When the mechanic says, “Your engine has failed,” or “The transmission needs to be replaced,” that is a heartbreaking moment. These are not minor repairs. 

Engine and transmission problems can disrupt your daily routine and end with thousands of dollars in bills. But there is a little hope. 

Does California Lemon Law cover engine or transmission failure? In some cases, the answer is yes. These defects may qualify a vehicle as a lemon. Here is what to know about these claims.

Engine Failure Under Lemon Law

When people think of major vehicle problems, engine failure is at the top of the list. The engine is what keeps your vehicle running. When it develops serious defects, a trip to work, school, or the grocery store can become a source of anxiety.

Some of the engine-related issues that may lead to a Lemon Law claim include:

• Engine stalling while driving
• Excessive oil consumption
• Persistent overheating
• Sudden loss of power
• Engine knocking or misfiring
• Repeated check engine light warnings tied to serious defects
• Timing chain or timing belt failures
• Internal engine component failures

Unfortunately, the most frustrating part is the cycle of repeated repairs. You bring the vehicle to the dealership, they perform a repair, and everything might seem fine. Only a short time later, the warning light comes back on, the same noise returns, or the vehicle stalls again.

When a manufacturer cannot permanently correct a serious engine defect, California Lemon Law is there to give you a remedy. 

Transmission Problems Can Qualify

Transmission issues are as disruptive as engine problems. When you have a faulty transmission, that can affect your vehicle’s ability to accelerate, shift gears properly, or move at all.

Some of these common transmission defects include:

• Hard or jerky shifting
• Delayed gear engagement
• Transmission slipping
• Grinding, clunking, or unusual noises
• Transmission fluid leaks caused by manufacturing defects
• Sudden loss of acceleration
• Complete transmission failure

In many situations, transmission defects lead to safety concerns. It can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly lose power or behave unpredictably in traffic.

If you have returned to the dealership multiple times for transmission repairs and the problem continues, you might want to see if your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law.

How Many Times Are Enough?

Unfortunately, there is no magic number that applies to every case. The courts will look at the overall circumstances. These claims usually have:

• Multiple repair attempts for the same problem
• A defect that continues despite repairs
• Extended periods when the vehicle is out of service
• Safety-related defects that remain unresolved

In these situations, a few unsuccessful repair attempts may be enough, especially when the defect affects the vehicle’s safety. The manufacturer must have a fair opportunity to repair the problem but failed to do so.

Keep Every Repair Record

If you are dealing with recurring engine or transmission problems, documentation can make a huge difference. You want to keep copies of:

• Repair orders
• Service invoices
• Warranty documents
• Emails and correspondence with the dealership
• Records showing how long the vehicle was in the shop

Sometimes, the dealership claims it could not duplicate the problem or finds no issue during an inspection. Keep those records. They can still help establish a pattern of ongoing defects.

What Happens if Your Vehicle Qualifies?

If your vehicle is a California Lemon Law claim, the manufacturer may be required to buy back the vehicle or provide a replacement.

Depending on the circumstances, a refund may include:

• Your down payment
• Monthly loan or lease payments
• Taxes and registration fees
• Other eligible expenses related to the vehicle

Many drivers want a replacement vehicle, while others would rather receive a refund. The best remedy will depend on your situation and goals. You will want to talk to your California Lemon Law lawyer to learn more about your options.

Never Ignore Engine or Transmission Problems

Many drivers spend months hoping the next repair will finally solve the issue. Unfortunately, repeated engine or transmission failures are signs of a bigger problem. Many times, the dealership could be unable to fix it.

If your vehicle keeps returning to the repair shop for the same engine or transmission defect, you have options. At BLVD Law, we help protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. Schedule a consultation today, and we can assist with your claim.