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

The Ford Transit is one of the most widely used vans in California, serving everyone from small business owners and contractors to delivery fleets and shuttle operators. While it is commonly viewed as a commercial vehicle, many Ford Transit owners are surprised to learn that California Lemon Law protections may still apply, especially when serious safety defects or recalls are involved.

Recent recalls affecting 2023–2024 Ford Transit models and certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles raise important questions about owner rights and warranty protections under California law.

Recent Ford Transit Recalls

2023–2024 Ford Transit – Engine Cross-Member Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S04
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-061

Ford has issued a safety recall affecting certain 2023–2024 Ford Transit vehicles related to the engine cross-member. According to the recall, a defect in the cross-member may compromise vehicle structural integrity. Depending on the severity, this type of defect can impact vehicle safety, drivability, and long-term reliability.

Structural or frame-related defects are particularly serious because they can:

Affect vehicle stability
Increase the risk of component failure
Reduce the vehicle’s overall safety in everyday driving conditions

2026 Ford E-Transit – High-Voltage Battery Hardware Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S05
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-062

Ford has also issued a recall impacting certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles involving the high-voltage battery pack. The issue stems from missing washers on internal battery bolts, which may lead to:

High electrical resistance
Electrical arcing
Potential battery system malfunction

Defects involving high-voltage battery systems are especially concerning in electric vehicles, as they can affect vehicle performance, charging reliability, and overall safety.

Is the Ford Transit Considered a Commercial Vehicle Under California Lemon Law?

While the Ford Transit is often used for business purposes, commercial use alone does not automatically exclude a vehicle from California Lemon Law coverage.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commercial vehicles may qualify for Lemon Law protection if specific criteria are met.

Key Factors That Determine Eligibility

A Ford Transit may be covered under California Lemon Law if:

The vehicle is new or used but still under the manufacturer’s warranty
The defect substantially affects use, value, or safety
The manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts
The vehicle is registered in California

For commercial vehicles, two additional factors are especially important:

1. Vehicle Weight

Many Ford Transit models fall under 10,000 pounds GVWR, which keeps them within the scope of Lemon Law protections for commercial vehicles.

2. Fleet Size

Small business owners are often covered if they own or lease no more than five commercial vehicles registered in California. Larger fleets may be subject to different rules.

Why Recalls Matter in Lemon Law Claims

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, recalls can be strong supporting evidence when:

The defect is safety-related
Repairs are unsuccessful or temporary
The vehicle spends excessive time out of service
The issue continues after recall repairs are completed

For owners of 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans or 2026 E-Transit vehicles, repeated issues related to the engine crossmember or high-voltage battery system may strengthen a Lemon Law claim if the problem cannot be permanently resolved.

What Ford Transit Owners Should Do

If your Ford Transit or E-Transit is experiencing ongoing problems related to a recall or warranty defect:

Keep copies of all repair orders and service records
Document how long the vehicle is out of service
Note whether the same issue continues after repairs
Confirm whether the vehicle is still under factory warranty

California Lemon Law may entitle eligible owners to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Transit is not automatically excluded from California Lemon Law protections simply because it is commonly used as a commercial vehicle. Owners of affected 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans and 2026 E-Transit vehicles should be aware that recurring defects — especially those involving structural components or high-voltage battery systems — may give rise to legal remedies under California law.

If recall-related problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, it may be time to explore your rights under the California Lemon Law.

Owners of certain 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious suspension-related safety defect involving the rear coil springs. According to federal safety investigations and manufacturer findings, rear coil springs on some vehicles may have been incorrectly installed during a prior recall repair, allowing the spring to detach and come out of position.

This defect has prompted a new safety recall and may raise important lemon law concerns for affected owners—especially those who already had recall repairs performed.

What Is the Problem?

The issue traces back to recall 64A, which addressed an earlier safety concern. Some vehicles that underwent the 64A repair—or had an incomplete recall status—may have had the rear coil spring incorrectly installed. As a result, the spring can shift or detach from its proper position.

A displaced rear coil spring can affect:

Vehicle stability
Ride height and handling
Suspension integrity
Overall driving safety

Even more concerning, vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recall may still be defective, requiring an additional remedy.

Vehicles Potentially Affected

The suspect vehicles were produced between December 5, 2020, and May 31, 2023, based on production and recall status records.

Affected models include:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicles not included in this recall generally fall into one of the following categories:

Did not receive a 64A recall repair
Were built outside the suspect production period
Were equipped with an air suspension system

How the Issue Came to Light

June 1, 2023 – FCA US LLC determined a safety defect existed related to recall 64A
September 30, 2025 – NHTSA contacted FCA US after receiving 20 complaints involving rear coil spring separation after recall repairs
October 14, 2025 – FCA US reported 70 potentially related internal claims
November 20, 2025 – FCA US opened a formal investigation into coil spring detachment after recall repairs
November 2025 – January 2026 – Engineering and safety teams reviewed failure modes and customer records

As of January 9, 2026, FCA US reported:

20 customer assistance records
284 warranty claims
No reported accidents or injuries

On January 22, 2026, FCA US again determined that a safety defect exists, leading to a new recall.

The New Recall: What Owners Should Know

Recall number: FCA US LLC 20D; NHTSA campaign number 26V-051
Replaces: NHTSA recall 23V-413
Important: Vehicles already repaired under the prior recall must still receive the new remedy

What Dealers Will Do

Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary.

Owner Notification Timeline

Interim safety letters: Expected February 12, 2026
Final remedy letters: Anticipated March 2026

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

This recall may be especially significant for lemon law cases because:

The defect involves a critical safety component
The issue may persist after a prior recall repair
Owners may experience repeated service visits or unresolved defects
Vehicles already “fixed” may still be unsafe to drive

Under many state lemon laws, a vehicle that cannot be properly repaired after multiple attempts—or that remains unsafe—may qualify for repurchase, replacement, or compensation.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Do not ignore suspension noises, uneven ride height, or handling changes
Document all repairs, recall notices, and service visits
Schedule the recall inspection as soon as notified
Consult a lemon law attorney if:
- The issue persists after repair
- Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times
- You feel the vehicle is unsafe or unreliable

Volkswagen has issued two separate safety defects affecting the 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4, its all-electric SUV. While both recalls involve safety-related defects, one affects a smaller subset of vehicles and the other impacts a much larger population of ID.4 owners.

Both recalls center on the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system, a critical and potentially dangerous component if defects arise. Battery-related issues are taken seriously by regulators due to the risk of overheating, fire, and loss of vehicle function.

For California drivers, repeated battery issues or extended repair times may also raise lemon law concerns.

Recall #1: High-Voltage Battery Overheating Risk

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V028000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EW

Volkswagen is recalling a large number of 2023–2025 ID.4 vehicles due to a defect that may cause the high-voltage battery to overheat.

What Is the Problem?

Volkswagen has identified an issue in which certain battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a thermal event. Battery overheating in electric vehicles can potentially lead to:

Fire risk
Damage to the battery pack
Loss of vehicle functionality
Safety hazards during or after charging

Because of the seriousness of the risk, Volkswagen has issued immediate safety instructions for affected owners.

Important Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to:

Park the vehicle outside immediately after charging
Do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight
Avoid using Level 3 DC fast chargers
Limit the battery’s maximum charge to 80%

These precautions are intended to reduce the risk of overheating while Volkswagen prepares the permanent remedy.

Recall Remedy

Volkswagen dealers will:

Inspect the high-voltage battery
Replace affected battery cell modules as necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 20, 2026.

Recall #2: High-Voltage Battery Software Defect

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V030000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EA

A separate recall affects a smaller number of 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles involving the high-voltage battery system.

What Is the Problem?

In this recall, Volkswagen identified a condition where the battery management software may not properly monitor or control battery behavior, which could contribute to overheating or other unsafe operating conditions.

Recall Remedy

To address the issue, Volkswagen dealers will:

Update the high-voltage battery software
Replace the high-voltage battery if necessary

As with the larger recall, owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 20, 2026.

Why These Recalls Matter for California ID.4 Owners

Battery defects are among the most serious problems an electric vehicle can face. In California, EVs are protected under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law.

You may have a potential lemon law claim if your Volkswagen ID.4:

Has repeated battery or charging-related issues
Requires multiple repair attempts for the same safety defect
Is out of service for an extended period due to recall repairs
Suffers diminished value or safety concerns even after repairs

Notably, recalls do not cancel lemon law rights. In fact, a safety recall involving a high-voltage battery can strengthen a claim if the defect substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Bottom Line

Volkswagen’s two recalls for the 2023–2025 ID.4 highlight serious concerns involving the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system. While Volkswagen is offering repairs, owners should follow all safety guidance and carefully document any ongoing problems or time spent in the repair shop.

If your ID.4 continues to experience battery issues, charging limitations, or extended downtime, it may be worth exploring your rights under California Lemon Law.

Volvo Cars has decided that there may be a safety defect affecting a small number of 2025 Volvo EX30 vehicles. The potential issue involved the high-voltage battery. Although there have been no reported incidents, warranty claims, or service reports in the United States, the company is taking precautionary steps to reduce any possible safety risk while a permanent repair is developed.

The concern centers on the vehicle’s high-voltage battery cells. According to Volvo, a manufacturing process deviation may result in the formation of lithium plating growth inside certain battery cells. Over time, this condition can increase the risk of an internal short circuit, which in rare circumstances could cause the battery to overheat.

If such a short circuit were to occur, it could lead to a thermal event, meaning excessive heat and, in extreme cases, the possibility of fire. While this scenario is considered unlikely, Volvo determined the issue warranted a safety recall out of an abundance of caution.

Drivers may receive a warning if a problem develops. In affected vehicles, a battery overheating message would appear in the Driver Information Module, alerting the driver to the condition.

Volvo first became aware of the issue in July 2025, after receiving a report of potential high-voltage battery cell overheating outside the United States. The company launched an internal investigation, which was later escalated to its Critical Concern Action Process. After technical analysis and risk assessment by the Critical Concern Management Team, Volvo concluded that the issue could present an increased risk to motor vehicle safety. On December 26, 2025, the decision was made to issue a safety notification recall.

While the investigation continues, Volvo has issued interim guidance for affected owners. Customers are being advised to limit battery charging to a maximum of 70 percent state of charge and to avoid parking their vehicles indoors or near structures. These recommendations are intended to reduce battery stress and minimize potential risk until a final remedy is available.

Volvo is currently developing a permanent service solution. Future production has already been updated to include a new high-voltage battery variant designed to eliminate the condition. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning February 23, 2026, at which point dealers will provide further instructions.

This recall is identified by Volvo recall number R10355 and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign number 26V-001.

If you own a 2025 Volvo EX30 and receive a recall notice, following the interim guidance and staying in contact with your dealer is the best course of action while the final repair is completed.

Subaru has decided that a safety defect could affect certain 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles. According to Subaru, some vehicles were built with an incorrect or improperly oriented rear gate stay bracket, which could cause the rear hatch support stay to suddenly detach — without any warning to the driver or passengers.

What Is the Defect?

The problem involves the rear gate stay bracket, a component that helps support the rear hatch when it is open. Affected vehicles may have:

An incorrect rear gate stay bracket, or
A bracket that was installed in the wrong orientation

Either condition can cause the rear gate stay to detach unexpectedly during use.

Why This Is Dangerous

If the rear gate stay detaches without warning, the rear hatch can suddenly lose support. This creates a serious risk of:

Head and upper-body injuries
Crush injuries to hands or arms
Potential injuries to children, passengers, or anyone loading cargo

How Subaru Discovered the Problem

October 28, 2025: During in-process inspection, Subaru found a vehicle built with an incorrect rear gate stay bracket.
Additional inspections revealed more vehicles with either:
- Incorrect brackets, or
- Brackets installed backwards or in the wrong orientation.
October 29 – December 10, 2025: Subaru launched a formal investigation and conducted repeated open/close cycle testing.
While initial tests did not show failures, Subaru concluded that longer-term real-world use could lead to stay detachment without warning.
December 11, 2025: Out of caution, Subaru decided to issue a safety recall.

Subaru admitted the root cause was a faulty work instruction process that failed to ensure the correct bracket was installed in the proper orientation.

Vehicles Affected

Model: 2026 Subaru Forester
Recall Number: WRG-25
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-889
Owner Notification Letters: Expected to be mailed February 16, 2026

What Will Dealers Do?

Subaru dealerships will:

Inspect the rear hatch support bracket
Replace the rear gate stay and support bracket if any defect or mis-installation is found

Repairs are expected to be performed at no cost to owners.

What This Means for Lemon Law Claims

Even though Subaru says no injuries have occurred, this defect involves a safety-critical system and was serious enough to justify a federal recall.

You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:

Your vehicle experiences repeat repair attempts
The rear hatch detaches or becomes unsafe
Your vehicle is out of service for an extended period
The defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of your Forester

Lemon laws protect consumers when manufacturers are unable to permanently fix serious safety defects within a reasonable number of attempts.

What Owners Should Do Now

Watch for Subaru’s recall letter in mid-February 2026
Schedule your inspection as soon as possible
Keep all repair orders and service records
If problems continue after repair, contact a Lemon Law attorney immediately

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Subaru Forester rear hatch recall highlights how even a small manufacturing error can create a serious safety hazard. A rear gate stay that detaches without warning is not a minor inconvenience — it is a potential injury-causing defect.

If your Forester has this issue and Subaru cannot repair it properly, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.

Porsche has announced a safety defect affecting several Porsche models from 2019 through 2025. The issue can cause the rear view camera image to fail to display — a serious safety concern in today’s camera-dependent vehicles.

What Is the Problem?

In certain rare cases, a software issue may prevent the rear view camera image from appearing when the vehicle is placed in Reverse.

This problem means affected vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 – Rear Visibility, which mandates that a functioning rear visibility system must be available when backing up.

If the rear view camera image does not appear, the driver loses an important visual aid, increasing the risk of backing-up accidents involving pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles.

Affected Porsche Models

The recall applies to the following vehicles:

2019–2025 Porsche Cayenne
2019–2025 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
2020–2025 Porsche 911
2020–2025 Porsche Taycan
2024–2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

What Causes the Camera Failure?

Porsche has identified that the issue is related to transient signal noise between the control unit and the Surround View cameras. In rare situations, this signal disruption can interrupt the data feed from the rear view camera, causing the image not to display.

While the exact root cause is still under investigation, Porsche has confirmed that the issue is software-related.

How Will You Know If It Happens?

There is no warning light or message beforehand. If your vehicle is affected, you may notice that the rear view camera screen is blank or does not activate when shifting into Reverse.

What Is Porsche Doing to Fix It?

Porsche dealers will update the driver assistance software to resolve the issue.

Interim owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on February 16, 2026.
A second notice will be sent once the final software remedy is fully available.

Recall Reference Numbers

Porsche Recall Number: ASB2
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-896

What Should You Do Now?

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Monitor your mail for the official Porsche recall letter.
Once notified, schedule a service appointment with your Porsche dealer.
If your rear view camera has already failed to display, avoid reversing in tight spaces and rely on mirrors and physical checks until the fix is completed.

Why This Matters

A non-functional rear view camera may seem minor, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents – especially in crowded parking lots, residential areas, and driveways. Modern vehicles are designed with these systems as critical safety features, and Porsche is taking appropriate steps to correct the issue.

If you drive a Cayenne, 911, Taycan, or Panamera from the affected model years, stay alert and be ready to book your software update when the recall becomes active.

Owners of certain 2016–2020 Acura ILX vehicles may be experiencing an unsettling brake issue that develops quietly over time. While it does not always appear suddenly or trigger warning lights, the condition can reduce brake effectiveness during everyday driving—particularly during gentle or slow brake applications. For drivers, any issue involving braking deserves close attention.

What Is the Brake Problem?

The issue centers on the brake master cylinder, a critical component responsible for converting pedal pressure into braking force. In the affected vehicles, a material used in the brake fluid reservoir hose can release excess plasticizer into the brake fluid.

Over time, this contamination causes a seal inside the master cylinder (known as the secondary cup seal) to swell and deform. Heat from the engine can make the problem worse.

When this happens:

Brake fluid can bypass the seal instead of building proper pressure
The brake pedal may feel softer or less firm
Stopping distances may increase, especially during light or gradual braking

In real-world driving, this means the vehicle may not slow down as expected—raising the risk of a crash or injury.

Why Did This Happen?

The root cause traces back to manufacturing timing. The brake reservoir hose was installed too soon after production, before excess plasticizer had time to dissipate. That plasticizer leached into the brake fluid, which was then absorbed by the master cylinder seal.

As the seal absorbed the contaminant and expanded:

Its shape and flexibility changed
It could no longer maintain a proper seal under certain braking conditions
Brake fluid was allowed to leak back into the reservoir

The result is reduced hydraulic pressure when the driver presses the brake pedal slowly.

A Long Investigation Timeline

Honda and Acura engineers spent nearly a decade analyzing this issue:

2015–2021: Initial complaints of intermittent brake pedal pressure loss
2022–2024: Extensive testing confirmed chemical contamination and seal swelling
2025: A clear link was found between hose storage timing, material curing, and seal deformation

By late 2025, the manufacturer determined that this condition posed a motor vehicle safety defect and initiated corrective action.

As of December 2025, there were 192 warranty claims associated with the issue. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

What Is Being Done to Fix It?

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and instructed to visit an authorized Acura dealer. The repair involves:

Replacing the brake master cylinder
Installing an improved sealing cup made from a different material
Restoring proper brake fluid sealing and pedal feel

This updated design is intended to eliminate the contamination-related swelling entirely.

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

Even if a manufacturer offers a fix, brake-related defects can still be relevant under Lemon Law statutes, especially if:

The problem existed during the warranty period.
You experienced repeated brake complaints or repairs.
The issue affected vehicle safety, drivability, or value.

If you drive a 2025-2026 Ford Escape or Lincoln Corsair, it is time to check your mailbox and your rear seats. Ford has issued a safety recall affecting these popular SUVs due to a critical issue with the rear seat belt retractors. While safety technology has evolved rapidly, the seat belt remains your primary line of defense in an accident. Here is everything you need to know about the problem and the warning signs.

The Problem: Loose Retractors

The core of the issue lies in the left and right rear passenger seat belt retractors. According to the defect report, the bolts securing these retractors may not have been properly tightened during assembly. If the retractor isn’t securely fastened to the vehicle’s body (specifically the D-Pillar), it cannot do its job properly. In the event of a crash, a loose retractor may fail to adequately restrain the passenger, significantly increasing the risk of injury.

How Did This Happen?

Ford’s investigation traced the issue back to the Louisville Assembly Plant. It wasn’t a failure of the main assembly line, but rather an error that occurred at off-line repair stations. Vehicles that were pulled aside for unrelated repairs may not have had their retractor bolts properly secured upon completion. This procedural lapse resulted in the potential for loose hardware in the final customer vehicles.

Warning Signs: What to Listen For

Unlike some mechanical issues that remain silent until they fail, this defect often gives an auditory warning. Owners should look out for:

Rattling Noises: You may hear a metallic rattle coming from the rear pillar area while driving.
Seat Belt Binding: The seat belt may feel like it is “sticking,” making it difficult to pull out or retract smoothly.

The Timeline

Nov 6, 2025: Team members at the assembly plant noticed 5 warranty claims related to noisy or binding rear seat belts on vehicles with low mileage.
Nov 12, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened a formal investigation.
Dec 5, 2025: A field action (recall) was approved.

As of December 8, 2025, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. The recall is proactive to ensure it stays that way.

What Should Owners Do?

If you receive a notice for your 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair or Ford Escape, do not ignore this recall.

The Fix:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor bolts. If they are loose, they will be properly secured. If the bolts or assembly are damaged, the dealer will replace the seat belt retractor entirely.

Important Details:

Owner Notification Date: Ford expects to mail letters to affected owners starting December 19, 2025.
Ford Recall Number: 25C68
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-862