Common Defects That Make a Car a Lemon

Most people don't call us saying "I have a lemon." They call because the transmission shudders, the screen keeps going black, the engine burns oil, or the car stalled on the freeway. These are the defects behind most California lemon law claims — and the vehicles where we see them.

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Browse by Problem

What Is Your Car Doing?

Infotainment & Screen FailureThe screen goes black, blue, or frozen, sometimes while driving

Seen on 217 models we handle

Stalling, No-Start & Sudden Power LossThe engine cuts out while driving, sometimes at speed

Seen on 133 models we handle

Automatic Transmission Shudder & Harsh ShiftingShudder or vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips

Seen on 81 models we handle

EV Sudden Power Loss (ICCU & Drive-Unit Failures)A "Power Limited," "Reduced Power," or "Drivetrain Malfunction" warning on the dash

Seen on 81 models we handle

Rearview Camera FailureThe screen stays black, blue, or frozen when you shift into reverse

Seen on 69 models we handle

Engine Fire RiskA recall notice telling you to park outside and away from buildings

Seen on 67 models we handle

EV High-Voltage Battery Fire RiskInstructions to limit charging (for example, to 80 or 90 percent) or to stop charging overnight

Seen on 36 models we handle

Excessive Oil ConsumptionLow-oil warning lights between scheduled oil changes

Seen on 35 models we handle

Oil Leaks & Timing Chain FailureOil spots on the driveway, or a burning-oil smell after driving

Seen on 29 models we handle

CVT Transmission FailureShuddering, juddering, or vibration under light acceleration

Seen on 25 models we handle

Air Conditioning & A/C Compressor FailureAir conditioning blowing warm, or cooling only intermittently

Seen on 17 models we handle

AFM/DFM Lifter Failure & Engine KnockA persistent tick or knock from the engine, often worse at idle or on a cold start

Seen on 10 models we handle

Diesel DEF & Emissions Limp ModeDEF (AdBlue) quality, level, or dosing warnings that return after service

Seen on 10 models we handle

Steering "Death Wobble"Violent side-to-side shaking of the steering wheel at highway speed

Seen on 2 models we handle

Your Rights

How the Lemon Law Works

California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) applies when a substantial defect can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days. Serious safety defects require fewer failed attempts.

If your vehicle qualifies, you may be owed a buyback, a replacement, or a cash settlement — and the manufacturer pays your attorney fees, so it costs you nothing to pursue.

Browse by Manufacturer Do I Qualify? Quiz

Not Sure If It's a Lemon?

Send us the repair orders. Free, no-obligation review — and the manufacturer pays our fees if you win.

Call Now: 844-MOUSAVI