Learn the warning signs of a potential Lemon Law case and what steps you can take to protect your rights as a car owner.
What Makes a Car a “Lemon”?
What if you could get a refund or a replacement vehicle—just by recognizing the warning signs early?
A “lemon” is a car that turns out to have serious, ongoing issues—often right after you’ve paid good money for it. Whether it’s brand-new or slightly used, if your vehicle keeps having the same problems that the dealership is unable to fix despite repeated attempts, it may qualify for protection under your state Lemon Laws.
While every state has its own rules, there are common red flags that suggest your car might legally qualify as a lemon. And if even a few of these apply, you could be entitled to a full refund or a replacement—no courtroom drama required.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 signs your car might be a lemon. For added context, you may also want to check out which 19 car brands have the most lemon law cases filed against them.
1. Why Does My Car Keep Breaking Down After Multiple Repairs?
If your car keeps going back to the shop for the same problem, it’s not just bad luck—it could be a legal warning sign. Lemon Laws are designed to protect you when a vehicle has a defect that the dealership or manufacturer just can’t seem to fix.
In most cases, the law allows the manufacturer a “reasonable” number of repair attempts to fix the issue. That usually means at least three or four visits, but here’s the key: if the problem involves a serious safety risk—like brakes, steering, or the electrical system—even just one or two failed repairs might be enough to qualify.
The bottom line? If the issue keeps coming back, you don’t have to just live with it.
2. What If My Car Spent More Time in the Shop Than on the Road?
When your SUV spends more time in the repair bay than in your driveway, that’s more than just frustrating—it could qualify as a lemon. Most Lemon Laws say that if your vehicle is out of service for 30 or more total days (even non-consecutive ones), that’s a major red flag.
Those days add up fast, especially if the dealer says they’re “waiting on parts.” That’s why it’s so important to keep copies of all your service records and track how long your vehicle was at the shop each time. If your car is out of commission more often than it should be, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.
3. Is It Normal for My Brand-New Car to Have Electrical Failures?
Flickering lights, dashboard warning errors, or a touch screen that randomly resets may not seem like a big deal at first—but these can be early signs of serious electrical defects. In newer vehicles, even small electrical glitches can affect essential systems like braking, steering assist, or airbags.
If the dealer keeps saying “it’s just a software bug” but can’t actually fix the issue, it could point to a deeper manufacturing flaw. These aren’t quirks you should have to live with—especially in a vehicle you just bought. If the problems keep coming back, you may have more legal options than you think.
4. Are Recurring Brake or Steering Problems a Lemon Law Warning Sign?
Brake issues that don’t respond right away or steering that feels loose or pulls to one side are more than annoying—they’re dangerous. If these safety-related systems fail, even once, it puts your entire family at risk.
Most Lemon Laws treat these types of defects as high-priority. In many states, just one or two failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue can be enough to qualify for a claim. Don’t wait for the “next fix”—talk to someone who can help protect your safety and your rights.
5. What If My Car’s Transmission Is Slipping or Hesitating?
A transmission that slips, jerks, or delays when shifting isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a red flag for a serious defect. These issues can affect how your car accelerates, especially when merging onto highways or climbing hills.
If you’re hearing strange grinding noises or feeling hesitation between gears, it’s time to pay attention. These kinds of problems are among the most common reasons drivers win Lemon Law claims—especially when they go unresolved after repeated repair attempts.
6. Should I Be Worried If the Same Warning Lights Keep Coming On?
If your check engine light or other dashboard alerts keep coming back after service visits, that’s a sign something’s not right. These lights are triggered by your car’s internal systems catching recurring issues—even if the dealer clears them.
Ask for a printout of the diagnostic codes each time the car is scanned. Those codes can be powerful evidence if you ever need to prove a pattern of defects under Lemon Law.
7. Is It a Problem If the Dealer Keeps Saying ‘No Trouble Found’?
Hearing “No Trouble Found” doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real—it just means they couldn’t replicate it at that moment. But that doesn’t erase the issue from your experience or your vehicle’s performance.
Keep a written log of symptoms: what happened, when, and how often. Multiple NTF visits in your repair history can still support a Lemon Law claim if the problem keeps recurring.
8. Can Repeated Safety Recalls Signal That I Have a Lemon?
Vehicle safety recalls by themselves don’t automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon—but they can absolutely strengthen your case, especially if the same issue keeps coming back. If you’ve taken your car in for a recall repair and the problem wasn’t truly fixed, that’s a major red flag.
It signals that there’s a known manufacturing defect the automaker hasn’t resolved—even after trying. This is especially important when the recall involves something safety-related like brakes, steering, or electrical systems.
Be sure to keep all recall notices, dealership invoices, and records of what was done. If the fix didn’t hold, you’re not just unlucky—you may have a legal right to a replacement or refund.
9. What If My Car Has Unusual Smells, Noises, or Vibrations?
Strange smells, unexplained noises, or vibrations while driving can be signs of deeper mechanical issues. These symptoms often start small but get worse—and more dangerous—over time.
Don’t ignore them. Write down what you notice and ask your mechanic for a written diagnosis. Even subtle issues matter if they keep coming back.
10. Is It Time to Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney?
If your car keeps having issues and you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to speak with a Lemon Law professional. A quick, free consultation can help you understand your rights and whether your situation qualifies.
Most people wait too long, hoping things will just get better—but that can lead to more stress, more shop visits, and more risk. What’s worse, if you keep postponing filing a claim, you risk going beyond the time limit and not see a single cent in compensation. Getting legal help early on often leads to faster results, especially if your car has safety issues.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If even a few of these warning signs sound familiar, it’s worth taking action now—not later. Every repair visit, delay, “no trouble found” note, or any other dealership excuse could help build a strong Lemon Law case.
Think your car might be a lemon? Take our free 2-minute quiz to find out where you stand.
Want the full picture? Download our Lemon Law Survival Blueprint—your step-by-step guide to getting the safe, reliable vehicle you paid for.