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Steering problems and the lemon law
Yes. Steering 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. Because steering problems can cause a crash or injury, 19 states need fewer attempts: 14 of them 1, 5 of them 2. Owners filed 6,150 steering complaints with NHTSA for 2021 to 2027 models of 35 makes, 6% of all their complaints.
When steering 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.
- As a safety defect. 14 states presume a lemon after 1 attempt and 5 after 2 for a defect that could cause death or serious injury. By state.
What to tell the dealer
Describe what happens: loss of power steering, a wheel that pulls or wanders, a steering warning, a stiff or loose wheel.
- Stop driving if steering fails, and have the car towed.
- Tell the maker in writing that the defect could cause a crash.
- Keep the tow and rental receipts.
Makes with the most steering complaints
| Make | Complaints | Share of the make's complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | 2,970 | 28% |
| Jeep | 1,014 | 15% |
| Tesla | 889 | 12% |
| Chevrolet | 383 | 4% |
| Acura | 316 | 28% |
| Mazda | 262 | 17% |
| Ram | 248 | 8% |
| Land Rover | 39 | 8% |
| Rivian | 27 | 8% |
| Jaguar | 2 | 4% |
Latest recalls in this area
- Ram, September 29, 2026: 2026 Promaster, 2022 Promaster, 2026 Promaster BEV, 2024 Promaster BEV, about 265,512 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V621000
- Lexus, September 17, 2026: 2026 TX Hybrid, 2026 TX, 2026 RX Hybrid, 2026 RX, about 617 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V598000
- Toyota, September 17, 2026: 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid, 2026 Grand Highlander, about 617 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V598000
- Audi, September 11, 2026: 2021 Q3, about 208,724 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V590000
- BMW, August 12, 2026: 2024 X3, 2025 X3, 2026 X3, about 13 vehicles. NHTSA recall 26V524000
Questions people ask
Does the lemon law cover steering problems?
Yes. Steering 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. Because steering problems can cause a crash or injury, 19 states need fewer attempts: 14 of them 1, 5 of them 2.
Which makes have the most steering complaints?
Honda (2,970), Jeep (1,014), Tesla (889), 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 steering problems?
Describe what happens (loss of power steering, a wheel that pulls or wanders, a steering warning, a stiff or loose wheel), 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 (Steering). 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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