California Lemon Law – California Lemon Law blog

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 closed a petition requesting a formal safety investigation into reports of all-wheel drive (AWD) failures affecting certain Acura TLX and MDX vehicles. While the agency acknowledged that the reported mechanical failure is real, it concluded there is currently insufficient evidence to classify it as a safety-related defect requiring a formal investigation or recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The petition involved:

2021–2023 Acura TLX equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
2022–2023 Acura MDX equipped with SH-AWD

According to the petition, a mechanical failure inside the drivetrain can prevent power from being sent to the rear wheels, effectively turning the vehicle into front-wheel drive only.

What Is Failing?

The reported issue involves the splined connection between the front transaxle and the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU). Over time, these splines can shear or strip, permanently disconnecting the rear drivetrain.

When this happens:

The vehicle loses all rear-wheel drive capability.
Power is sent only to the front wheels.
The failure is permanent until repaired.

Interestingly, many owners reportedly did not realize anything had failed until driving on snow, ice, or another slippery surface where AWD traction would normally be expected.

Why Did Owners Want an Investigation?

The petition argued that losing AWD could reduce directional control and create a safety risk, particularly in poor weather conditions. The concern was heightened because Acura’s SH-AWD information display may continue to indicate that torque is being delivered to the rear wheels—even after the mechanical connection has completely failed. In other words, drivers may believe their AWD system is functioning normally when it is not.

What Did NHTSA Find?

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation reviewed:

62 consumer complaints (Vehicle Owner Questionnaires)
Manufacturer field reports
Technical information about the SH-AWD system

The agency confirmed that the spline failure does occur and results in the permanent loss of torque to the rear axle.

However, investigators also found:

The vehicles continue to operate normally as front-wheel drive vehicles.
There is no loss of engine power.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and traction control remain fully operational.
The steering and braking systems continue to function normally.

Most importantly, NHTSA found no evidence that the failure causes drivers to lose control of the vehicle.

Why Was the Petition Denied?

NHTSA determined that Acura’s SH-AWD system is primarily a performance-enhancing feature rather than a critical stability system. Unlike some traditional AWD systems that are necessary for maintaining mobility after drivetrain failures, these Acura models are fundamentally designed as front-wheel drive vehicles. Because of that, the agency concluded that losing rear-wheel drive affects vehicle performance rather than basic vehicle safety.

The investigation also found:

No reported crashes linked to the failure.
No reports of loss of motive power.
No documented injuries resulting from the condition.

Without evidence that the defect creates an unreasonable safety risk, NHTSA declined to open a formal defect investigation.

Does This Mean There Isn’t a Problem?

Not necessarily. NHTSA specifically stated that closing the petition does not mean a safety defect does not exist. Instead, it means the agency currently lacks sufficient evidence that the issue presents an unreasonable safety risk under federal safety standards. The agency also noted that it may reopen the matter if future complaints, crashes, or additional evidence emerge.

What Should Acura Owners Do?

If you own one of the affected Acura models, it is worth paying attention to any changes in how your vehicle performs, particularly during wet, snowy, or icy driving conditions.

Potential warning signs may include:

Reduced traction on slippery roads
Difficulty accelerating in snow
Unexpected front-wheel spin
Service messages related to the AWD system

Because the SH-AWD display may continue to indicate normal operation even after the drivetrain has failed, routine inspections by a qualified technician may be the only way to identify the problem before winter driving exposes it.

The Bottom Line

The reported SH-AWD spline failure is a genuine mechanical issue that can disable the rear-wheel drive system in certain Acura TLX and MDX models. However, after reviewing dozens of owner complaints and technical evidence, NHTSA concluded there is not enough evidence to show that the condition creates an unreasonable safety risk warranting a formal defect investigation.

For now, no recall has been issued, but the issue remains on NHTSA’s radar. Owners experiencing AWD performance problems should have their vehicle inspected promptly and consider reporting the issue to NHTSA, as additional reports could influence future agency action.

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.

Ford has announced a safety recall for certain 2025–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport models after discovering a software defect that can cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail at startup. While the failure rate appears low so far, the issue can disable the display of critical safety information—and that creates a significant risk for drivers.

The Problem: A Startup Timing Error That Can Blank the Instrument Panel

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is responsible for displaying essential vehicle information, including speed, engine warnings, braking system alerts, and other important safety telltales.

In the affected vehicles, the IPC can fail to initialize at startup. When that happens, the screen stays completely blank.

The Root Cause

Ford traced the issue to a timing-related software fault:

During the IPC’s sleep-entry sequence, there is a narrow window where a CAN wake-up interrupt can occur.
If this interrupt happens at the wrong moment, it triggers a memory protection fault in the cluster’s control unit.
The result: the IPC fails to boot, leaving the driver with a blank screen.

A blank cluster means no speedometer, no warning lights, and no safety indicators, which can significantly increase the risk of a crash if the vehicle is driven in that condition.

Why This Matters for Drivers

If the IPC is blank when the vehicle starts:

The driver cannot see speed, engine warnings, brake indicators, turn signals, or safety alerts.
Important telltales required under federal safety regulations may not display.
The driver loses critical information needed for safe operation.

Although the vehicle can still move, driving without a functioning instrument panel is dangerous—especially in traffic, at night, or in poor weather conditions.

Ford reports no accidents or injuries linked to this defect as of November 2025, but the potential safety impact is clear.

Ford’s Internal Investigation Timeline

The issue first surfaced on September 18, 2025, when reports of blank screens in 2025–2026 Broncos and Bronco Sports were escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG). Over the next several weeks, the CCRG analyzed failure reports, warranty data, and comparisons to a similar prior recall (25S88 / 25V-540).

What they found was significant:

Warranty claims were low so far, but
68% of connected vehicles had ignition cycles falling within the window of susceptibility to this startup timing failure—almost identical to the earlier recall population.
No clear factor suggested the newer vehicles were at lower risk than the previously recalled models.

The first warranty claim was logged on May 15, 2025, and by November 7, 2025, Ford had documented 12 potentially related claims.

On that same date—November 7—the Field Review Committee approved a formal field action, confirming the need for a recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Ford has issued a recall for certain:

2025 Ford Bronco
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
2026 Ford Bronco
2026 Ford Bronco Sport

These vehicles are equipped with the susceptible SX2 Instrument Panel Cluster.

Ford’s recall number is 25SC3, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 25V-788.

How the Problem Will Be Fixed

Ford will correct the IPC issue through an instrument panel cluster software update, available:

At Ford dealerships, or
Through an over-the-air (OTA) update (for vehicles equipped to receive OTA updates)
Ford plans to begin mailing recall notices on December 8, 2025.

What Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners Should Do

If your instrument panel cluster ever boots up blank:

Do not drive the vehicle until the IPC initializes correctly.
If your Ford Bronco is affected, contact your Ford dealer to schedule a repair.
Check for OTA update availability.
Monitor for recall notifications and verify your VIN’s status on Ford’s recall lookup page.

Even if you haven’t experienced the issue yet, your vehicle may still be at risk due to the timing-related nature of the fault.

If You Continue to Experience IPC Problems

If the problem persists after the recall repair—or if Ford is unable to fix the defect—owners may be eligible for repurchase, replacement, or compensation, according to California Lemon Laws.

Certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles were manufactured with high-voltage (HV) battery packs that may contain defective cells. The defect can lead the battery to internally fail and potentially cause a vehicle fire – whether the vehicle is parked or driving.

What’s the problem?

On July 3, 2025, the manufacturer’s technical safety organization opened an investigation after reports of fires originating in the HV battery packs of these plug-in hybrid vehicles – including vehicles that had already undergone the earlier remedy under Recall ID 95B (NHTSA ID 24V-720).
The battery supplier Samsung SDI obtained a pack from a vehicle that had experienced a fire with cells manufactured outside the original recall’s scope. They found the fire was caused by the same defect identified under 95B and are working to identify additional causal factors.
As of October 13, 2025:
- 9 fires reported in vehicles which had already had the 95B software remedy applied.
- 10 fires reported in vehicles whose cells were outside the original 95B scope.
- 19 customer-assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 19 field reports tied to this issue (dates from Jan 27 to Sept 2, 2025).
- 1 injury and no confirmed accidents tied to this issue.
On October 24, 2025, the manufacturer determined there is a defect affecting motor vehicle safety in all affected vehicles.
The manufacturer states that in rare cases, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage which, combined with other complex interactions within the cell, may lead to a fire.
A key interim safety measure: risk is lower when the battery charge level is low or depleted, and higher when the battery is fully or highly charged.
Owner advice: refrain from recharging the vehicle, and park away from structures or other vehicles until the final remedy is available.
The recall campaign number is 68C (NHTSA campaign number 25V-741) and even vehicles previously recalled under 24V-720 or 23V-787 will need the new remedy.

Affected vehicles

Model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What should owners do now?

Minimize risk until fixed:
- Avoid charging the plug-in-hybrid battery.
- Park the vehicle outdoors or away from other vehicles/structures (such as garages) when practicable.
- Try to keep the battery’s state of charge as low as is reasonable for your use.
Wait for the remedy: The final repair or battery replacement is under development. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed starting December 2, 2025, with additional letters once the remedy is ready.
Follow dealer instructions: Once the remedy is available, schedule service promptly. The remedy may include software updates to the battery management/control module plus potentially a full HV battery pack replacement.
Stay informed: Keep track of recall updates and announcements.

Why this matters: safety & resale considerations

A fire originating from a plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage battery is a rare but serious risk: it can pose danger to occupants, first-responders, and bystanders, and damage property.
Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of the defect, being part of the recall means you should treat it as a potential risk and act accordingly.
From a resale/ownership value perspective, vehicles under open safety recalls can be harder to sell or may need disclosure depending on local laws. Completing the remedy promptly is beneficial for overall vehicle value and peace of mind.

Bottom line

If you own a 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, this is a recall you cannot ignore. While the risk may only affect a minority of vehicles, the potential consequence is serious. Until the permanent fix is installed, follow the safety advice strictly: no recharging, park away from buildings, and monitor for dealer communications. Once the remedy becomes available, book the service as soon as possible. Your safety – and the safety of others around your vehicle – depends on it.

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

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.