering is more than an annoyance—it can make a vehicle hard to control, unpredictable in turns, and stressful to drive. Whether your steering goes stiff at low speeds, drifts on the highway, or intermittently loses assist with warning lights flashing, repeated problems can point to a defect. In California, ongoing power steering issues under warranty may fall under the state’s lemon law, and understanding your rights can help you take the right next steps.
How California Lemon Law Applies to Power Steering
California’s lemon law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally protects consumers when a manufacturer or its dealers cannot fix a vehicle’s warranty-covered defect after a reasonable number of attempts. Power steering—whether electric (EPS) or hydraulic—is a safety-related system. If recurring steering problems substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle, they may be covered, provided the issues arise and are reported during the warranty period.
“Unstable power steering” can show up in different ways: sudden loss of assist, a steering wheel that sticks or feels notchy, vehicle wandering or pulling, intermittent EPS warnings, clunking in the rack and pinion, or inconsistent assist after software updates. California’s lemon law presumption provides guidance during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, such as multiple repair attempts for the same issue or 30+ days out of service, but claims can still be valid outside those benchmarks depending on the facts and paperwork.
If a qualifying defect is not fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, potential remedies can include a repurchase, replacement, or other relief permitted by law, possibly with certain incidental costs. Every situation is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, warranty coverage, repair history, and timing. This information is general and not legal advice; a consultation is the best way to get guidance on your particular situation.
What to Document and When to Call ZapLemon
Good records are the backbone of a solid lemon law claim. Save every repair order, warranty invoice, and service note showing the date, mileage, your steering complaints, and the dealer’s findings. When the steering acts up, note conditions like speed, temperature, and warning lights. Short videos of the problem (for example, the steering wheel stiffening on a turn or the EPS light with loss of assist) can help the dealer duplicate the issue and strengthen your documentation.
Ask the service department to record each visit under warranty and to list diagnostic codes, software update versions, and parts replaced (such as a steering rack, torque sensor, column, pump, control module, or battery-related components for EPS). Keep copies of any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) referenced and note any days your vehicle is out of service. If a dealer writes “could not verify,” request a road test with a technician and make sure your symptoms are clearly described on the repair order.
Consider calling ZapLemon if the steering defect keeps coming back after repeated repair attempts, if your vehicle has been out of service for extended days, or if you’re concerned about safety—especially with intermittent loss of assist. A brief consultation can help you understand timelines, what counts as a “reasonable” number of attempts, and how to organize your repair file. Early guidance can prevent missteps, like gaps in documentation or missed warranty deadlines.
Attorney Advertising. This post is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different, and results depend on specific facts and applicable law. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon due to unstable power steering, contact ZapLemon at (310) 489-3017 or https://zaplemon.com to request a consultation.