Transmission issues are among the most frustrating and expensive problems a car owner can face, often leading to lemon law claims in California. If you’re dealing with ongoing transmission trouble in your vehicle, the problem may be more than a simple defect; it may be a sign you purchased a lemon.
Below are some of the transmission issues mechanics and lemon law attorneys see most often.
1. Hard Shifting and Gear Slippage
Many lemon vehicles struggle to shift smoothly. Instead of transitioning cleanly between gears, the car may jerk forward, slip into neutral, or refuse to shift at all. Hard shifts can feel abrupt and may worsen as the transmission heats up. Gear slippage is even more dangerous because it can cause your vehicle to lose power in traffic, making everyday driving unpredictable and unsafe.
Whether caused by faulty software or internal mechanical defects, repeated shifting problems are a major red flag. They often appear early and continue even after multiple repair attempts.
2. Delayed Acceleration
Another common symptom in lemon cars is a pause when you press the gas pedal. You may notice the RPMs rise, but the car won’t move immediately. This delay can make turning and highway driving especially risky. In many cases, this type of issue stems from defective transmission control modules and failing clutch components in CVT systems.
3. Overheating Transmission
Some vehicles overheat despite proper maintenance. You might see a dashboard warning light in these circumstances, for instance, or feel the transmission begin to seize. Overheating can lead to complete failure if not corrected, and it often requires extensive repairs.
Common causes of an overheated transmission include:
- Defective cooling lines
- Faulty pumps
- Internal friction due to manufacturing errors
Repeated overheating that still occurs even after the dealership claims it is fixed is a hallmark of a potential lemon.
4. Rough or Noisy Operation
Grinding noises and other similar sounds when accelerating/shifting can signal internal damage. In many lemon vehicles, these noises appear early and worsen over time, still persisting after fluid changes or attempted repairs. Some drivers also report vibration throughout the cabin that corresponds with shifting or cruising at certain speeds.
Many of these sounds point to serious internal defects, and so multiple unsuccessful repair attempts should be taken seriously. They often indicate structural issues the dealer can’t permanently fix, possibly entitling you the right to take legal action.
5. Transmission Failure and Limp Mode
Some cars enter “limp mode,” a safety setting that restricts speed and power to prevent further damage. Others stop accelerating altogether and could stall unexpectedly. Total transmission failure is one of the most severe and costly defects seen in lemon law claims.
A vehicle that repeatedly enters limp mode and that subsequently requires major transmission work within the warranty period may qualify as a lemon under California law.
Contact a Lemon Law Attorney if Your Car Has Transmission Problems
If your car has one or more of these issues and the dealership can’t fix them after reasonable attempts, you may have a lemon law claim on your hands. California’s lemon law can require the manufacturer to repurchase or replace your vehicle, and you may also recover additional civil penalties in some cases.
Further, as the manufacturer must generally pay your attorney’s fees if you win your case, getting legal help usually costs you nothing out of pocket. Call My Lemon Firm today at (844) 40-Lemon or message us online for legal guidance on whether your transmission problems qualify your car as a lemon.