Nissan Recalls & California Lemon Law
When Nissan recalls affect your vehicle’s safety and performance, you may have legal rights under California’s lemon law. Our experienced attorneys help consumers navigate recall-related issues and pursue compensation.
Understanding Nissan Recalls and Your Rights
Nissan has issued numerous safety recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles across multiple model years. When a manufacturer recalls your vehicle, it acknowledges that a defect exists that could compromise safety or violate federal motor vehicle safety standards. However, recalls don’t always resolve the underlying issues, and some defects persist even after attempted repairs.
Important: California consumers have strong protections under both federal and state lemon laws. If your Nissan continues to experience problems related to a recall—even after repair attempts—you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or full refund.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal lemon law) and California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provide legal remedies when manufacturers cannot adequately repair defective vehicles. These laws apply whether the defect was subject to a recall or not.
Major Nissan Recalls: What You Need to Know
Total Vehicles Recalled
Major Safety Campaigns
Defect Rate (Some Recalls)
LEAF Rear View Camera Failure
Models: 2018-2022 Nissan LEAF (Hybrid Electric)
Production Dates: September 29, 2017 – April 21, 2022
Defect Rate: 100% of affected vehicles
Safety Risk:
Violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 for rear visibility. Reduced rearward visibility increases crash risk, particularly during backing maneuvers.
Warning Signs:
Camera image degradation often occurs gradually, with blurriness or distortion appearing before complete failure. Some drivers may dismiss early symptoms as minor issues.
Parking Pawl Engagement Failure
Models: 2020-2023 Nissan Titan, 2020-2021 & 2022-2023 Nissan Frontier
Defect Rate: 1% of affected vehicles (estimated)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic only
Critical:
This defect provides no warning to drivers. The transmission appears to shift into Park normally, but the vehicle may still roll away.
LEAF Sustained Engine Torque
Models: 2018-2023 Nissan LEAF (Hybrid Electric)
Production Dates: September 29, 2017 – March 15, 2023
Defect Rate: 100% of affected vehicles
No Warning:
This software defect provides no advance warning to drivers and can occur during normal driving operations involving cruise control and drive mode changes.
When Recalls Don’t Fix the Problem
Manufacturers issue recalls to address known defects, but the recall process doesn’t always provide effective solutions. Common issues with recall repairs include:
- Inadequate Remedies: Repair procedures that don’t fully address the root cause of the defect
- Parts Availability: Delays in obtaining proper replacement components, leaving vehicles in unsafe conditions
- Implementation Problems: Dealer service departments may lack proper training or equipment for complex repairs
- Recurring Defects: The same problem reappearing after attempted recall repairs
- New Issues: Additional problems arising from recall repair procedures
Your Legal Rights: If your Nissan experiences ongoing problems related to a recall—even after repair attempts—California law may entitle you to significant remedies including vehicle replacement or full refund plus attorney fees.
California Lemon Law Protection
Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act
California’s lemon law provides robust consumer protection when vehicles cannot be properly repaired. The law applies to both purchased and leased vehicles and covers defects that:
- Substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- Cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts
- Occur during the warranty period
Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
This federal law complements California’s protections and may apply when manufacturers fail to honor written warranties. It often provides additional remedies and can extend the time period for pursuing claims.
Time Limits Apply:
Both federal and state lemon laws have specific timeframes for filing claims. Acting quickly preserves your legal options and strengthens your case.
What You May Be Entitled To:
- Full vehicle replacement with a comparable new vehicle
- Complete refund of purchase price, taxes, and fees
- Reimbursement for incidental expenses (rental cars, towing, etc.)
- Attorney fees and costs (at no expense to you)
How Our Attorneys Help
Navigating recall-related lemon law claims requires specialized knowledge of both automotive defects and consumer protection law. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive representation including:
Case Evaluation and Documentation
- Reviewing your vehicle’s recall and repair history
- Analyzing warranty coverage and applicable legal protections
- Gathering technical evidence of ongoing defects
- Calculating full compensation damages
Manufacturer Negotiations
- Direct communication with Nissan’s legal representatives
- Presenting compelling evidence of warranty violations
- Securing maximum compensation for our clients
- Avoiding lengthy litigation when possible
Litigation When Necessary
- Filing comprehensive lawsuits under state and federal law
- Utilizing expert witnesses to demonstrate defects
- Pursuing all available damages and remedies
- Achieving favorable settlements or trial verdicts
No Upfront Costs: California’s lemon law requires manufacturers to pay attorney fees when consumers prevail. You pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case.
Take Action Today
If your Nissan has been subject to recalls but continues experiencing problems, don’t accept “that’s just how it is” from dealers or service departments. You have legal rights, and acting promptly protects your interests.
Contact us immediately if your Nissan:
- Was subject to any safety recall but problems persist after repair attempts
- Experiences recurring defects in critical safety systems
- Has been in the shop multiple times for the same issues
- Exhibits symptoms described in the recalls above
Our attorneys provide free case evaluations and can quickly determine whether you have viable lemon law claims. We handle cases throughout California and have successfully recovered millions of dollars for consumers dealing with defective vehicles.
Free Consultation
Don’t let your Nissan vehicle problems become your financial burden. Our experienced lemon law attorneys are here to help.
Get Your Free Case Review
Se Habla Español | No consultation cost | Serving clients statewide
