“Built Ford Tough.”
“Go Anywhere. Do Anything.”
“The best or nothing.”
Do these phrases sound familiar? They’re the slogans for Ford, Jeep, and Mercedes, respectively. More than pretty words, they’re promises made to attract and retain potential customers. But not every vehicle measures up to its maker’s expectations.
If you purchased a vehicle that didn’t live up to its promise, you’re not alone. Every year, approximately 150,000 California consumers unknowingly purchase lemons — or cars that fail to meet manufacturer standards. While you can’t predict whether your dream car will turn out to be a lemon, you can consider an automaker’s reputability and manufacturing track record to make educated purchasing decisions.
In this guide, we will review recent lemon car trends to inform predictions about which vehicles to avoid in 2025. If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, you can use this research to steer yourself toward a smart decision.
What is a Lemon Car?
A lemon car is any vehicle exhibiting irreparable defects that impact its drivability, value, or safety. If you inadvertently purchased a lemon, you may be eligible for compensation. According to California’s lemon laws, if the manufacturer cannot repair the defective vehicle after multiple repair attempts, you are entitled to a full refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.
California’s lemon law applies to cars, motorcycles, trucks, and even used or leased vehicles. Your vehicle must be under warranty to qualify for lemon law protection, as the warranty establishes the manufacturer’s legal obligation to address defects and malfunctions.
Some examples of common lemon car defects include:
- Engine problems
- Faulty brake systems
- Transmission issues
- Coolant and oil leaks
- Steering system malfunctions
Manufacturers With the Most Lemon Law Claims in Recent Years
Certain manufacturers had a statistically high number of reported lemon cars in 2024. While not all of their models were problematic, some demonstrated repeated issues. Below is a list of manufacturers with the most lemon law claims and vehicle recall cases in 2024:
Ford
- Critical transmission system breakdowns affected Ford’s flagship vehicles — including the Explorer SUV and F-150 pickup. Some owners reported sudden gear slipping and even complete transmission failure.
- Widespread electronic malfunctions caused infotainment blackouts, navigation system crashes, and dashboard display glitches.
Chevrolet
- Severe engine performance issues were reported with the popular SUV lineup, with documented cases of excessive oil consumption and persistent overheating.
- Dangerous brake system deficiencies were exhibited in certain Silverado trucks — including premature brake pad wear and slowed stop times.
Jeep
- There were transmission engagement problems in certain Cherokee models that resulted in compromised gear shifting.
- Some Wranglers experienced electrical system failures that affected power windows, instrument panel functionality, and even the ability to start the vehicle.
Tesla
- Software failures caused mid-drive touchscreen blackouts, temporarily disabling critical vehicle functions and display information.
- There were reported cases of manufacturing consistency issues, resulting in improperly aligned body panels, inconsistent paint application, interior trim separation, and poorly sealed components.
Subaru
- Certain 2010-2015 Impreza, Outback, and Legacy models experienced premature Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) deterioration, resulting in jerky acceleration, transmission shudder, and even complete transmission failure.
- Structural weaknesses in Forester’s conventional four-speed automatic transmission led to similar issues.
Mercedes
- Certain 2016-2020 GLC models experienced unpredictable exterior/interior lighting failures, touchscreen system crashes, and air suspension collapse.
- A safety-critical software defect triggered a major recall of over one million late-model A-Class, CLA, and GLA vehicles when electrical system malfunctions disabled power steering assistance, compromised brake performance, and prevented proper airbag deployment during collisions.
Our 2025 Predictions
As we look ahead, several concerning patterns have emerged that potential car buyers should be aware of:
- Tech-Related Defects Will Dominate Complaints
The increasing complexity of vehicle software systems will likely create a new generation of lemon cars. We expect to see widespread issues with digital dashboard malfunctions, connectivity failures between smartphones and vehicles, and problematic over-the-air updates that may inadvertently introduce new bugs while attempting to fix others.
- EVs Will Face Unique Challenges
As more electric vehicles enter the market, battery degradation issues, charging system failures, and power management software glitches will lead to continued consumer frustration. Early adopters may find themselves caught in the growing pains of rapidly evolving technology.
- Transmission Problems Will Persist
Despite years of engineering refinements, we expect transmission issues to remain a primary source of vehicle recall and lemon law claims, particularly in vehicles using CVTs and complex multi-speed automatic transmissions designed for fuel efficiency.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Ongoing global supply chain disruptions may force manufacturers to use alternative components or rush production, leading to quality control issues. Vehicles manufactured during supply chain crises may show higher defect rates as they age.
- Legacy Issues Will Continue
Several manufacturers will likely continue struggling with unresolved problems from previous model years. Ford’s transmission issues, Tesla’s build quality concerns, and Mercedes-Benz’s electrical system problems may persist in new models despite redesigns.
- Increased Regulatory Scrutiny
With more attention on automotive safety and reliability, we anticipate stricter enforcement of lemon laws nationwide, making it potentially easier for consumers to seek compensation for defective vehicles.
For those considering a vehicle purchase in 2025, we recommend:
- Extensively researching manufacturer reliability and history
- Waiting several months after a new model launch before purchasing
- Examining warranty coverage for new technology components
As always, if you find yourself with a potential lemon, document all issues meticulously and know that legal options are available.
Contact Golden Lemon to speak with a Lemon Law Lawyer Today
Don’t let a defective vehicle slow you down. If you’re experiencing irreparable vehicle problems, you may have purchased a lemon. A lemon law lawyer from Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP is here to help.
As California’s most experienced team of lemon law attorneys, we’ve successfully handled thousands of lemon law claims. We’re ready to put our expertise to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will defend your consumer rights. Get compensated for the automaker’s mistakes and start driving again with confidence.
