If your used car’s steering wheel feels loose, clunks when you turn, or suddenly loses assist, it’s more than a nuisance—it’s a safety issue. In California, problems with a steering column can intersect with the state’s lemon law and other consumer protections, even when the vehicle is second hand. This article explains how California’s lemon law may apply to a used car with steering column defects and how to document your issue the right way. It’s general information for consumers and not legal advice.
Can a Used Car with Faulty Steering Column Be a Lemon?
California’s lemon law—formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—can cover used vehicles if they were sold with a remaining manufacturer’s warranty or a written warranty from a dealer. The law focuses on whether the defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle and whether the manufacturer (or its authorized dealer) had a reasonable number of chances to fix it. A faulty steering column often implicates safety, which can make these claims more compelling when the warranty is still in effect during repairs.
Steering column issues show up in everyday ways: a steering wheel that won’t stay straight, clunking or popping when turning, intermittent or total loss of power assist, a wheel that locks or binds, excessive play, wandering or drift, or warning lights for electronic power steering (EPS). These problems can stem from the column itself, the intermediate shaft, EPS motor, clockspring, angle sensor, or related components. If the vehicle is under warranty and the same steering concern keeps returning after multiple repair attempts—or the car is out of service for lengthy periods—you may have lemon law rights to explore.
Timing matters. California has a “presumption” rule within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles from the vehicle’s original delivery that can make claims easier to prove (for example, two or more repair attempts for a safety-related defect, four for others, or 30+ total days out of service). Many used cars fall outside that window, but you can still pursue a claim if the manufacturer’s warranty was active when the repairs happened and the defect persisted despite reasonable attempts. Private-party used car purchases can also qualify if a manufacturer warranty still covered the vehicle at the time of repair. Because every case is fact-specific, a consultation is the best way to assess options.
How to Document Steering Column Defects in California
Start with a simple paper trail. Each time the steering acts up, note the date, mileage, driving conditions (speed, turning, bumps, temperature), dashboard lights, and what you felt (e.g., “steering locked momentarily during a left turn,” “clunk and vibration when parking”). Capture short videos or photos when safe. If a warning light appears, take a clear photo and, if available, record any diagnostic codes from a scan tool. Don’t modify the steering system or install aftermarket parts while a warranty claim is active, as that can complicate coverage questions.
When you visit a dealership, request a detailed repair order every time—even if they can’t duplicate the problem. A solid repair order should list your concern in your words, the technician’s findings (cause), and the work performed (correction), plus dates and mileage in and out. Ask the advisor to note all steering-related observations, TSBs (technical service bulletins) checked, road-test results, and whether parts were backordered. Keep copies of everything, including tow receipts and rental or rideshare expenses, which can show how long the car was unavailable.
Take a few extra steps to round out your file. Check for recalls and TSBs related to your VIN; NHTSA’s website is a good starting point. If the defect persists, consider notifying the manufacturer in writing (certified mail can help confirm delivery) summarizing the ongoing steering issue and repair history. Avoid driving if the steering concern creates an immediate safety risk; document any advice from the dealership about safety. These actions don’t guarantee an outcome, but they can make your situation clearer and easier to evaluate under California law.
Steering column defects in a used car are serious, and California’s lemon law may offer remedies when the defect substantially affects safety, use, or value and persists despite reasonable repair attempts under warranty. The key steps are simple: document the symptoms, keep complete repair records, and confirm your warranty status. From there, a tailored review can help you understand your options.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Laws and facts vary; a consultation is necessary for legal advice about your situation.
If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon or you have questions about steering column defects, contact ZapLemon at (310) 489-3017 or https://zaplemon.com to request a consultation. We’re here to listen, review your records, and help you understand your next steps.