California Lemon Law blog – Page 3 – A blog by the Law Office of Edzant Price LLP

BMW of North America has announced another significant recall related to the electrical system, this time involving more than 145,000 vehicles. This latest action, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-644, highlights the risk of a starter motor overheating due to an electrical overload after repeated starting attempts. The issue poses a serious fire hazard and requires immediate attention from affected owners.

What’s the Problem?

BMW reports that in certain vehicles, the starter relay can overload the starter motor, leading to overheating. Overheating of electrical components within the starter can increase the risk of a fire, whether the vehicle is in operation or parked.

The recall affects the following BMW models:

2020 BMW 340i
2019-2020 BMW X5
2020 BMW X6
2020–2025 BMW 840i
2020–2022 BMW 740Li
2019–2020 BMW X7

BMW Engine Starter Replacement

BMW dealers will correct the problem by replacing the engine starter.. Importantly, this recall also applies to vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 24V-576—owners of those vehicles will need to have their cars repaired again.

Owner Notification Letters: Scheduled to begin mailing on November 17, 2025.
If your vehicle is affected, schedule an appointment with your BMW dealer for the repair.
Be aware of potential warning signs such as difficulty starting, electrical smells, or unusual sounds from the engine bay.
As a precaution, consider parking your vehicle outdoors until repairs are complete.

BMW’s repeated starter relay recalls underscore the importance of taking electrical issues seriously. Even if you’ve had a previous recall repair completed, your vehicle may still be affected and require another fix. Safety should come first—make sure your BMW is repaired promptly once recall notifications are issued.

BMW and Toyota have announced a voluntary safety recall affecting certain 2019–2022 BMW models and 2020–2022 Toyota Supra vehicles due to a potential fire risk involving the engine starter relay. The issue arises when water makes contact with the relay, which over time may corrode and compromise the electrical connection. While corrosion can make it difficult or impossible to start the engine, in more severe cases it can cause the relay to short-circuit and overheat. This overheating poses a significant fire hazard, as a thermal event could occur not only while the vehicle is being driven but also when it is parked with the ignition off.

BMW launched an engineering investigation in July 2024 after reports of thermal events in certain vehicles. Over the following year, engineers analyzed field cases, conducted parts tear-downs, and tested water ingress scenarios in an attempt to replicate the failure. Although no single cause was definitively confirmed, BMW identified production periods that may be at risk. On September 16, 2025, the automaker initiated a recall. Toyota conducted its own review of records and confirmed no U.S. reports of Supra incidents to date, but vehicles remain included in the recall as a precaution.

Owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised to park outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are complete. Dealers will address the issue by replacing the engine starter at no cost to customers. Interim recall notices will begin mailing on November 14, 2025, with a follow-up notice sent once replacement parts are available. The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-636.

Affected Vehicles Include:

2019–2021 BMW 330i
2021–2022 BMW 430i
2021–2022 BMW 430i Convertible
2020–2022 BMW 530i
2020–2022 BMW X3
2020–2022 BMW X4
2019–2022 BMW Z4

If you own one of these vehicles, stay alert for recall notifications, and in the meantime, take the precaution of parking your vehicle outside until the remedy is performed.

If you drive a 2020 or 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, or F-450, there’s a new recall you should know about. Ford has confirmed a steering defect that could cause you to suddenly lose control of your truck while driving.

And here’s the bigger issue: these trucks already have a long history of recalls. If your Super Duty keeps going back to the dealership for repairs, it may be more than just bad luck — your truck could be a lemon.

What’s the Problem?

The recall centers on the steering column upper shaft. In certain trucks, the part doesn’t meet Ford’s own strength requirements. That means it can actually separate while driving, causing you to lose the ability to steer.

Safety Risk: Loss of steering control makes a crash much more likely.
No Warning Signs: There are no dashboard messages or alerts — the failure can happen without warning.
Affected Trucks: Ford believes the defect affects trucks built at the Kentucky Truck Plant before October 1, 2020.

How Ford is Handling the Recall

Ford has issued recall number 25S94 (NHTSA 25V-626). Here’s what they’re telling owners:

Notices in the Mail: Letters started going out in October 2025 to warn owners.
Dealer Inspections: Dealers will check your steering column.
- If it fails inspection → the part will be replaced.
- If it passes → it will be modified to improve durability.
Final Fix: A long-term repair solution is expected by December 2025.

Ford Super Duty: Too Many Recalls?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Super Duty owners have faced recalls. The 2020–2021 lineup has been hit with recalls for:

Driveshaft separations
Brake system problems
Electrical issues

When you add the steering shaft defect to the list, it paints a troubling picture. For owners, these repeated issues can mean frustration, downtime, and serious safety worries.

Could Your Truck Be a Lemon?

Here’s the bottom line: If you’ve had to bring your F-250, F-350, or F-450 back to the dealer again and again for serious repairs, you may not just have a bad truck — you may have a lemon.

Lemon Law Basics: If a defect affects your truck’s safety, value, or reliability, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of tries, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
Why Steering Defects Matter: Because steering is critical to safe driving, repeated failures or incomplete fixes could make your case even stronger.

What Should You Do Now?

Keep Records: Save every repair order, recall notice, and warranty claim. Documentation is key if you ever need to pursue a claim.
Pay Attention to Repeat Repairs: If you’ve had the same issue fixed more than once, or your truck keeps going back to the dealer, you may have lemon law rights.
Get Help if Needed: Don’t wait until you’re out of patience (or warranty). Talk to a lemon law professional if you suspect your Super Duty qualifies.

FAQ: Ford Super Duty Steering Recall & Lemon Law

Q: Is it safe to drive my truck before the repair?
A: Because there are no warning signs before the steering defect happens, it’s risky to keep driving an affected truck. Schedule a dealer inspection as soon as possible.

Q: What if the dealer already repaired my steering issue once, but the problem came back?
A: If the same issue keeps happening after repairs, that’s a red flag. Repeated failures may qualify your truck as a lemon under state or federal law.

Q: How many repairs does it take before my Ford is considered a lemon?
A: It depends on your state. In many states, two or more failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue (like steering) may be enough. In others, it may take three or four attempts.

Q: Can I get a buyback or replacement if my truck is a lemon?
A: Yes. Lemon laws can entitle you to a buyback of your vehicle or a replacement truck, if the manufacturer can’t fix the defect after a reasonable number of tries.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a lemon law claim?
A: While not required, most lemon law cases are easier with legal help. Many lemon law attorneys work on a no-cost-to-you basis, since the law requires the manufacturer to pay legal fees if you win.

Final Thoughts

The 2020–2021 Ford Super Duty trucks are built to tackle tough jobs, but repeated recalls and a dangerous steering defect have many owners concerned. If your F-250, F-350, or F-450 is spending more time in the shop than on the road, don’t ignore it. Your truck may qualify as a lemon, and knowing your rights could help you get the compensation or replacement you deserve.

Toyota has announced a safety recall involving the instrument panel in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles from model years 2023–2025. The issue stems from a software error that may cause the 12.3-inch instrument panel monitor to fail at vehicle startup, leaving drivers without critical information such as vehicle speed, brake system warnings, and tire pressure alerts.

This recall covers some of Toyota and Lexus’ most popular models, including the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus LS, RX, and TX.

What’s Causing the Instrument Panel Failure?

The affected vehicles use a 12.3-inch combination meter display in the instrument panel to show gauges, warning lights, and important driver information. Toyota discovered that the system’s software was improperly programmed, causing unnecessary data to be repeatedly written to its memory device.

Over time, this accelerated memory wear can cause the monitor to go blank at startup and remain in that state. If this happens, drivers may miss critical warnings—such as brake system malfunctions or tire pressure alerts—if they don’t notice the redundant notifications displayed on the center multimedia screen.

Driving without these visual warnings increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Which Toyota and Lexus Models Are Affected?

The recall includes the following models equipped with the 12.3-inch combination meter:

2024–2025 Lexus TX
2024–2025 Lexus LS
2025 Lexus RX
2023–2024 Toyota Venza
2023–2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
2023–2025 Toyota RAV4
2023–2025 Toyota Highlander
2023–2025 Toyota GR Corolla
2023–2025 Toyota Crown
2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma
2024–2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
2025 Toyota Camry
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
2025 Toyota 4Runner

Timeline of Toyota’s Investigation

February 2024: Toyota received reports of blank instrument panels and began investigating.
July 2025: Toyota concluded that redundant warnings in the center multimedia display reduced safety risks, so it launched a Customer Satisfaction Campaign and notified NHTSA.
September 2025: Following discussions with NHTSA, Toyota decided to issue a voluntary safety recall.

As of September 2025, Toyota had confirmed 14 field technical reports and 381 warranty claims related to the issue.

Recall Remedy: What Owners Should Expect

Toyota and Lexus dealers will correct the problem at no cost to owners:

Non-PHEV vehicles: Dealers will update the instrument panel software.
PHEV vehicles: Dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly and either replace it or update the software as needed.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting October 27, 2025.

Toyota recall numbers: 25TB08 and 25TA08
Lexus recall numbers: 25LB05 and 25LA05
NHTSA campaign number: 25V-595

Certain 2025 Acura RDX vehicles may have a problem with the electric power steering (EPS) system software. The software may not be properly calibrated, which can cause the EPS system to enter fail-safe mode and result in a sudden loss of power steering assist.

This issue can make steering more difficult, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

What Causes the Power Steering Problem

During the development of the 2025 Acura RDX EPS software to meet California Idle Stop OBD requirements, Honda’s Tier 2 supplier mistakenly set the EPS target returnability Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) gain to an incorrect value.

This mis-calibration can trigger the problem under specific conditions:

When the driver makes a sharp steering input during a turn
When IDS is in Comfort mode
When the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) is active

In these scenarios, the EPS target returnability output may exceed the system’s safety threshold, causing the system to falsely detect a fault and enter fail-safe mode—cutting off power steering assist.

Timeline of Discovery

October 2024: Honda received the first complaint and began investigating.
March 2025: Investigation efforts continued with further analysis.
May 29, 2025: A dealership review revealed that the customer’s driving mode could be a factor.
July 2025: Honda and its supplier continued in-depth testing and analysis.
August 19, 2025: Honda determined the issue could present a safety risk.
August 28, 2025: Honda confirmed a safety defect and announced a recall.

Between August 2024 and August 2025, Honda received 84 warranty claims related to the issue but reported no injuries or deaths.

The Fix

Honda dealers will reprogram the EPS software on affected Acura RDX vehicles.

Owner notification letters will be mailed starting October 20, 2025.
Honda Recall Number: GMS
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-582

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US LLC) has identified a serious issue affecting certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) can result in a sudden loss of drive power, creating potential safety risks for drivers and passengers.

What’s the Problem?

The issue stems from the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) microprocessor. In some vehicles, the microprocessor may become overloaded and reset. During specific reset events, the HCP may misinterpret signals from the BPCM, causing the system to incorrectly shut down propulsion.

This defect could lead to a loss of drive power while operating, increasing the risk of a crash if drivers are unable to maintain control of their vehicles.

When Were the Vehicles Built?

The suspect period began on July 23, 2021, when the faulty HCP software was introduced into production, and ended on August 29, 2025, when FCA placed affected vehicles under plant control. Engineering records and assembly plant data were used to define this production window.

Chronology of Events

The chronology of events surrounding the discovery of the software problem in certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles began on May 1, 2025, when FCA US LLC received a Preliminary Information Request from NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations, followed by FCA’s response on May 23, 2025. A supplemental request from NHTSA arrived on June 23, 2025, with FCA responding on July 14, 2025. Meanwhile, on June 24, 2025, FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) team opened an investigation into loss of propulsion complaints in Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEVs. Between June and August 2025, FCA US TSRC worked with FCA US Engineering to review the issue, analyze possible failure modes, and identify the suspect vehicle population. By August 18, 2025, FCA had recorded 96 customer assistance records, 110 field reports, and 320 service records related to the issue, though no accidents or injuries had been reported. Finally, on August 28, 2025, FCA’s Vehicle Regulations Committee concluded that a defect affecting motor vehicle safety potentially exists in all affected vehicles.

Recall Information

Chrysler Recall Number: 73C
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-576
Affected Vehicles: Certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV)

At this time, the remedy is still under development. FCA US expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on October 23, 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV recall highlights the challenges of integrating advanced hybrid technology with complex vehicle software systems. While no accidents or injuries have been reported, the risk of propulsion loss makes this a critical safety concern.

Owners are encouraged to stay informed, act quickly once notifications arrive, and ensure their vehicles are repaired as soon as the remedy becomes available.

General Motors (GM) has announced a serious safety defect that may affect certain 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The issue is linked to models equipped with a left-side radiator and fan combination, which are found in Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models.

According to GM, excess fuel spilled into the fuel-filler pocket during refueling could leak onto hot radiator surfaces and potentially ignite. This dangerous condition raises the risk of a vehicle fire, even while the car is turned off.

What Is the Chevrolet Corvette Fire Risk Defect?

In the affected vehicles, the fuel-filler pipe and recessed pocket sit directly above the left-side radiator and cooling fan. If a refueling spill occurs—especially if a gas pump fails to shut off properly—the spilled fuel may leak onto the radiator.

When the fan is running, it can draw spilled fuel through the radiator, vaporize it into the engine compartment, and expose it to ignition sources. If ignited, this can result in a sudden vehicle fire.

GM’s investigation confirmed that at least four Corvette fire incidents were connected to this defect, two of which involved malfunctioning gas station pumps that failed to shut off properly.

Timeline of GM’s Safety Investigation

June 10, 2025 – GM received a report through its “Speak Up for Safety” system after a social media post claimed three Corvettes caught fire during fueling within 30 days.
June 12, 2025 – A GM-owned Corvette test vehicle caught fire while refueling.
June 17, 2025 – GM officially opened a product investigation.
June 20, 2025 – Engineers identified distinct burn patterns on the left-side radiator of the test vehicle.
July–August 2025 – Controlled fuel-spill simulations showed that fuel leaks in vehicles with a left-side radiator could ignite under specific conditions, replicating the burn damage seen in real-world fires. Vehicles without this radiator design did not ignite.
August 14, 2025 – GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to launch a safety recall.

Models Affected by the Safety Recall

While the issue involves Corvettes from model years 2023 through 2026, GM confirmed the left-side radiator/fan combination is only used in:

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2023–2026)
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2023–2026)

All confirmed fire incidents involved Corvettes equipped with this radiator design.

Risks to Drivers and Passengers

If fuel leaks during refueling and reaches an ignition source, the risks include:

Vehicle fire while stationary
Potential injuries or fatalities (two incidents reported minor injuries)
Damage to property and fueling stations

GM’s Recommended Precautions for Corvette Owners

Until repairs are completed, Corvette owners should take the following precautions:

Always ensure the fuel nozzle is fully inserted into the filler pipe.
Do not overfill the gas tank; stop after the pump clicks off once.
Always turn off the engine before refueling.
Be cautious at gas stations with malfunctioning or leaking pumps.

The Official Fix

GM has announced that dealers will:

Install a protective shield to divert spilled fuel away from hot components.
Begin mailing owner notification letters on October 6, 2025.
Send a second letter once permanent parts and remedies are available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned this defect campaign number 25V-536.

Can Lemon Law Help Corvette Owners?

If your 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette has experienced repeated problems, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law and other state lemon laws.

The law may entitle you to:

A repurchase (buyback) of your Corvette
A replacement vehicle
Or cash compensation if your car qualifies as a lemon

Since the defect involves a serious safety risk, owners should act quickly. Consulting with an experienced Lemon Law attorney can help determine if your Corvette qualifies for relief. If repeated safety issues, downtime, or repair delays affect your Corvette, you may qualify for protection under Lemon Law.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is marketed as a high-performance sports car with cutting-edge engineering and luxury styling. Unfortunately, even top-tier vehicles can come with serious defects. Recently, several AMG GT models have faced an unusually high number of recalls, raising concerns for California consumers who purchased or leased these cars.

If your AMG GT is spending more time in the shop than on the road, you may be protected under the California Lemon Law.

Mercedes-AMG GT Models with High Recalls

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following 2021 AMG GT models have been subject to an unusually high number of recalls:

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class 2-Door RWD
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class Roadster C RWD
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT-Class 4-Door 4WD

These recalls have involved safety issues ranging from electrical system defects to braking problems, suspension concerns, and more.

Common Problems with the Mercedes Benz AMG GT

Owners of AMG GT models have reported recurring issues, including:

Electrical malfunctions (dashboard warning lights, infotainment glitches, or wiring defects)
Engine and fuel system issues (stalling, fuel leaks, or loss of power under acceleration)
Brake system failures (unexpected warning messages, premature brake wear, or reduced braking performance)
Suspension and steering defects (noises, rough handling, or loss of stability at high speeds)
Transmission problems (jerking, slipping, or hesitation during gear shifts)

When these problems repeat despite multiple dealer repair attempts, California law may recognize your AMG GT as a lemon.

How the California Lemon Law Protects AMG GT Owners

California has one of the nation’s strongest lemon laws. If your Mercedes-AMG GT has defects that substantially affect its use, value, or safety—and the manufacturer cannot repair them—you may be entitled to:

A buyback/refund of your purchase or lease
A replacement vehicle of equal value
Payment of your attorney’s fees and costs by the manufacturer

This means pursuing a lemon law claim carries little to no financial risk for California drivers.

Signs Your Mercedes-AMG GT Might Be a Lemon

You may have a valid lemon law claim if your AMG GT has:

Been repaired two or more times for a serious safety issue
Required four or more repair attempts for the same recurring problem
Spent 30 or more days out of service for warranty-related repairs

What to Do if Your AMG GT Has Recurring Problems

If your AMG GT is experiencing repeated defects, don’t ignore the issue. California Lemon Law exists to protect you from being stuck with a defective luxury sports car.

👉 Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today for a free case evaluation. We’ll determine whether your AMG GT qualifies as a lemon and help you pursue compensation or a replacement vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-AMG GT and Lemon Law

Q: Does the Lemon Law apply to leased AMG GT models?
Yes. Whether you leased or purchased your AMG GT, the California Lemon Law may apply if your vehicle has recurring issues.

Q: How many recalls does the 2021 AMG GT have?
The 2021 AMG GT models, including the Roadster and 4-Door, have been subject to multiple recalls, particularly related to safety systems. If you’ve had recall-related repairs that didn’t solve the problem, your vehicle may still qualify as a lemon.

Q: What problems qualify my AMG GT for Lemon Law protection?
Issues that affect safety, use, or value may qualify—such as electrical failures, engine stalling, brake defects, or suspension issues.

Q: Will a Lemon Law claim cost me money?
No. Under California law, the manufacturer pays your legal fees if your case is successful.

Q: What can I get through a Lemon Law claim?
You may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement, depending on your case.

👉 If you own or lease a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT and believe it may be a lemon, don’t wait. California law is on your side, and you don’t have to fight the manufacturer alone.