California RV Lemon Law and Dealer Fraud

Technical Service Bulletin being read by a mechanic.

Auto Recall vs. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): What California Drivers Need to Know

  • IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA DRIVERS

If your vehicle has an open recall, you should read this article before taking it to the dealership. How you report the problem can make or break a potential Lemon Law claim.

Many California consumers are confused about the difference between a recall and a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin). Understanding the difference is critical if your car, truck, or RV is having recurring issues and you’re considering a California Lemon Law claim.

What is a Recall?

  • Mandatory and safety-related: Recalls are issued when a defect poses a safety risk or violates federal safety standards.
  • Authority: Initiated by the manufacturer or ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • Obligation: Manufacturers are legally required to notify owners and provide a free repair, replacement, or refund.
  • Consumer Impact: Recalls apply to all affected vehicles and repairs must be performed at no cost, regardless of warranty status.

Example: The 2022–2023 Toyota Tundra engine recall required Toyota to notify owners and replace defective engines that could fail due to machining debris.

What is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)?

  • Manufacturer’s advisory: A TSB is issued by the manufacturer to dealerships with instructions on how to fix known problems or update repair procedures.
  • Coverage: Repairs are usually only covered if the vehicle is still under warranty.
  • Not safety-related: TSBs typically address defects that don’t rise to the level of a safety recall, though they can still involve serious performance or reliability issues.
technical service bulletin illustration of a mechanic

Your Right to See a TSB

Many consumers don’t realize they have the right to see Technical Service Bulletins related to their vehicle. TSBs are made publicly available through the NHTSA website, and you can search for them by VIN or by entering your vehicle’s make, model, and year. You don’t need to rely solely on your dealership to disclose them.
This is important because:

  • A TSB proves the manufacturer knows about the defect.
  • Dealers may not always volunteer TSB information, especially if your vehicle is out of warranty.
  • Reviewing TSBs helps you stay informed and avoid unnecessary repair costs.

Why the Difference Matters in Lemon Law Claims

  • Recalls = Strong evidence of a defect, but manufacturers are required to repair them quickly and at no cost.
  • TSBs = Can help prove a widespread defect exists, especially if your vehicle has repeated repairs for the same problem.

How to Report a Recall Defect for California Lemon Law Purposes

Under California law, a recall repair is considered prophylactic (as explained in the American Suzuki case). That means it is a preventive measure, not necessarily proof that your specific vehicle experienced the defect.

If you receive a recall notice, here’s what to do:

  • Report the actual defect: Tell the dealership the symptoms you personally experienced (stalling, engine failure, brake issues, etc.).
  • Avoid only mentioning the recall: If you only say you got a recall notice, the repair order may list the visit as a recall campaign rather than documenting a defect-related complaint.
  • Protect your claim: For a successful lemon law case, you need repair orders that show repeated problems with the vehicle. That evidence is much stronger than a recall entry alone.
  • Key Point: Always make sure your repair orders reflect the actual problems you experienced, not just the recall. This ensures you preserve your rights under the California Lemon Law.

Consumer Tip Box: How to Talk to the Dealer

  • Describe symptoms in detail (e.g., “engine stalls at highway speeds”) rather than saying “I got a recall notice.”
  • Ask the service advisor to write your complaint in your words on the repair order.
  • Request a copy of the repair order every time you bring the vehicle in.
  • Keep a personal log of dates, mileage, and issues experienced.

This approach ensures your paperwork documents actual problems, not just a recall campaign, and protects your lemon law rights.

How a TSB Can Help Your Lemon Law Case

  • Proves Knowledge: A TSB shows the manufacturer already knew about the issue.
  • Supports Misrepresentation Claims: If a dealer fails to disclose a TSB that affects your vehicle, you may also have claims for misrepresentation or concealment under California law.
  • Buyback Evidence: When paired with your repair history, a TSB can help establish eligibility for a buyback or replacement under California Lemon Law.
  • Tracks Repairs: If you’ve had multiple unsuccessful repairs under a TSB, it strengthens your lemon law claim.

Which Vehicles Are Most Prone to Recalls?

Recent data shows that some makes and models are far more likely to be recalled than others:

  • Ford – Led U.S. recalls with 94 campaigns, covering more than 5.6 million vehicles.
  • Stellantis (Jeep, Chrysler, Ram) – Nearly 4.8 million vehicles recalled across 72 campaigns.
  • General Motors – Over 597,000 trucks and SUVs recalled in one campaign for engine failures.
  • Toyota & Lexus – Around 94,000 EVs and hybrids recalled for defroster malfunctions.
  • Honda – Consistently in the top tier for recall activity, with millions of vehicles affected annually.
  • Ford F-150 – Multiple recalls tied to fuel pump issues and camera malfunctions.
  • Ram 1500 – Engine and driveline-related recalls.
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (including PHEV models) – Software and hybrid control system failures.
  • Jeep Wrangler – Suspension and steering-related recalls.
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500 – Engine and crankshaft-related recalls.
  • Toyota Tundra – Engine debris defects (2022–2023 models).
  • Honda Accord & Civic – Brake and safety system recalls.
  • Honda CR-V & Pilot – Electrical and fuel pump recalls.
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV (2022–2026) – Nearly 92,000 units recalled for software errors that could cause sudden power loss.
  • Jeep Wrangler (2021–2023) – Suspension weld defects that could cause steering loss.
  • Honda Accord & Civic (2022–2024) – Recalls for defective brake master cylinders leading to reduced stopping power.
  • Honda CR-V Hybrid (2020–2022) – Battery connection recalls due to risk of fire.
  • Toyota, Lexus & Subaru (2023–2025 EVs) – About 94,000 vehicles recalled due to windshield defroster failures affecting visibility.
  • Ford (2025) – 82 separate recalls impacting over 4 million vehicles, including 1.1 million for rearview camera malfunctions.
  • GM (2021–2024 SUVs & Trucks) – Almost 600,000 units recalled for engine defects tied to connecting rod or crankshaft failures.
  • Ford & Lincoln fleet – Over 850,000 vehicles recalled for fuel pump failures that could cause stalling while driving.

What California Consumers Should Do

  • Check your VIN on the NHTSA website for recalls and TSBs.
  • Ask your dealer if any TSBs apply to your vehicle.
  • Keep all repair orders that reference TSBs.
  • Consult a California Lemon Law attorney if repeated repairs fail to resolve the problem.

California recently passed AB 1755, a law that shortens the deadline for filing a Lemon Law claim. Consumers must now file WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE WARRANTY’S EXPIRATION DATE, making timing critical. Delaying could cost you your rights.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Get a FREE Consultation Today

Understanding the difference between a recall and a TSB empowers California consumers to better protect their rights. If your vehicle has recurring issues tied to a TSB or recall, you may qualify for relief under the California Lemon Law. Always check for recalls and TSBs, document your repairs, and seek legal guidance when necessary. For more information and to see if you may have a claim, contact the RV Auto Legal Team.

Serving All of California: Call 1-858-544-2292



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