repeated automobile problems – California Lemon Law blog

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.

Stellantis has determined that a safety defect could affect certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The automaker has confirmed that the brake pedal arm in these vehicles may collapse, leading to a sudden and dangerous loss of braking ability.

If you own or lease one of these vehicles, here is everything you need to know about the defect, the remedy, and your potential rights under the Lemon Law.

The Problem: Brake Pedal Collapse

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the specific defect involves the brake pedal assembly. In affected vehicles, the pedal arm is susceptible to collapsing under the pressure of braking. If the pedal collapses, the driver may lose the ability to activate the service brakes. As stated in the safety report, “The inability to activate the service brakes while driving can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-846) is an expansion of a previous recall (24V-752) issued in October 2024. Despite earlier efforts, Stellantis Europe Control Tower received new field complaints in late 2025 regarding collapsed pedals in both North America and Europe, prompting this new, expanded campaign.

Accident Reports and Investigation

October & November 2025: Field complaints were received regarding pedals collapsing during normal driving.
November 24, 2025: Stellantis identified one warranty claim and one customer assistance record related to the issue.
Safety Risk: As of late November 2025, the automaker is aware of one accident related to this defect. Fortunately, zero injuries have been reported so far.

What to Do If Your Brakes Fail

Stellantis has provided specific emergency instructions for drivers who experience a brake pedal collapse while driving. If your pedal hits the floor or snaps and you cannot stop the car:

Use the Electronic Park Brake: Located on the center console, this switch can be pulled up and held while driving. This will override the failure and slow the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If your AEB system is active (not manually deactivated), it is designed to intervene automatically if it detects an imminent collision, even if the brake pedal is broken.

Recall Details and Remedy

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their dealerships immediately.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-846
FCA US Recall Number: D0C
Notification Date: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 13, 2026.
The Fix: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm to prevent collapse.

Can I File a Lemon Law Claim?

The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. If your car has a substantial safety defect that the manufacturer has failed to fix within a reasonable number of attempts or a reasonable amount of time, you could be eligible for:

A vehicle repurchase (buyback).
A replacement vehicle.
Cash compensation.
Payment of your attorney’s fees.

Do not wait until an accident happens. If you are unsafe in your vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation regarding your rights.

(Recall: SB-25-16-005 / NHTSA Campaign 25V-690)

If you own or are considering buying a 2025 Model 3 or 2026 Model Y from Tesla, there’s a safety issue you should know about. Certain vehicles built between early March and mid-August 2025 are affected by a battery pack contactor fault that may result in an unexpected loss of drive power. This article explains what the issue is, which vehicles are affected, what the risks are, and what owners should do next.

What is the issue?

Tesla has determined that certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles are equipped with a battery pack contactor manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid that may have a poor coil termination connection.

If the contactor opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in drive, the driver loses the ability to apply torque through the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion. This sudden loss of drive power could increase the risk of a collision.

There is no warning prior to the failure. However, when it occurs, the driver receives an immediate visual alert on the user interface instructing them to safely pull over.

Which vehicles are affected?

2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured between March 8 and August 12, 2025.
2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 15 and August 15, 2025.

Tesla estimates roughly 13,000 vehicles in total are affected, including around 5,000 Model 3s and nearly 8,000 Model Ys produced within those date ranges.

Timeline of Investigation & Recall

August 8, 2025: Tesla’s Field Reliability team began investigating service cases where vehicles were unable to enter drive and high coil resistance was detected in the pack contactor.
August 8 – September 26, 2025: Tesla collected contactors from the field and performed detailed failure analysis.
September 29 – October 2, 2025: Tesla reviewed the failure analysis results, along with repair and production records.
October 3, 2025: Tesla completed its investigation and determined the scope of affected vehicles, initiating a voluntary recall.
December 9, 2025: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed to customers.

As of early October 2025, Tesla had identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this issue, with no known injuries, collisions, or fatalities.

What is the remedy?

Tesla Service will correct the problem by replacing the high-voltage battery pack contactor. The updated parts do not include the defective InTiCa solenoid and have improved coil termination connections. The repair takes approximately one hour to complete, and Tesla will notify all affected owners by mail.

Why this matters

Safety risk

A sudden loss of propulsion without warning can be dangerous, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla’s recall emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

Financial and resale considerations

Unresolved recalls can affect resale value, financing, and insurance. Ensuring the recall repair is completed not only improves safety but also helps preserve the vehicle’s long-term value.

What owners should do if their Tesla vehicle is affected.

Schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app or by contacting your nearest Tesla Service Center.
Pay attention to alerts while driving. If a visual warning or loss of power occurs, pull over safely and contact Tesla support immediately.
Keep documentation of the recall repair for future reference or resale.
If buying used, confirm with the seller that any open recalls have been completed.

This recall serves as a reminder that even advanced electric vehicles like Tesla are not immune to hardware issues. While Tesla can often fix software defects through over-the-air updates, mechanical components such as contactors and solenoids require physical inspection and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this recall affect all 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles?
A: No. Only vehicles built between March and August 2025 with the affected InTiCa solenoid contactor are included.

Q: My car feels fine — do I still need the repair?
A: Yes. The failure can occur without warning, so even if your car shows no symptoms, Tesla recommends completing the replacement.

Q: How long will the repair take?
A: The contactor replacement typically takes about one hour and is performed free of charge.

Q: Can I continue driving before the repair?
A: Tesla advises that owners continue driving normally but schedule service as soon as possible. If your vehicle shows a propulsion loss alert, pull over safely and contact Tesla.

Conclusion

If you drive a 2025 Tesla Model 3 or 2026 Model Y, this recall deserves your attention. The contactor defect can cause sudden loss of drive power, posing a potential safety risk. Tesla is replacing the affected parts at no cost to owners, with notifications beginning December 2025.

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.

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.

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for luxury and performance, but even premium vehicles can have serious defects. In recent years, several Mercedes-Benz GL class vehicles such as the, GLE, GLS, GLC, and GLB models have appeared on the NHTSA recall list repeatedly, raising concerns for California drivers who rely on these SUVs for safety and reliability.

If you own or lease a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV that spends more time at the dealership than on the road, you may be wondering whether you have a lemon law claim.

Mercedes-Benz GL Class Vehicles with Recalls

The following models are among the most recalled in recent years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV (4WD)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe SUV (4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV (RWD & 4WD)
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class SUV (FWD & 4WD)

These recalls involve safety issues ranging from electrical system failures to fuel system defects, braking problems, and more. Such problems not only reduce the value of your SUV but may also put you and your family at risk.

Common Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Issues

Owners of the GL Class SUVs have reported problems such as:

Electrical malfunctions (infotainment freezes, sensor failures, warning lights that won’t clear)
Transmission issues (jerking, hesitation, or slipping gears)
Brake system defects (premature wear, warning messages, or loss of braking assist)
Suspension and steering problems (unusual noises, rough rides, or loss of handling)
Fuel system concerns (potential leaks or stalling)

When these issues repeat, even after multiple repair attempts, they may qualify your vehicle as a lemon under California law.

How the California Lemon Law Protects You

California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. If your Mercedes-Benz GL or GLE has recurring problems that substantially impair its use, value, or safety—and the dealership cannot fix them after a reasonable number of attempts—you may be entitled to:

A full refund of your purchase or lease price
A replacement vehicle of equal value
Coverage of attorney’s fees and costs (manufacturers pay these, not you)

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

Do You Think Your Mercedes-Benz GL is a Lemon?

If you’ve brought your Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, GLE, GLS, GLC, or GLB to the dealership multiple times for the same problem, don’t ignore the warning signs. California’s Lemon Law may protect you and ensure you’re not stuck with a defective SUV.

👉 Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today for a free case review. We’ll help you determine whether your Mercedes-Benz qualifies as a lemon and fight to get you the compensation or replacement you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-Benz GL and California Lemon Law

Q: Does the California Lemon Law apply to leased Mercedes-Benz GL vehicles?
Yes. The California Lemon Law applies to both purchased and leased vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLS, and GLC SUVs. If your leased vehicle has recurring problems that the dealer cannot fix, you may still qualify for a refund or replacement.

Q: How many repair attempts are required before my Mercedes-Benz GL is considered a lemon?
Generally, if the dealer has made two or more attempts to repair a serious safety issue, or four or more attempts to fix a non-safety defect, your SUV may qualify. Additionally, if your vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days, it may meet the lemon law standard.

Q: What types of problems qualify a Mercedes-Benz GL for Lemon Law protection?
Issues that affect the use, value, or safety of your SUV may qualify. Common complaints include electrical failures, transmission problems, brake defects, suspension issues, and fuel system concerns.

Q: Will pursuing a lemon law claim cost me money?
No. Under California law, if your claim is successful, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees and costs. That means there is usually no out-of-pocket cost to the vehicle owner.

Q: Can I get a replacement vehicle instead of a refund?
Yes. Many Mercedes-Benz owners choose a replacement vehicle of equal value, while others prefer a full refund. California Lemon Law allows you to pursue either option.

Kia’s popular SUV, the Telluride, is now under recall — again. This time, the issues are far more serious than a glitchy infotainment system or a faulty sensor. Kia has confirmed two separate safety defects that could put drivers and passengers at risk of vehicle fires or unintended rollaways.

If you’re a California driver, and especially if your Telluride is still under warranty, these problems could also qualify you for protection under the California Lemon Law.

What’s going wrong?

There are two major defects involved in this recall, both affecting 2020 through 2024 Kia Tellurides:

Fire risk: The power seat motor may overheat and catch fire. The problem is linked to the seat adjustment knob, which can become stuck and cause the motor to continue running even when it shouldn’t. This can lead to electrical overheating and a real risk of interior fires — even when the vehicle is parked.
Rollaway risk: In a separate issue, improperly assembled driveshaft components can cause the vehicle to roll away while in park, especially if the parking brake isn’t engaged. This is clearly a serious safety hazard.

What is Kia doing about it?

Kia dealerships will:

Install protective brackets around the seat switches and replace adjustment knobs where needed
Inspect and replace intermediate shafts related to the rollaway issue

Repairs are currently ongoing. Kia has not yet indicated widespread part delays, but given the scope of the recall, some wait times are possible.

What to know about California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just cover cars that have persistent engine problems — it also applies to major safety issues like these. If your Telluride has:

Been in the shop multiple times for the same defect
Been out of service for 30 or more days total
Or if the fire or rollaway problems persist after attempted repairs

You may be eligible for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation. You also don’t have to pay legal fees — manufacturers are required to cover them if your case qualifies.

What you should do:

Review your repair history — especially any seat or drivetrain work
Contact your dealership to complete the recall repair if you haven’t already
Document everything — repair orders, communication with service staff, even photos if you’ve noticed unusual smells or damage
Reach out to a Lemon Law professional if your Telluride has been unreliable or unsafe

It doesn’t matter how new your SUV is — if it puts you or your family at risk, California law is there to protect you. If you’re tired of dealing with safety concerns or have lost trust in your Telluride, we’re here to help you understand your rights — and take the next step if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Call us at 888-395-3666 or fill in the free Lemon Law case review form at the top of this page.

If you’ve recently purchased a Tesla Cybertruck, you’re probably enjoying the attention it brings — but there’s something new owners need to be aware of. Tesla has issued a recall affecting about 46,000 2024-2025 Cybertrucks due to a faulty exterior trim panel that could detach while driving.

This isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a real safety issue and could raise serious Lemon Law concerns here in California.

What’s the defect?

The problem lies in a trim piece along the windshield, called the cantrail panel. Tesla says it may have been attached using the wrong adhesive. As a result, the panel could come loose and separate from the vehicle while you’re on the road.

If you’ve already noticed unusual wind noise or seen Cybertruck owners post about missing trim — this might explain it.

What’s Tesla doing about it?

Tesla has already started performing repairs, which involve replacing the entire cantrail assembly. Owners aren’t expected to pay out of pocket for the fix, but the availability of parts — and service appointments — can vary widely.

Why Lemon Law applies here in California

Tesla has had a mixed track record when it comes to customer service and timely repairs. If this defect has left your vehicle in the shop for a long period, or if your Cybertruck has other unresolved issues, you could be protected under California’s Lemon Law.

You may qualify if:

You’ve experienced repeated or serious safety-related issues
Tesla can’t fix the defect within a reasonable number of attempts
Your vehicle has been out of service for 30+ total days under warranty

It doesn’t matter if your truck is new or leased — what matters is whether it’s safe, reliable, and performing the way it should.

What you can do right now:

Check your paperwork to see if you’ve already reported trim or body issues
Schedule your repair as soon as possible — and keep all documentation
If you’ve already had problems with build quality or multiple repair visits, it may be time to explore your legal options

Don’t assume you have to live with poor fit and finish. California law is on your side, and in most cases, you can pursue a Lemon Law claim without paying anything out of pocket. If your Cybertruck has already spent more time in the shop than on the road, let’s talk. You may be entitled to a replacement or refund — and we can walk you through what that looks like. Call Now for a FREE Case Review at 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take action today to protect your rights as a California consumer!