California Lemon Law blog – A blog by the Law Office of Edzant Price LLP

If you drive a recent-model Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Maybach, or AMG sedan, take note: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has broadened an earlier safety campaign regarding potential front brake hose failure. Filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-638, this action covers 30,064 vehicles across multiple high-end model lines.

What Is the Defect?

According to Mercedes-Benz AG (MBAG), the front axle brake hoses on affected vehicles may suffer from accumulated material fatigue. Over time, increased thermal and mechanical stresses sustained during regular driving can cause the brake hoses to rupture and leak fluid.

The Risk

Vehicles use a dual-circuit system. If fluid escapes from a damaged front hose, it leads to a loss of hydraulic pressure in one of the circuits. While the backup circuit ensures the car can still stop, overall stopping performance will be significantly reduced, increasing stopping distances and raising the risk of a crash.

Affected Vehicles

This expanded action affects 2022–2025 model year vehicles in the flagship S-Class (223 platform) lineup:

2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC
2022–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC
2023–2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 e 4MATIC
2022–2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC
2022–2025 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC
2024–2025 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance

How Did the Investigation Unfold?

This update builds upon NHTSA Campaign 25V-116, originally filed in February 2025.

The Initial Scope: MBAG initially attributed the brake hose failures to specific production windows and hot, humid regions where early cases were clustered.
New Field Data: Between March and August 2025, MBAG received additional field reports from outside the U.S. involving vehicles operated in different climates and built outside the original production time frame.
Engineering Review: MBAG launched a dedicated Field Engineering Activity in March 2026 to collect and analyze field components. Laboratory and durability testing completed in July 2026 confirmed that the risk applied to all vehicles produced up to the implementation of a redesigned brake hose in series production.
Current Status: On September 25, 2026, MBAG officially decided to broaden the affected population. While three U.S. reports were identified between April and August 2026, there have been no reports of crashes, injuries, or property damage related to this condition.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Due to the nature of material fatigue, there are no advance warning signs before a leak develops.

However, if fluid loss occurs while driving:

A red brake fluid warning message will display in the instrument cluster.
You may notice increased brake pedal travel or reduced stopping power.

When El Niño brings atmospheric rivers and king tides across California’s coastlines and valley basins, most drivers worry about stalled engines, washed out roads, or hydroplaning. For electric vehicle (EV) drivers, severe flooding presents a hidden risk that often surfaces after the floodwaters recede: saltwater induced battery fires. While gas powered cars typically suffer mechanical failure when submerged, high-voltage battery packs react to floodwaters, especially saltwater, in a completely different way.

Why Saltwater and EV Batteries Don’t Mix

Modern EV batteries are insulated, sealed, and engineered to meet high weather-resistance standards to handle rain and puddle splashes safely. However, storm surges and tidal flooding introduce salt into the equation.

The Chemistry of Corrosion: Saltwater is a potent electrical conductor. When submerged, saltwater can breach secondary seals or collect around high-voltage connectors and module wiring.
Delayed Thermal Runaway: As the saltwater evaporates, it leaves behind salt bridge deposits. These deposits create short circuits within the high-voltage pack. This can trigger thermal runaway, a chain reaction where battery cells rapidly overheat and ignite days or weeks after the vehicle has dried out.

Key Warning Signs After Water Exposure

If your vehicle was exposed to deep floodwaters or high coastal surges, watch for the following red flags:

Audible Cues: Popping, gurgling, or unusual hissing coming from underneath the chassis.
Visual Clues: Smoke, sudden moisture condensation inside light housings, or persistent dashboard electrical warnings.
Thermal Signals: Noticeable heat emanating from the floorboards or battery enclosure while the car is parked or off.

What to Do If Your EV Is Flooded

Never Attempt to Start or Charge the Vehicle If high water reached the undercarriage or battery pack level, do not turn on the ignition or connect a charging cable. High-voltage energy stored in the cells can arc if circuits are compromised.
Park Outside and Away from Structures Tow or move the vehicle to an open outdoor space away from garages, homes, or adjacent cars. If a thermal event occurs, battery fires burn intensely hot and can easily spread to nearby structures. Maintain at least a 50-foot safety buffer.
Inform Emergency Responders and Towing Operators Notify tow truck operators and first responders immediately that the vehicle was submerged in floodwaters. Standard flatbed recovery protocols require extra distance and specialized handling for flooded EVs.
Schedule a Professional Diagnostic Inspection Do not assume the car is safe because it looks dry. Have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician equipped to conduct high-voltage insulation tests and check the battery pack enclosure integrity before attempting to drive or charge it.

Preparing Your EV Before the Next Storm Hits

Move to Higher Ground: Park on elevated terrain or higher parking garage decks if high tides or atmospheric river warnings are issued for your area.
Avoid Standing Floodwaters: Resist the urge to drive through deep water. Submerged road debris or hidden currents can crack battery shields even if the car has no air intake.
Keep Emergency Contacts Ready: Know your roadside assistance numbers and keep your local fire department’s non-emergency line saved in case you observe localized overheating or smoke while parked.

Volkswagen Group of America has launched a safety action affecting 22,524 model-year 2023–2026 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicles due to a hazard involving high-voltage battery fires. If you drive an affected ID.4, there is a simple setting you need to change in your touchscreen charging menu immediately while Volkswagen works on a permanent fix.

What Is Causing the Issue?

According to NHTSA Campaign 26V-630 (Volkswagen internal code 93EX), specific high-voltage battery packs installed in these vehicles can experience thermal propagation, a process where excessive heat in one battery cell spreads to neighboring cells, creating a potential fire hazard.

While Volkswagen and its battery cell supplier continue to investigate the root cause, preliminary engineering studies conducted between June and September 2026 revealed key risk factors:

Overheating occurs when specific charging profiles are used while holding the battery at a State of Charge (SoC) above 80%.
Data suggests a correlation between specific isolation-resistance values and DC fast-charging ratios.
A total of 22 field incidents were reported in the U.S. between January 18, 2024, and August 7, 2026.

What Should ID.4 Owners Do Right Now?

Because an official repair is still being developed by Volkswagen engineers, the automaker strongly advises all affected drivers to follow an immediate safeguard: limit your vehicle’s maximum charging threshold to 80% battery capacity. Do not top off your ID.4 to 100% until official service updates are performed at a dealership.

Timeline and Next Steps

June 17, 2026: Volkswagen ordered detailed examinations of complete high-voltage battery systems after preliminary data flagged potential risks linked to isolation-resistance values and DC fast-charging ratios.
September 21, 2026: Field study results confirmed that certain charging profiles paired with a state of charge over 80% could trigger thermal events. Additional technical analysis was requested from the battery supplier.
September 23, 2026: The Product Safety Committee formally authorized a voluntary safety action for all affected U.S. vehicles.
November 27, 2026: Official warning notifications explaining the safety risk and temporary charging limits are expected to reach owners by mail.

Quick Reference Summary

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-630
VW Campaign Code: 93EX
Affected Population: 2023–2026 Volkswagen ID.4 (22,524 units)
Affected System: Electrical System (High-Voltage Battery)
Primary Safety Hazard: Thermal propagation / Vehicle Fire
Temporary Precaution: Cap battery charging capacity at 80%
Interim Notice Date: November 27, 2026

If you drive a 2026 Toyota or Lexus SUV, a newly discovered manufacturing flaw could compromise your ability to steer. On September 11, 2026, Toyota Motor North America announced a voluntary safety notification affecting 617 vehicles in the United States due to incomplete factory processing of front steering components. A failure of these components can lead to a sudden reduction or complete loss of steering control while driving, significantly raising the risk of an accident.

This safety campaign is tracked under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-598 and Toyota manufacturer codes 26TA19 and 26LA09.

What is the Defect?

The issue involves the vehicle’s front steering knuckles critical forged-aluminum structural pieces that connect the front suspension to the steering system.

During manufacturing, a tier-1 supplier produced a batch of parts that skipped a crucial step: passing through the aging furnace. Skipping this thermal treatment left the forged aluminum significantly weaker than safety standards require.

How the Fault Impacts Driving Safety

Computer simulations and structural stress testing revealed that these weakened parts are prone to severe failure:

Fracture Points: Sudden impact forces—such as hitting a standard pothole or bumping a curb—can cause the steering knuckle to snap at the strut or tie-rod attachment points.
Loss of Control: If a knuckle fractures while the vehicle is in motion, driver steering input may fail to turn the wheels properly. In worst-case conditions, steering control is lost entirely.

Affected 2026 Models

The safety notice specifically targets select 2026 model-year vehicles:

Toyota Grand Highlander & Grand Highlander Hybrid
Lexus RX 350 & RX 350 Hybrid
Lexus RX 500 Hybrid
Lexus TX 350 & TX 500 Hybrid

How Was the Flaw Discovered?

The manufacturer uncovered the problem during a quality audit in late June 2026, when component stress testing revealed parts below tensile strength specifications. While Toyota contained most of the affected batch at assembly plants, a small number of unverified parts reached finished production vehicles.

As of September 9, 2026, Toyota has received zero warranty claims and no field reports in the U.S. associated with this condition. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Repair Schedule & Next Steps

The Fix: Authorized Toyota and Lexus dealerships will inspect the batch IDs on the front steering knuckles and replace defective components.
Owner Notifications: Official notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to registered owners starting November 2, 2026.

Your Legal Rights Under the Lemon Law

Suspension and steering failures present immediate safety hazards. If your 2026 Toyota or Lexus requires extensive shop time, repeated diagnostic visits, or faces repair delays due to part availability, consumer protection laws are on your side.

You may have grounds for a Lemon Law claim if:

Dealership service departments keep your vehicle out of service for extended periods while resolving component defects.
The defect presents an unaddressed risk that substantially impairs the safety, use, or resale value of your new SUV.
Technicians fail to fix recurring steering or suspension issues after multiple repair attempts.

Struggling with safety defects on your new vehicle? Contact our legal team today for a free case evaluation to explore your rights and potential buyback remedies under the Lemon Law.

Modern pickup trucks rely heavily on technology to give drivers a clear view of their surroundings. But when a central dashboard screen unexpectedly dies, an essential piece of safety tech goes down with it: the backup camera. That is the exact issue Ford Motor Company and federal safety regulators are addressing in a newly announced recall affecting certain 2026 Ford Ranger models.

What Is the Problem?

The issue centers on the 10.1-inch center stack touchscreen mounted in the dashboard. Under specific conditions, these units can suffer a complete loss of power. If the display shuts down, the rearview camera image cannot deploy when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Losing that live feed creates significant rear blind spots increasing the risk of backover accidents or property damage. Furthermore, functional backup camera displays are mandatory on all modern passenger vehicles under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 (Rear Visibility). This power failure leaves the affected trucks non-compliant with federal safety regulations.

Vehicles and Replacement Parts Affected

Federal filings outline two pathways for how this glitch impacts vehicles on the road:

Factory-Installed Displays (NHTSA Campaign 26V605000): Covers 11,405 model-year 2026 Ford Ranger trucks built with the 10.1-inch center screen.
Service Replacement Modules (NHTSA Campaign 26E065000): Covers approximately 46 individual center stack screens sent out as replacement parts. These may have been installed during routine maintenance or repairs on 2026 Ranger models.

Whether the screen came equipped straight from the assembly plant or was installed later at a dealership service center, the root cause is identical.

Recall Timeline & Next Steps

Milestone	Details
Ford Internal Code	Campaign 26C42
Initial Owner Notice	Interim safety risk letters begin mailing October 5, 2026
Current Fix Status	Remedy is currently under active development
Follow-Up Notice	Second notice will be sent once the repair process is finalized

Because engineers are still finalizing the fix, which is expected to be a software patch or module update, owners will initially receive an informational letter alerting them to the potential hazard. Once the official repair is ready, Ford will send a follow-up notification instructing owners to schedule a service appointment at their dealership.

Buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle should come with confidence, not constant trips to the repair shop. When a vehicle suffers from repeated, unfixable defects—commonly known as a “lemon”, California offers some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.

Under California law, if a manufacturer cannot repair your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, they are required to buy it back or replace it, as well as cover your legal fees. However, winning a claim is not automatic. Drivers often make critical errors early on that give auto manufacturers grounds to deny liability. If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, here are three mistakes that can derail your California Lemon Law claim and how to avoid them.

1. Not Insisting on Detailed Repair Invoices from an Authorized Dealer

California Lemon Law relies heavily on written evidence. To qualify, you must show that an authorized dealership was given a reasonable opportunity to fix the same safety, value, or use defect while under the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Mistake:

Relying on verbal agreements with service advisors, leaving without a final repair order, or taking the car to an independent local mechanic rather than an authorized franchise dealership.

Why It Harms Your Claim:

Inaccurate Records: If a service advisor writes “could not duplicate concern” and you leave without reviewing the ticket, the manufacturer will argue that the defect didn’t occur.
Unauthorized Mechanics: Repairs done by independent shops or DIY modifications can void portions of your warranty, allowing manufacturers to blame a third party for the vehicle’s issues.

What to Do Instead:

Always take your vehicle to an authorized manufacturer dealership for warranty repairs.
Describe symptoms clearly (e.g., “transmission stutters when accelerating from a stop”) and make sure the advisor writes down your exact words on the intake sheet.
Never leave the dealership without a signed, physical copy of the final repair invoice detailing the exact dates, mileage in/out, and work performed.

2. Waiting Too Long to Act or Exceeding the Statutory Presumption Window

California law includes a powerful legal tool called the Lemon Law Presumption (CIV § 1793.22). This presumption automatically deems a vehicle a lemon if specific criteria are met within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of delivery:

The dealer attempted to fix a defect that could cause death or serious bodily injury 2 or more times.
The dealer attempted to fix the same general defect 4 or more times.
The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of more than 30 days.

The Mistake:

Delaying repairs because the problem seems minor, hoping it will resolve on its own, or waiting until the factory warranty is about to expire before seeking help.

Why It Harms Your Claim:

While you can still file a claim outside the 18-month/18,000-mile window (as long as the issues began under warranty), missing this window shifts the burden of proof back onto you. Furthermore, waiting allows manufacturers to argue that the issue is due to normal wear and tear rather than a factory defect.

What to Do Instead:

Report defects to the dealership immediately upon noticing them. Keep a log of every repair visit and track how many total days your car sits in the service bay.

3. Attempting to Fight the Manufacturer Alone or Accepting a Lowball Cash Offer

Automakers employ experienced legal teams whose primary goal is to minimize payouts or deny lemon law claims outright.

The Mistake:

Contacting the manufacturer directly to demand a buyback without legal representation, or accepting a quick “cash-and-keep” settlement offer directly from the car maker.

Why It Harms Your Claim:

Direct complaints to customer service hotlines often result in long delays, stalled negotiations, or low cash settlements that require you to sign away your legal rights and could leave you stuck with a defective car.

What to Do Instead:

Partner with an experienced California Lemon Law attorney. Under California law, the manufacturer is legally required to pay your legal fees and costs if your claim is successful. This means you do not have to pay out-of-pocket for quality legal representation.

Get a Free California Lemon Law Case Review

If your vehicle has spent weeks in the shop or has undergone multiple unsuccessful repairs, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

At Edzant Price LLP, we have spent decades protecting California consumers and recovering millions from auto manufacturers. Contact our team today at 1-888-395-3666 or submit your vehicle details online for a free case review.

Ford Motor Company has announced a safety campaign addressing a software glitch in replacement Battery Energy Control Modules (BECMs) used in Mustang Mach-E vehicles with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. The fix applies to both individual service components (NHTSA Equipment ID: 26E-063) and affected vehicles in the field (NHTSA Vehicle ID: 26V-582 / Ford Reference: 26S70).

The issue stems from replacement BECMs running uncalibrated software, which miscalculates long-term battery health and can result in sudden power loss or cell degradation. Here is a breakdown of what went wrong and the associated risks.

Understanding the Glitch

When a Mustang Mach-E receives a new BECM during service, the replacement module is designed to inherit the battery’s true historical State of Health (SOH). Instead, a software defect caused newly installed service parts (numbers PZ98-10B687-K* and PZ98-14C197-K*) to default to a 100% SOH reading.

This automatic reset creates a blind spot where onboard systems assume the battery is factory-fresh regardless of its actual age or condition.

The Safety Risks

An artificially inflated health metric introduces two primary hazards:

Unexpected Loss of Drive Power: Because onboard systems overestimate true energy reserves, the instrument cluster displays more remaining range than the battery possesses. Drivers face sudden power caps or complete stalls while driving, elevating collision risks.
Elevated Fire Risk: Incorrect health data throws off high-voltage charging limits. Over repeated DC Fast Charging (DCFC) sessions, this improper regulation promotes lithium plating inside the battery cells. Advanced lithium plating risks thermal venting, which can trigger a high-voltage battery fire.

Dashboard Warning Indicators

If the onboard computer detects severe power limits related to this mismatch, drivers will see specific dashboard alerts:

Wrench Icon (Service Vehicle Soon)
Turtle Icon (Reduced Power Mode)

Scope & Investigation Details

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group launched a formal probe on July 7, 2026, after internal engineers flagged the default initialization flaw. Investigation teams confirmed the vulnerability spans spare BECM inventory used for warranty swaps and over-the-counter parts sales.

Impacted Units: A highly targeted group of approximately 83 vehicles.
Real-World Impact: Ford has recorded zero accidents, injuries, or fires associated with the flaw, along with zero field reports directly reporting SOH miscalculations.
Action Approved: Ford’s Field Review Committee authorized formal service actions on September 1, 2026.

The Service Fix

Technicians at Ford dealerships will reflash the BECM software to restore accurate SOH tracking and inheritance. Official owner notification letters go out beginning November 8, 2026.

Ford Motor Company recently identified a mechanical manufacturing defect affecting a small batch of 2026 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with the max tow package. Documented under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-576, this specific powertrain issue impacts an estimated 37 potential units.

While the number of affected trucks is limited, the potential safety risks make understanding the condition important for owners.

What Is the Defect?

The issue stems from an assembly oversight involving the rear axle tail bearings. Certain vehicles were built with an 8.8-inch axle tail bearing installed instead of the required 9.75-inch tail bearing.

Because the smaller 8.8-inch bearing lacks the adequate material hardness required for the heavier load conditions of the max tow package, it is not rated for long-term use in these specific trucks. Over an extended period in service, this component discrepancy can lead to bearing failure or full axle seizure.

Associated Safety Risks

If a rear axle tail bearing seizes, it can trigger severe operational issues while driving or parked:

Rear Wheel Lock-Up: A seized bearing can cause the rear wheels to lock suddenly, leading to a potential loss of vehicle control.
Driveshaft Separation & Power Loss: Bearing failure can lead to driveshaft separation, causing an immediate loss of motive power while driving.
Rollaway Hazard: If driveshaft separation occurs and the truck is parked without engaging the mechanical parking brake, unintended vehicle movement or rollaway can occur.

Each of these conditions significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Early Warning Signs

As the incorrect bearing wears down over time, drivers may notice an increase in noise coming from the rear axle area. Sound levels and grinding noises will typically worsen as the condition progresses.

Timeline & Discovery

Ford’s internal quality controls caught the issue at the manufacturing level before widespread distribution:

May 26, 2026: Plant personnel at the Sterling Axle Plant noticed the incorrect 8.8-inch bearings being installed into max tow package axles during production.
May 28 – June 3, 2026: Quality teams tracked outbound shipments to the Dearborn Truck Plant and issued a “Stop Ship” order. Inspectors determined that only 38 total vehicles had left plant control, with 37 destined for the U.S. market.
June – September 2026: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group and Field Review Committee evaluated the safety impact and approved a formal field service action.

As of the investigation’s conclusion, Ford confirmed zero reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The Remedy

To resolve this defect, authorized Ford dealership service departments will replace the affected rear axle components with the properly rated 9.75-inch tail bearing assembly. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 21, 2026. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S63 and the NHTSA campaign number is 26V-576.