Modern vehicles are no longer just machines—they’re rolling computers. From touchscreen infotainment systems to advanced driver-assistance technologies like automatic braking and lane departure warnings, today’s cars rely heavily on software to operate safely and efficiently. However, with increased complexity comes a greater risk of malfunction, and many California drivers are now discovering that software glitches can cause serious safety issues, often qualifying their vehicles for relief under the state’s lemon law.
At Shainfeld Law, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys have seen a growing number of lemon law claims involving problems not with engines or transmissions, but with digital systems that control how the car behaves. If you’ve experienced persistent tech-related issues that affect your vehicle’s safety, use, or value, you may have a lemon—and the law is on your side.
Software Failures Are More Than Just Annoying
It’s easy to dismiss software issues as minor nuisances. A frozen screen or Bluetooth failure might not seem urgent, but the stakes rise quickly when tech malfunctions affect critical safety systems.
Common software-related issues we’ve seen in lemon law claims include:
- Infotainment failures that crash the entire control panel, turn off rearview cameras, or lock up climate and navigation systems.
- Brake assist glitches that trigger sudden stops or fail to engage during emergencies.
- Sensor failures involving blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking alerts.
- Over-the-air updates that make performance worse or block key systems entirely.
When these problems persist and can’t be reliably repaired, they don’t just create frustration—they pose real safety hazards for drivers and passengers.
Can Software Issues Qualify as a Lemon?
Yes—California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act—commonly known as the California Lemon Law—applies to all defects that impair a vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
That includes problems caused by faulty software or failed electronic components, as long as:
- The vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- The issue has been subject to a reasonable number of repair attempts.
- The defect persists or recurs despite those attempts.
Some software problems are more complex to fix than mechanical ones, especially when manufacturers delay issuing patches, updates fail, or dealerships can’t replicate the issue during service visits.
How to Strengthen a Lemon Law Claim for Software Glitches
Because electronic issues can be intermittent, it’s critical to document everything.
Keep records of:
- Every visit to the dealership or service center.
- Repair orders and technician notes.
- Screenshots or videos of the malfunction, when safe to do so.
- Service bulletins or recalls related to your vehicle model.
- Any over-the-air updates, and how your car performed before and after.
This evidence can demonstrate that the problem is real, ongoing, and unfixable—key factors in winning a lemon law case.
Let Shainfeld Law Advocate for Your Safety
If you’ve experienced recurring tech or software issues affecting your vehicle’s functions, don’t ignore them. These glitches may qualify your car as a lemon under California law. At Shainfeld Law, we specialize in holding manufacturers accountable when their technology fails consumers. We’ll evaluate your case for free and help you seek a refund, replacement, or cash settlement.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney today by calling 888-609-2593 or requesting a free consultation online to determine if your software problem qualifies under California Lemon Law. You don’t have to live with a dangerous defect—let us help you take action.