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Electrical problems and the lemon law
Yes. Electrical problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period. Owners filed 23,699 electrical complaints with NHTSA for 2021 to 2027 models of 35 makes, 23% of all their complaints.
When electrical problems count
- The same problem, again and again. Each repair visit for it is an attempt. Report it in the same words each time.
- Inside the protection period, 12 to 36 months after delivery depending on the state.
- Or about 30 days in the shop in total, for this and other covered defects.
Electrical problems are the area owners report most to NHTSA. A fault that cuts the lights, the cameras or the power while driving can be a safety defect.
What to tell the dealer
Describe what happens: a dead battery, screens that freeze or go black, warning lights, power loss, features that stop working.
- Electrical faults come and go: take a video when it happens, with the date and time.
- Ask the dealer to record your complaint even when they cannot reproduce it.
- Note software updates on each repair order.
Makes with the most electrical complaints
| Make | Complaints | Share of the make's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep | 2,805 | 41% |
| Ford | 2,714 | 22% |
| Hyundai | 2,349 | 28% |
| Chevrolet | 1,867 | 21% |
| Honda | 1,852 | 18% |
| Kia | 1,649 | 27% |
| Volkswagen | 1,288 | 31% |
| Ram | 1,075 | 33% |
| Toyota | 1,026 | 13% |
| Tesla | 970 | 13% |
| GMC | 819 | 15% |
| Nissan | 724 | 19% |
Latest recalls in this area
- Audi, October 21, 2026: 2025 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, 2024 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, 2025 Q4 E-Tron, 2024 Q4 E-Tron, about 9,048 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V698000
- Lexus, October 20, 2026: 2024 NX Hybrid, 2024 NX Plug-IN Hybrid, 2023 NX Plug-IN Hybrid, 2022 NX Plug-IN Hybrid, about 68,356 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V687000
- Ford, October 6, 2026: 2026 F-750 SD, 2026 F-150, 2025 F-250 SD, 2026 F-250 SD, about 102,159 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V653000
- Volkswagen, September 30, 2026: 2023 ID.4, 2024 ID.4, 2025 ID.4, 2026 ID.4, about 22,524 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V630000
- Rivian, September 29, 2026: 2027 R2, about 14 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V625000
Questions people ask
Does the lemon law cover electrical problems?
Yes. Electrical problems count under the lemon law like any defect the dealer cannot fix: in most states 3 or 4 repair attempts for the same problem, or about 30 days in the shop, inside the protection period.
Which makes have the most electrical complaints?
Jeep (2,805), Ford (2,714), Hyundai (2,349), for 2021 to 2027 models in NHTSA's files. Big sellers get more complaints, so a count is not a defect rate.
What should I tell the dealer about electrical problems?
Describe what happens (a dead battery, screens that freeze or go black, warning lights, power loss, features that stop working), when and how often, the same way every visit, and make sure it is written on the repair order.
About the data
From NHTSA's complaint files, complaints received 2020 to now for 2021 to 2027 model years, counted by the component the owner named (Electrical System). A complaint can name more than one component. Complaints are what owners report, not findings, and big sellers get more of them. Read on October 26, 2026.
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