Buying a new or certified pre-owned vehicle should bring peace of mind. Instead, many drivers face unexpected car starter problems, car battery issues, or other recurring mechanical failures that leave them stranded and frustrated. When you’ve invested thousands of dollars in a vehicle only to spend even more time and money in the repair shop, it can feel unfair and overwhelming.
The good news is that lemon laws can help protect you in these instances. These laws protect consumers who purchase a defective vehicle that fails to meet quality and performance standards despite repeated repair attempts. Car buyers need to understand the most common car problems that may lead to a car defect lawsuit, the warning signs to watch for, and the steps they can take if they believe their car qualifies as a lemon.
Electrical Issues
Modern cars are equipped with a range of electronics, including navigation systems, backup cameras, digital dashboards, and automatic windows. Unfortunately, electrical issues in cars are among the most common and hardest to diagnose.
A short circuit, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning onboard computer can cause problems that seem to come and go. For example, headlights may flicker, windows may stop working, or sensors may give false readings. More dangerously, electrical failures can disable critical safety features such as airbags or anti-lock brakes.
Warning signs of electrical defects include:
- Intermittent power loss to interior lights or dashboard displays
- Difficulty starting the vehicle, even with a fully charged battery
- Repeated car starter problems or dead batteries not linked to normal wear
When these issues keep recurring despite dealer repairs, they may qualify as a serious car defect under lemon law.
Engine and Transmission Troubles
Few things are more stressful than car engine problems. From strange knocking noises to total engine failure, these issues can cost thousands of dollars to repair. In some cases, defects in engine design or assembly mean that repairs won’t permanently fix the issue.
Common signs of engine defects include:
- Persistent oil leaks despite multiple repair attempts
- Sudden loss of power while driving
- Stalling in traffic or at stoplights
- Abnormal smoke, odors, or excessive vibrations
Transmission problems can be just as serious. Slipping gears, delayed acceleration, or jerky shifting can make a car unsafe to drive. If your new car is repeatedly in the shop for transmission repairs that never seem to last, you may be driving a defective car that qualifies for lemon law protection.
Difficulties With Steering and Suspension
Your steering and suspension systems control how well your car handles the road. When defects occur in these areas, the risks are high, as loss of steering control can cause devastating accidents.
Some common car issues in this category include:
- Steering wheel locking up unexpectedly
- Excessive vibration or pulling to one side
- Power steering fluid leaks
- Suspension defects causing uneven tire wear or poor handling
These defects not only make your vehicle harder to control but also increase the risk of long-term damage to other parts of the car. If repeated service appointments fail to correct steering or suspension defects, your situation may support a car defect lawsuit.
Faulty Brakes
Brake defects are some of the most dangerous car problems. A vehicle that won’t stop reliably puts everyone on the road in danger.
Brake defects may include:
- Malfunctioning ABS (anti-lock braking system)
- Brake fluid leaks
- Grinding or squealing even after repairs
In some cases, faulty electronic sensors can prevent the braking system from working when it’s needed most. If your dealer has attempted multiple repairs without success, your car may be considered a defective vehicle under Minnesota Lemon Law.
The Rundown on Your Lemon Law Rights
Unfortunately, not every mechanical issue qualifies for a lemon law claim. Common car issues such as routine maintenance, normal wear and tear, or one-time repairs typically don’t meet the threshold. Lemon laws are designed for serious, recurring defects—problems that go beyond inconvenience and rise to the level of affecting your car’s safety, performance, or market value.
The key requirement is that the dealer or manufacturer has been given a “reasonable number of attempts” to fix the issue. The exact definition of “reasonable” varies by state. In Minnesota, there must be at least four repair attempts for the same problem, or the car must be out of service for at least 30, within the warranty period.
If your situation meets these criteria, you may be entitled to relief under the lemon law. Depending on the circumstances, this relief could come in the form of:
- A refund of your purchase price, minus a reasonable allowance for use; or
- A replacement vehicle of comparable value
The process for asserting your rights often begins with arbitration, where a neutral third party reviews the case and attempts to reach a fair resolution. If arbitration does not resolve the matter, your claim may move into formal litigation, where a car defect lawsuit is filed against the manufacturer.
Because manufacturers and their legal teams are highly experienced in defending these claims, having a knowledgeable lemon law attorney on your side can make all the difference. A lemon law lawyer who understands the applicable laws can help you interpret warranty language, build a strong record of defects, and push back against attempts to minimize or deny your claim. In short, legal representation helps level the playing field and gives you the best chance of obtaining the outcome you deserve.
How To Document Defects for a Lemon Law Claim
Strong documentation is the backbone of any successful lemon law case. Without proof, it becomes much harder to show that your vehicle has ongoing, unresolved defects. Even if you’ve been in and out of the dealership repeatedly, the manufacturer will often argue that the problem is minor or that it has already been fixed. Thorough records create a paper trail that demonstrates the true scope of your car problems and supports your claim if you need to pursue a car defect lawsuit.
Here are some of the most effective ways to document defects:
Repair Receipts
Always keep copies of every invoice from the dealership or repair shop, no matter how small the repair seems. These documents typically list the date, mileage, the specific complaint, and the attempted fix. If you’ve had repeated car starter problems, car battery issues, or other difficulties, multiple receipts showing the same defect over time can establish a clear pattern of failure.
Photos and Videos
Visual evidence can be powerful. Take photos or videos whenever a defect occurs—whether it’s dashboard warning lights that won’t shut off, smoke coming from the engine, or a steering wheel that vibrates uncontrollably. A video of the problem happening in real time can be especially persuasive, particularly for electrical issues in cars that might not appear consistently during a mechanic’s inspection.
Communication Logs
Keep a record of all your communications with the dealer or manufacturer. Save emails, texts, and even handwritten notes about in-person or phone conversations. For instance, if a service manager tells you “we can’t replicate the problem” or admits that the issue is a known defect, having that in writing may be critical later.
Mileage Records
Defects often appear under certain conditions, such as at specific speeds or after a certain number of miles. By noting the mileage each time a defect arises or recurs, you create a timeline that can help your lemon law attorney prove that the car has not been fixed within a reasonable number of attempts. For example, if car engine problems return after every 5,000 miles despite repairs, that timeline strengthens your case.
Personal Notes
In addition to formal records, keep a journal of how the defect affects your daily life. Note when your car breaks down, how long it was in the shop, and any rental car expenses you incurred. These details illustrate the real impact of driving a defective car and help show how the problem impairs the vehicle’s use, safety, and value.
By organizing all of this evidence, you’ll give your lemon law attorney the strongest foundation to argue your claim. With this kind of thorough documentation, your lawyer will be better prepared to negotiate with the manufacturer or pursue litigation if needed, increasing your chances of securing a refund, replacement, or settlement for your defective vehicle.
If You’re Having Ongoing Car Problems, Get a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing car battery issues, engine problems, or other unresolved defects, it may be time to pursue your lemon law rights. You don’t have to accept repeated repairs or drive a defective car that feels unsafe.
At Hammer Law, our experienced lemon law attorney can review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the process. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless you win. If you’re tired of dealing with recurring car defects, don’t wait. Take the first step toward resolution today and contact us for a free evaluation.
