California Lemon Law – California Lemon Law blog

A safety issue has surfaced for General Motors electric vehicle owners. GM has issued a safety warning affecting over 67,000 electric vehicles due to a software flaw that can lead to a temporary loss of braking ability at low speeds. If you own a recently purchased Cadillac or Chevrolet EV, here is what you need to know about the defect, the vehicles impacted, and your legal rights under state Lemon Laws.

The Defect: What Causes the Loss of Braking?

The issue stems from a defect in the vehicle’s Brake System Control Module (BSCM) software. According to safety documentation:

The Trigger: The issue occurs when the driver lightly applies the brakes at low speeds while executing a sharp turn and hitting a bump or dip in the road (such as pulling out of a driveway).
The Glitch: The software’s slip calculation misinterprets wheel movement under these specific conditions, causing a momentary release of the brakes and a temporary loss of stopping power.
Vehicles Affected: The phenomenon specifically impacts models equipped with Performance All-Wheel Drive (pAWD, RPO X0E).

Although stopping power can be restored by re-applying the brake pedal, a sudden failure at a critical moment creates an extreme risk of a collision. GM has already identified 24 field complaints, including 20 minor accidents and two reported injuries linked to this exact issue.

Interestingly, this flaw persists even after GM attempted to fix a similar issue in a previous safety campaign (NHTSA 24V-589). A company safety report was triggered after a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ struck a garage wall despite having received the earlier remedy.

GM estimates 67,380 units are potentially affected by this safety action. The impacted models include:

Cadillac LYRIQ (2023–2027)
Cadillac CELESTIQ (2025–2026)
Cadillac VISTIQ (2026–2027)
Chevrolet Blazer EV (2024–2027)

Safety Campaign Details & The Remedy

GM Action Number: N262570900
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-717
Official Remedy: GM will update the BSCM software via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or through a dealership service visit.
Owner Notifications: GM expects to mail official notification letters to affected owners beginning December 14, 2026.

Does Your EV Qualify Under the Lemon Law?

A defective braking system is a primary safety concern. Under state Lemon Laws, vehicle owners are protected when a manufacturer cannot fix a substantial safety defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:

Multiple Repair Attempts: Your vehicle has been back to the dealer multiple times for braking glitches, software failures, or service fixes without a permanent resolution.
Excessive Days Out of Service: Your EV has spent a cumulative total of 30 or more days at the dealership for repairs.
Substantial Safety Hazard: The defect impairs the use, value, or safety of your vehicle (a brake failure directly fits this definition).

If your vehicle qualifies as a “lemon,” you could be entitled to a full repurchase/refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation—and in most states, the manufacturer is required to cover your attorney’s fees.

What Should You Do Next?

Document Everything: Keep copies of all dealership repair orders, safety notices, and service logs. Note every instance where your brakes lag or feel unresponsive.
Get the Fix Applied: Contact your local GM dealer to ensure your software is updated as soon as the patch is available.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If your vehicle has experienced repeated brake issues or spent extended time in the shop, speak with a consumer protection attorney to explore your legal options.

Every vehicle owner expects reliability and safety when they hit the road, especially in new luxury models like the 2026–2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and the 2027 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid. However, a recently filed safety campaign (NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-688 / Ford Campaign 26S75) highlights a serious defect that leaves drivers vulnerable to sudden power loss on busy roads and highways.

What Is the Defect?

According to documentation filed with safety regulators, 11,623 vehicles are affected by a manufacturing defect in the Integrated Parking Module (IPM).

The Technical Issue

An anti-rust oil used by a component supplier degrades the protective conformal coating on the IPM’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Over time, corrosion sets in, leading to a drop in voltage on the rotary sensor.

How It Impacts Drivers

In Motion: The system may trigger an unexpected shift into Neutral while driving. Losing drive power in traffic drastically increases the risk of a rear-end collision or loss of vehicle control.
While Stationary: Drivers may experience an inability to shift out of Park, leaving the vehicle completely immobilized.
Dashboard Warnings: Before or during an episode, owners might see a Service Wrench indicator light alongside pop-up messages stating “Service Vehicle Soon” or “Shifting System Error.”

What the Manufacturer is Doing

Ford Motor Company plans to send initial notification letters to owners starting November 2, 2026, with follow-up letters once replacement parts are available. Dealerships have been instructed to replace the Integrated Park Module free of charge.

When Does a Safety Defect Become a “Lemon”?

While manufacturers routinely issue technical bulletins and safety notices to resolve defects, a single repair attempt doesn’t always solve the underlying problem. A vehicle typically qualifies as a lemon under state laws if:

Substantial Impairment: The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety (such as sudden shifts to neutral while operating at high speeds).
Reasonable Attempt Limit: The dealership has attempted to repair the same substantial defect multiple times without success (often 2 to 4 attempts, depending on state laws).
Days Out of Service: The vehicle has been out of service due to repairs for a cumulative total of 30 days or more.

If your hybrid Lincoln has experienced recurring transmission or electronic failure—or if you find yourself taking your vehicle back to the dealer repeatedly for IPM or shifting faults—you may be entitled to a full repurchase, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Protect Your Legal Rights

If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, take these immediate steps to build a strong claim:

Document Everything: Keep every repair invoice, work order, and service record provided by the dealership. Ensure the service advisor accurately writes down your specific complaint (e.g., “vehicle shifted to neutral automatically” or “Service Vehicle Soon warning appeared”).
Track Days Out of Service: Log every day your vehicle sits at the dealership waiting for diagnosis, parts, or repairs.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Lemon law statutes generally require the manufacturer to cover your legal fees if your claim is successful, meaning high-quality legal representation comes at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

If you own or lease a 2025-2026 Ford truck, a critical gauge on your dashboard may not be telling you the truth. Over 100,000 Ford F-Series trucks, including 2025–2026 Super Duty models and 2026 F-150s, have been identified as having defective instrument clusters. When essential dashboard gauges fail, driving safety is compromised. Below is an overview of the safety defect, how to tell if your vehicle is affected, and what options you have under state and federal consumer protection laws.

What Is the Defect?

In affected vehicles, the analog cluster’s speedometer and tachometer needles can become stuck, jump erratically, or display completely inaccurate readings.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, “Controls and Displays,” mandates that speedometers clearly and accurately convey vehicle speed to the driver. When a speedometer fails to show your actual speed, maintaining safe driving speeds becomes difficult significantly increasing the risk of speeding tickets, emergency braking situations, or serious vehicle crashes.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

An estimated 102,159 vehicles are affected under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-653 (Ford Action 26C46). The defect impacts the following models:

2025–2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-550 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-600 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-750 Super Duty
2026 Ford F-150

What Causes the Problem?

According to manufacturer reports, the gauge failure stems from manufacturing process deficiencies at a component supplier. While supplier tool maintenance actions were implemented in early 2026 to resolve the root cause on assembly lines, tens of thousands of defective instrument clusters had already made their way into consumer vehicles.

How to Spot the Warning Signs

Unlike some electrical failures that trigger an immediate warning light, this defect manifests visually:

Needle Sticking or Freezing: Your speedometer or tachometer needle stays frozen at a specific number even while accelerating or slowing down.
Erratic Movement: Gauges jump unexpectedly or move out of sync with actual engine performance.
Digital Variance: If your truck features a secondary digital speedometer display in the digital center console, you may notice a clear discrepancy between the digital reading and the physical analog needle.

Manufacturer Response and Repair Schedule

Ford has instructed dealerships to replace the affected instrument cluster modules. However, due to parts availability and logistics, initial notification letters to owners regarding the safety risk are expected to begin mailing in late October 2026, with full remedy availability anticipated by December 2026.

What Should You Do as a Truck Owner?

If your Ford truck is experiencing gauge inaccuracies or instrument panel failures, take action immediately to protect both your safety and your legal rights:

Rely on Secondary Displays: If available, use the digital speed readout on your digital cluster display to monitor your speed safely.
Schedule a Service Appointment: Contact your local authorized Ford dealership to report the issue and request a diagnostic inspection.
Keep Detailed Service Records: Save copies of every service invoice, repair order, and dealer report. Ensure the service advisor explicitly documents your complaint on the paperwork (e.g., “Customer states analog speedometer needle sticks / displays inaccurate speed”).
Track Days in the Shop: Note how many calendar days your truck spends at the dealership waiting for parts or undergoing repairs.

How Lemon Law Can Protect You

When a manufacturer sells a vehicle with a defect that impacts safety, use, or value, consumer protection laws exist to hold them accountable. If your Ford truck requires multiple repair attempts for the same issue, or if it remains parked at the dealership for an extended period waiting for back ordered parts, you may be entitled to legal remedies under state Lemon Laws or federal warranty law.

Depending on your situation, potential remedies may include:

A Full Vehicle Repurchase/Refund (including down payment, monthly payments, and taxes)
A Replacement Vehicle
Cash Compensation for the diminished value of your truck

Speak with an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney

You should not have to compromise on safety or deal with endless dealer delays for a brand-new truck. If your 2025 or 2026 Ford F-Series truck is suffering from speedometer or dashboard repeated electronic issues, contact our legal team today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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.

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.

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded its investigation into reports of brake system failures affecting numerous General Motors vehicles, along with certain Honda and Acura models built by GM. The investigation, now designated Engineering Analysis EA26006, focuses on reports of a sudden loss of brake assist that could increase stopping distances and the risk of a crash.

What Is the Issue?

The investigation began after owners of 2023 Cadillac Lyriq vehicles reported experiencing:

A hard brake pedal
“Brake System Failure” warning messages
Loss of brake assist during startup or while driving

According to GM, some failures may be caused by an internal fracture in the vehicle’s electronic eBoost brake system. The company says drivers should receive warning messages and that the vehicle may limit its speed to approximately 70 km/h (43 mph).

However, NHTSA has continued receiving reports suggesting some vehicles lose brake assist immediately during braking, rather than only after coming to a stop. If true, this could significantly increase stopping distance in an emergency.

Vehicles Included

The investigation now includes numerous models equipped with the same eBoost braking system, including:

Cadillac Lyriq, Celestiq, and Optiq
Buick Enclave and Envision
Chevrolet Colorado, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Traverse
GMC Canyon and Acadia
Honda Prologue
Acura ZDX

What Does This Mean?

An Engineering Analysis is one of the final stages before NHTSA decides whether a safety recall may be necessary. Investigators will continue reviewing complaints, engineering data, and failed components to determine whether the braking system presents a safety defect.

What Should Owners Do?

If your vehicle displays brake system warnings or you notice a hard brake pedal or reduced braking performance, have it inspected promptly and keep copies of all repair records. Repeated brake-related repairs may qualify for relief under your state’s lemon law if the manufacturer cannot successfully fix the problem. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be entitled to a vehicle buyback, replacement, or other compensation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened Engineering Analysis EA26005 to investigate reports of continued engine failures in General Motors vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine, even after recall repairs were completed.

The investigation follows concerns that the remedy provided under Recall 25V-274 may not be preventing engine failures in all affected vehicles.

Vehicles Included in the Investigation

The investigation covers the following vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine:

2021–2026 Cadillac Escalade
2021–2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021–2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban
2025–2026 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
2021–2026 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021–2026 GMC Sierra 1500
2021–2026 GMC Yukon
2021–2026 GMC Yukon XL

Why Is NHTSA Investigating?

GM’s Recall 25V-274 addressed certain L87 engines manufactured between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. According to GM, the issue stemmed from a supplier manufacturing and quality problem.

Depending on inspection results, dealers performed one of two repairs:

An engine oil viscosity change, or
A complete engine replacement.

Despite these repairs, NHTSA says it continues to receive reports of engines failing after the recall work was completed.

What Has NHTSA Found?

To date, NHTSA has received 499 complaints involving post-recall engine failures, including:

473 vehicles that received the oil viscosity change.
26 vehicles that received a replacement engine.

In addition, investigators have received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines built after the production period covered by the original recall. GM has also reported receiving 6,953 complaints involving engine failures after recall repairs.

These reports have prompted NHTSA to broaden its investigation beyond the engines originally covered by the recall.

What Happens Next?

NHTSA has expanded the investigation to include newer L87 engines built outside the original recall period. During this Engineering Analysis, investigators will review additional failures and determine whether further action—including an expanded recall or additional remedies—may be necessary.

What Should Owners Do?

Owners of any of the vehicles listed above should pay close attention to symptoms that could indicate engine trouble, including:

Engine knocking or unusual noises
Loss of power
Engine stalling
Engine seizure
Check engine light accompanied by drivability issues

If your vehicle experiences any of these symptoms—even if it has already received recall repairs—it should be inspected as soon as possible. Keep copies of all repair orders, diagnostic reports, and communications with the dealership.

If repeated engine failures continue despite repair attempts, you may have rights under your state’s lemon law. Depending on the laws in your state, you could be entitled to a vehicle buyback, replacement, or other compensation if the manufacturer cannot permanently correct the defect.