Lemon Law Used Car for Broken Steering Sensors

Buying a used car can be a smart move—until a hidden defect like a broken steering sensor turns every drive into a safety concern. If your steering wheel feels unpredictable, your electric power steering cuts out, or warning lights keep returning after multiple repairs, you may be wondering whether California’s Lemon Law can help. This article explains how steering sensor problems show up, what your rights might look like in California, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself, all in plain language.

Broken Steering Sensors in Used Cars: Your Rights

Modern vehicles rely on steering sensors—especially the steering angle sensor and torque sensor—to tell the car which direction you’re turning and how much assist the electric power steering (EPS) should provide. When these sensors fail or fall out of calibration, you may notice warning lights for EPS, traction control, or stability control; sudden loss of steering assist; uneven or “wandering” steering; ADAS features (like lane-keep assist) shutting off; or a vehicle that pulls even after alignment. These symptoms aren’t just annoying—they can be dangerous, particularly at highway speeds or during evasive maneuvers.

If your used car has a steering sensor problem, your rights depend largely on warranty coverage and repair history. In California, most consumer protections arise when the vehicle is sold with an express warranty—such as remaining manufacturer warranty, a certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty, or a written dealer warranty. “As is” sales usually don’t include those protections. Service contracts or extended service plans are not the same as warranties, though they may help pay for repairs; they typically don’t trigger the same Lemon Law obligations by themselves.

To protect yourself, document everything. Each time you bring the car in, ask the service department to list your complaints in your own words (for example, “loss of power steering assist,” “EPS light on,” “steering angle sensor fault,” “vehicle drifts”). Keep copies of repair orders, invoices, diagnostic codes, tow receipts, and dates the car is out of service. If a repair road test isn’t safe, request a tow rather than driving a vehicle with compromised steering. These records are often crucial if you later explore your legal options.

How California’s Lemon Law Applies to Used Cars

California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) can apply to used cars when there’s an applicable express warranty. That might be the original manufacturer’s warranty that’s still active, a CPO warranty, or a dealer-provided limited warranty. If the vehicle was sold “as is,” Lemon Law coverage is typically not available, though other consumer laws may still apply in some cases. Because steering defects can implicate safety, recurring problems with steering sensors can be particularly significant under these rules.

A “reasonable number of repair attempts” is the key concept. California’s Lemon Law includes a guideline known as the presumption: generally, four or more repair attempts for the same problem, two or more for a defect that is likely to cause serious injury or death if the vehicle is driven, or the vehicle being out of service for 30 or more total days for warranty repairs. This presumption traditionally applies within a specific early period of ownership or mileage tied to the original delivery of the vehicle. Even if your used car falls outside that window, you may still have rights under the law—just without the benefit of the presumption—if a covered warranty exists and the defect persists despite reasonable repair attempts.

If the law applies and the defect isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, potential remedies can include repurchase, replacement, or a negotiated cash resolution, as well as certain incidental expenses like towing or rental costs. The details, possible mileage offsets, and who may be responsible (manufacturer versus dealer) depend on the type of warranty and the facts of your case. Because steering sensor issues can involve multiple components—sensor modules, clocksprings, wiring, steering racks, software updates, and calibrations—be sure each repair order clearly describes what was tested and replaced. If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, a consultation can help you understand your options.