When you buy a new car, it’s only fair that you expect the engine to work correctly. A car’s engine is one of its essential components, and a faulty engine can cause significant safety problems. If your vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty, you may be protected by California’s Lemon Law if the manufacturer cannot fix your engine’s problems after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
But what is engine failure, and how do you know when your vehicle is at risk? Engine failure occurs when a defect or malfunction causes a vehicle’s engine to stop working properly – or at all. Knowing the signs of internal engine damage can help you protect your rights under the California Lemon Law and recognize when to speak to an attorney.
At The Barry Law Firm, our focus on Lemon Law cases makes us ideal advocates in your fight to hold an automaker accountable for engine issues. We’ve exclusively handled Lemon Law cases for 15 years and have helped thousands of California consumers get rid of their defective vehicles. Our skilled team has the experience and resources needed to build a strong Lemon Law claim, and you will never receive a bill from us, regardless of your case’s outcome. Call now for a FAST & FREE consultation.
What Are the Top 10 Signs of Engine Failure?
The 10 most common car engine problem signs are:
- Frequent or recurring check engine light warnings – A check engine light that turns on and does not go away is a serious safety concern. While it can activate for minor issues, such as a loose gas cap, a check engine light often points to more critical engine problems. If the light stays on after repeated trips to the authorized dealership or comes back after repair attempts, it suggests a recurring defect. The check engine light can also flash, potentially indicating a misfire or another urgent issue that could cause long-term damage.
- Stalling while driving – An engine that stalls or shuts off while driving places you in immediate danger. Engine stalling can happen when you accelerate, idle at a stoplight, or even drive at highway speeds. In many cases, the cause relates to fuel injection issues, faulty spark plugs, or problems in the electrical system.
- Knocking or tapping sounds – Unusual engine noises often mean internal components are failing. A knocking sound may come from worn bearings or connecting rods, while a tapping sound can point to problems with valves or lifters. These noises often grow louder as the defect worsens, and they can be more noticeable during acceleration or when the engine is under strain. Any persistent sound that does not go away after repairs suggests an underlying problem that the manufacturer has not resolved.
- Loss of power – A healthy engine delivers consistent acceleration. If your car struggles to speed up, hesitates when merging into traffic, or fails to maintain highway speeds, you may be dealing with a major defect. Loss of power can come from issues with the fuel pump, sensors, ignition coils, or deeper mechanical failures. When these problems keep returning after multiple service visits, it can severely reduce your vehicle’s usability.
- Overheating – Automakers design car engines to run at stable temperatures. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge frequently climbs into the red zone or warning lights often appear, you likely have an overheating problem. This issue may come from coolant leaks, a broken water pump, a defective thermostat, or cracks in the engine block. Overheating not only damages the engine but also creates a high risk of sudden breakdowns on the road.
- Excessive exhaust smoke – Normal exhaust is light and barely visible. Thick smoke in unusual colors signals trouble. Blue smoke often indicates burning oil, black smoke typically points to fuel system problems, and white smoke can mean coolant is leaking into the engine. Persistent smoke usually comes with poor engine performance, unusual smells, or fluid loss. If your car continues to produce heavy smoke after several repair attempts, it demonstrates a serious engine defect.
- Poor fuel economy – When a car suddenly consumes more fuel than usual, the engine is not operating efficiently. You may notice you need to refill more often, even though your driving habits have not changed. This sudden drop in fuel efficiency can result from malfunctioning sensors, clogged fuel injectors, or combustion issues. These defects cost you money over time and reduce the vehicle’s value.
- Unusual vibrations or shaking – A car that vibrates or shakes while idling, accelerating, or cruising at steady speeds often has an engine misfire or a problem with motor mounts. These excessive vibrations may also shake the steering wheel or seats, making the vehicle uncomfortable and difficult to drive.
- Difficulty starting the car – If your car takes longer to start, requires multiple key turns, or refuses to start at all, the problem may come from the ignition, starter, or fuel system. These issues become more serious when they happen repeatedly, as you could become stranded or be unable to rely on your vehicle.
- Burning smells – Strong odors from under the hood often reveal leaks or overheating components. Burning oil produces a sharp, acrid smell, while coolant leaks give off a sweet odor. A rubbery smell may indicate belts or hoses breaking down. Smoke or visible leaks often accompany these odors. If burning smells persist after multiple trips to the authorized dealership, they may indicate that the engine continues to suffer from unresolved defects.
These warning signs of engine failure don’t mean your car automatically qualifies as a lemon. However, if your engine problems come back after the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of opportunities to fix them while under warranty, you may have a Lemon Law claim.
Does My Faulty Engine Make My Car a Lemon?
A faulty engine often points to a serious problem that could make your car a lemon under California’s Lemon Law. To qualify, the defect must significantly affect the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. The issue must also be covered under the manufacturer’s original warranty and have started while the warranty was still active.
The law requires you to give the vehicle manufacturer (usually through an authorized dealership) a “reasonable” number of opportunities to repair the engine. Two or more unsuccessful repair attempts may be enough if the defect poses a safety risk. For less dangerous issues, the manufacturer may have the right to more than two chances. In some cases, a car can qualify if it spends an excessive amount of time in the shop. If your engine problem meets these conditions, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Recurring Engine Failure Issue?
If you face ongoing engine trouble, California’s Lemon Law may entitle you to compensation. When a vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must buy back the car. This buyback includes refunding what you paid for the vehicle and related costs tied to owning it.
A Lemon Law claim may include compensation for:
- The car’s purchase or lease price, including your down payment, monthly installments, and the remaining loan or lease balance
- Collateral charges, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and licensing costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including towing, repairs, and rental cars or other alternative transportation
The state’s Lemon Law also requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney’s fees and legal costs after a successful claim. And at The Barry Law Firm, we never charge our clients anything, regardless of how their case turns out. That means you can pursue a claim without worrying about legal expenses.
A Lemon Law Attorney’s Role in Supporting Your Case
Recurring engine issues often involve complicated warranty details, repeated repair visits, and stubborn manufacturers. A Lemon Law attorney can cut through the jargon and handle the legal details to build a strong case. Instead of arguing with the manufacturer or their authorized dealership on your own, you benefit from working with someone who knows how California’s Lemon Law works and how to enforce your rights.
Some steps a Lemon Law attorney can take on your behalf include:
- Reviewing your warranty, purchase, and repair records to determine whether your car qualifies as a lemon
- Organizing evidence from the authorized dealership, including repair orders and service histories
- Identifying patterns in your engine problems that show the defect impacts your car’s safety, use, or value
- Calculating the full amount of compensation available to you, including incidental costs like towing or rental fees
- Communicating with the manufacturer to push for a resolution without forcing you to deal with them directly
- Negotiating for a settlement or filing a lawsuit in court if the manufacturer refuses to make a fair offer
- Challenging any attempts by the manufacturer to deny your claim or reduce your financial recovery
The Barry Law Firm Is Ready to Fight for You
It’s reasonable to expect your car’s engine to work consistently. We understand how incredibly frustrating – or even frightening – it can be when your engine repeatedly fails, making your car unsafe, unreliable, or completely inoperable. If your car has a serious warranty-covered engine defect that the manufacturer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, The Barry Law Firm can help you hold the automaker accountable – at no cost to you. Call now or complete our contact form for a FAST & FREE consultation to learn more.
