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Electric vehicles have come into their own in the past few years. EVs now make up roughly 9 percent of U.S. new vehicle sales, up from under 8 percent in early 2025. That momentum brings both excitement and new headaches for drivers, including battery and safety problems that can leave you stranded at a charger or waiting endlessly at the dealership.
Recent Recalls You Should Know
Several major EV recalls between 2023 and 2025 highlight serious safety and performance risks:
- Hyundai and Kia recalled over 208,000 vehicles because of a transistor flaw in the 12‑volt charging control unit that can lead to drive‑power loss.
- Ford F‑150 Lightning faced multiple recalls for battery fire risks and steering issues.
- Manufacturers, including Mini, Hyundai, Kia, and Ford, have all issued recalls tied to battery and electrical system issues during this wave, but even well-known models aren’t safe from defects.
These aren’t just hiccups—they can affect your safety and your right to a repair or replacement under California’s Lemon Law.
Other Common EV Defects
Not every problem leads to a recall, but many EV owners still deal with frustrating issues that keep coming back. Some of the most common include:
- Battery failure or overheating
- Charging system malfunctions
- Sudden power loss while driving
- Software glitches or frozen touchscreens
- Electrical shorts and warning light problems
- Inconsistent range or charging times
Even if your EV hasn’t been recalled, these kinds of defects can affect your safety, how you use your car, and even its resale value. If the manufacturer can’t fix the problem after a reasonable number of attempts, you may still have a valid Lemon Law claim.
A New Federal Safety Mandate: AEB
In 2023, federal regulators proposed making automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard on all new vehicles by 2029. Most EVs already come equipped with this technology, but a faulty sensor or software glitch can shut the system down and put your vehicle out of compliance. If AEB continues to malfunction after multiple repair attempts, that failure may strengthen your Lemon Law claim.
Does California Lemon Law Cover EV Batteries?
Yes. If your EV’s battery, charging system, or safety feature, such as AEB, is malfunctioning and the problem isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of tries, California’s Lemon Law applies, just as it does to gasoline vehicles. You may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or compensation for attorney fees if we win your case.
Is My EV a Lemon? 5 Things to Consider
- A defect impacts use, safety, or resale value, even if it’s a software glitch or electrical issue.
- You’ve reasonably allowed the manufacturer to fix it (often two or more attempts).
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more days due to the defect.
- You’ve kept complete documentation, including repair records, emails, and service orders.
- The fault remains unresolved despite repeated attempts to repair it.
How We Help You
When your EV keeps failing, we’ll:
- Review your records and repair history
- Handle all communication with the manufacturer
- Push for a fair outcome, whether that’s a refund or replacement
- Represent you at no cost unless we win
From reviewing your service history to handling all communication with the manufacturer, we take care of the process for you. Our goal is to reach a resolution quickly, whether that’s a refund, replacement, or other fair outcome, and you won’t pay us unless we win your case.
We’ve helped EV owners dealing with battery fires, charging failures, software malfunctions, and even high-voltage system recalls. When your EV doesn’t live up to its promise, we make sure your claim does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my EV’s battery overheats repeatedly?
If it affects your safety, use, or trade-in value and persists despite repair attempts, it could qualify under the Lemon Law.
What about software or sensor issues like AEB failure?
Yes. If AEB isn’t working after repair attempts, that counts. It’s a safety system required by federal law, so a fault here is serious.
How many repair attempts count as ‘reasonable’?
There’s no fixed number, but generally, two or more tries on the same issue, or more than 30 cumulative days in repair, strengthen your case.
Do I need all my paperwork?
Absolutely. Keep every repair order, receipt, and communication. These show your full history and help your claim.
Protect Your Rights if Your EV Has Defects
You chose an EV hoping for efficiency, innovation, and cleaner driving, not endless trips to the service shop. With EVs now making up nearly one in ten new cars, and recent recalls spotlighting safety issues, it’s more important than ever to know your rights. If your EV is under warranty and still misbehaves, we’re ready to stand with you.
Contact The Lemon Firm today, and let us help you find a solution that works. You pay nothing unless we win. Call us today for a free consultation.