Can Software or Electrical Issues Qualify Under Lemon Law?

Modern vehicles run on dozens of interconnected software systems, sensor networks, and electronic control modules. A single glitch can trigger a cascade of problems, from an unresponsive infotainment screen to a malfunctioning braking system, and the frustration of returning to the dealership for the same unresolved issue time and again is a growing reality for Michigan drivers.

The good news is that Michigan’s lemon law does not limit protection to engine failures or transmission defects. Software and electrical issues can qualify too, and understanding how the law applies to these problems puts you in a stronger position to pursue the compensation you deserve. The Liblang Law Firm, P.C. has helped Michigan consumers understand and act on these rights since 1982. Let us represent you in your lemon law claim.

Can Software or Electrical Problems Qualify as Defects Under Michigan’s Lemon Law?

Yes. Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Warranties Act covers any defect or condition that severely impairs the use, value, or safety of a qualifying vehicle. No provision in the law limits protection to mechanical problems. Software and electrical failures are treated under the same legal standard as any other defect.

To qualify, the issue must:

• Substantially inhibit the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
• Persist beyond a reasonable number of repair attempts.
• Be reported to an authorized dealer or manufacturer within the warranty period or within one year of delivery to the original buyer.

A frozen touchscreen that turns off backup camera functionality, for example, directly affects safety. Repeated battery drain that prevents the vehicle from starting affects use. Both can meet the threshold for a lemon law claim.

How Are Sensors, Infotainment Systems, and Battery Issues Evaluated?

Not every software hiccup rises to the level of a qualifying defect. The law requires that the problem substantially impair the vehicle’s operation, safety, or market value. Courts and attorneys look at the nature of the malfunction, how frequently it occurs, and whether it creates a genuine risk of harm or renders the vehicle unreliable.

Common electrical and software-related issues that may qualify include:

• Infotainment failures: Frozen screens, blank displays, Bluetooth disconnections, and navigation system errors, particularly when the infotainment system controls safety features such as backup cameras or collision warnings
• Sensor malfunctions: Problems with lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, or collision avoidance sensors that operate unpredictably
• Battery drain: Repeated parasitic battery drain that leaves the vehicle unable to start, even after multiple dealership repair attempts
• Electronic control module errors: Software faults in the systems that manage engine performance, braking, or stability control

The key question in each case is whether the defect substantially affects how the vehicle functions or how safe it is to drive. Minor inconveniences, such as a navigation app that occasionally loses signal, generally do not meet the standard.

What Repair History Do You Need to Support a Lemon Law Claim?

Documentation is the foundation of any successful lemon law claim, and this is especially true for software and electrical defects. Because these issues can be intermittent and difficult to reproduce in a shop setting, a clear paper trail is your strongest asset.

To support your claim, you should:

• Keep every repair order from each visit to the dealership, noting the date, the reported problem, and what the technician did or did not find.
• Record descriptions of the malfunction as it occurs, including dates, times, and driving conditions.
• Capture photos or videos of the issue whenever possible.
• Save all written correspondence with the dealer and the manufacturer.
• Note any instance where the dealer reported “could not duplicate”; this does not eliminate your legal rights.

Under Michigan’s lemon law, as few as two unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect may be sufficient to support a claim, depending on the circumstances. An attorney at The Liblang Law Firm, P.C. can review your repair history and assess whether your situation qualifies.

How Do Manufacturers Typically Respond to Software-Related Defects?

Manufacturers often respond to software defects through over-the-air (OTA) updates, which deliver remote fixes directly to the vehicle’s systems. While this approach can be convenient, it introduces complications for lemon law claims.

If an OTA update temporarily resolves the problem only for it to return, the repair attempt count may need to restart. If an update introduces new problems, or if repeated updates fail to fix the original issue, those events can factor into a lemon law claim. The legal treatment of OTA updates continues to evolve, and an experienced attorney can help you determine how these factors apply to your specific situation.

Manufacturers may also issue Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), which are communications to dealers about known problems and recommended fixes. If a TSB exists for the software issue affecting your vehicle and the problem persists after repair attempts, that bulletin can serve as meaningful evidence in support of your claim.

Take Action on Your Software or Electrical Lemon Law Claim

Michigan’s lemon law applies to the full range of defects found in modern vehicles, including the software and electrical problems that have become far more common as vehicle technology advances. If your car keeps returning to the shop for the same unresolved issue, you may have a valid claim.

The Liblang Law Firm, P.C. has been protecting Michigan consumers for over four decades. We can review your repair history, assess whether your vehicle qualifies, and pursue the outcome you deserve, whether that is a vehicle replacement, a full refund, or a cash settlement. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.