If your check engine light keeps turning on, even after multiple trips to the dealership, you may be wondering if your vehicle qualifies under California Lemon Law. While a warning light alone doesn’t automatically make a car a lemon, repeated repairs for the same issue could indicate a defect that qualifies for legal protection.
Here’s what California drivers should know if their check engine light keeps coming back.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. It can turn on for many reasons, including:
- Engine misfires
- Emissions system problems
- Faulty oxygen sensors
- Catalytic converter issues
- Electrical or computer system failures
Sometimes the issue is minor, but if the light keeps returning after repairs, it may signal a deeper mechanical or electrical defect.
When a Check Engine Light Could Qualify for Lemon Law
Under California Lemon Law, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer cannot repair the problem after a reasonable number of attempts.
A recurring check engine light may qualify if:
- The dealership has attempted multiple repairs for the same problem
- The vehicle spends extended time in the repair shop
- The issue affects the vehicle’s performance, reliability, or emissions compliance
- The defect occurred while the vehicle was under the manufacturer’s warranty
If the same issue keeps triggering the warning light, it could indicate a defect the manufacturer cannot fix.
How Many Repairs Before a Car May Be Considered a Lemon?
Under the law, the manufacturer must be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect so there is no magic number. However, your vehicle may qualify with as little as the following:
- The same issue has been repaired two-three times (or more), or
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more total days for warranty repairs.
If the check engine light continues to appear after multiple repairs, your vehicle may qualify for a lemon law claim.
Common Lemon Law Issues That Trigger a Check Engine Light
Many serious defects can cause the check engine light to repeatedly turn on, including:
- Engine failure or misfire issues
- Transmission defects
- Faulty fuel or emissions systems
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Computer or sensor failures
In some cases, dealerships reset the warning light temporarily, only for the problem to return later.
What If the Dealer Says They “Can’t Duplicate the Problem”?
Many drivers hear this from dealerships when dealing with recurring warning lights.
Even if a technician cannot reproduce the problem every time, repair visits and documented complaints still count toward a lemon law claim. Keeping records of each visit is important.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If your vehicle qualifies under California Lemon Law, the manufacturer may be required to provide one of the following remedies:
Vehicle Buyback
The manufacturer repurchases the vehicle and reimburses you for:
- Down payment
- Monthly payments
- Taxes and registration
- Certain related expenses
Replacement Vehicle
You may receive a new replacement vehicle of similar value.
Cash Settlement
In some cases, the manufacturer offers a settlement while you keep the vehicle.
What Should You Do If Your Check Engine Light Keeps Coming On?
If you suspect your vehicle may qualify as a lemon:
- Keep all repair invoices and service records
- Document each time the warning light appears
- Track how many days your vehicle is in the repair shop
- Make sure repairs are performed at an authorized dealership
These records can be important if you decide to pursue a lemon law claim.
When to Speak With a Lemon Law Attorney
If the dealership cannot permanently fix the issue and your check engine light keeps returning, it may be time to speak with a lemon law attorney.
Under California law, the manufacturer typically pays the consumer’s attorney fees if the claim is successful, which means many attorneys offer free consultations.
An attorney at the California Lemon Law Services, a division of JSGM LAW, LLP can review your repair history and determine whether your vehicle qualifies for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement. Contact us today to see if you have a case.
