10 Most Common Vehicle Defects

   

Are you experiencing issues with your vehicle? Engine problems? Transmission troubles? Or maybe your car won’t start? If you’ve encountered any of these, you may be entitled to protection under the California lemon law. 

At Norman Taylor & Associates, we’ve defended the rights of consumers who’ve purchased or leased lemon cars for over 37 years. Our experienced lemon law attorney breaks down the 10 most common vehicle defects that could warrant a lemon law case here. 

 

Top Vehicle Defects Found in Lemon Cars 

 

Engine Defects

Engine problems are among the most serious defects we see. They can show up as loss of power, rough idling, misfires, fuel system failures, or warning lights related to emission issues. In many cases, drivers also notice reduced gas mileage or shaking while driving. 

Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to complete engine failure. Engine-related issues are also consistently one of the top reasons vehicles are recalled each year. 

If you’re experiencing any of these engine-related issues, consult with our lemon lawyers to see if you have a valid case. 

 

Oil Consumption and Leaks

Excessive oil use or repeated leaks are also very common in lemon vehicles. You may notice the oil light turning on between scheduled visits, or you might see spots of oil on the ground where you park. 

These issues often stem from faulty seals, worn gaskets, or internal engine defects. When a car loses oil too quickly, the engine can’t stay properly lubricated, which leads to overheating and long-term damage.

 

Transmission Issues

Drivers with transmission problems often report rough shifting, slipping gears, hesitation when accelerating, or trouble getting the car into gear at all. These issues can be especially dangerous when merging, passing, or driving uphill. Newer dual-clutch transmissions also experience software and electronic failures, which can mean unpredictable performance. 

 

Failure to Start

A car that refuses to start reliably is more than inconvenient; it’s unsafe. Starting problems could be attributed to electrical issues, battery defects, faulty sensors, or a failing start system. 

If the dealership can’t pinpoint the cause after several attempts, the ongoing starting failures may qualify your car as a lemon. We recommend recording each time the car won’t start and including any patterns you notice, such as weather conditions or how long the car has been sitting. 

 

A/C & Heating System Failure

Climate control issues are particularly frustrating for drivers because they directly affect comfort and visibility. Problems include weak airflow, uneven temperatures, foul odors, refrigerant leaks, or systems that stop blowing cold or hot air altogether. 

In hot or freezing weather, a working A/C and heater are essential. Poor defrosting, for example, can limit visibility and create a safety hazard. 

 

Steering, Suspension, Alignment, and Brake Problems

Issues with the car’s control systems are especially concerning because they impact safety. These defects include steering pull, clunking or bouncing from the suspension, alignment problems, and braking issues such as vibration, noise, or reduced stopping power. 

Even minor handling issues can become dangerous at high speeds or during emergency maneuvers. Brake and steering-related defects are also among the most likely to qualify quickly under the lemon law because they have clear safety implications. 

 

Leakage Issues

Water leaks, sunroof and moonroof problems, and other forms of leakage can damage your vehicle’s interior and electric components. These defects can also result in mold growth and unpleasant odors. 

If leaks continue after multiple repairs, take photos whenever possible and document when and where the leak appears.

 

Problems with Navigation and Bluetooth Systems

As vehicles become more high-tech, problems with infotainment systems are becoming increasingly common. Drivers often report lagging touchscreens, failed Bluetooth connections, malfunctioning navigation, or voice controls that don’t recognize commands. 

While these issues may not directly impact safety, they can affect the car’s value and usability, especially when the technology was part of an upgraded package. 

If your system continues to glitch after multiple repairs, you may still have a valid lemon law claim, depending on the severity and frequency of the issues.

 

Recurring Check-Engine Lights for Airbags and SRS

Warning lights that won’t stay off, especially airbag or SRS lights, could indicate possible failures in essential safety equipment. 

When a dealership repeatedly “clears the code” but the light returns, it’s a strong sign that the underlying issue hasn’t been fixed. Because these defects involve safety systems, they may require fewer repair attempts to qualify under the lemon law.

 

Engine Temperature Control Issues

Cooling system defects, such as overheating, coolant leaks, radiator problems, or fan failures, can lead to major engine damage. Even if the car doesn’t fully overheat, fluctuations in temperature could be a sign of a deeper mechanical issue. 

If your vehicle continues running hot after several repairs, document every instance. Persistent cooling problems can easily qualify as a lemon because they pose a risk to the engine.

 

Which Car Defects Aren’t Covered Under California Lemon Law? 

While California’s Lemon Law is considered one of the most consumer-friendly, it doesn’t cover everything. Problems caused by accidents, poor maintenance, or aftermarket modifications typically don’t qualify. Minor cosmetic issues or normal wear items, like brake pads or tires, all fall outside the law unless they fail unusually early due to a manufacturing defect. 

To qualify, the defect must be substantial and must have occurred during the warranty period.

 

Why Do Some Car Problems Qualify Under the Lemon Law While Others Don’t?

Whether a problem qualifies usually depends on how severe it is and how much it affects the car’s use, safety, or value. Safety-related issues get the most weight, while small cosmetic defects rarely qualify. 

The repair history also matters. The dealership must be given a fair number of chances to fix the problem, and everything needs to be documented. Without clear repair records, even a serious defect may be harder to prove legally. 

 

How Many Repair Attempts Before These Problems Qualify Under the California Lemon Law?

California law sets general guidelines for how many repair attempts are needed:

• Most defects: about four repair attempts. 
• Safety-related defects: as few as two attempts. 
• Extended time in the shop: 30 or more total days out of service. 

These numbers aren’t strict rules, but they’re common benchmarks. The main takeaway is that repairs must be done by an authorized dealership and must take place during the vehicle’s warranty period.

 

What Can I Get If My Car Qualifies As a Lemon?

If your vehicle meets the requirements, the manufacturer must either buy it back (including reimbursement for the purchase price, registration fees, financing charges, rental costs, towing, and other reasonable expenses) or replace the car with a comparable new one. And because California’s lemon law requires manufacturers to pay your attorney’s fees, pursuing a claim typically costs you nothing upfront.  

 

Think Your Car Might Be a Lemon? 

If you think you have a lemon car and notice any of the abovementioned defects, contact our California lemon law lawyers today! We offer a FREE case evaluation to assess the merits of your claim and guide you through the legal process. 

Call 818-244-3905 today to schedule your consultation and learn about your rights. 

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