General Motors Lemon Law Lawyer in California
A titan of the automotive industry, General Motors has been the largest automaker in the United States for decades. Until 2008, it was the world’s largest by total sales, losing that spot to Toyota. Being such a staple on American roads, you’re likely to see a GM brand—those being Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac—just about every day.
If you recently purchased a GM vehicle and have found that it is constantly in the repair shop because of issues that threaten its safety or value, you’re likely wondering if you bought a lemon. At Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP, we understand how stressful it can be to own a lemon. With decades of Lemon Law knowledge and experience, our expert attorneys are here to win you the compensation you deserve.
Is Your GM a Lemon?
No car brand is immune to producing lemons, and all brands are subject to California’s Lemon Laws, which award proper compensation to drivers whose vehicles have unsolvable defects soon after purchase.
If you have a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac and it has spent 30 cumulative days in the repair shop or has been serviced for the same dire issue three or four times while still under warranty, you likely have a lemon and may need to seek legal counsel.
Contact the GM Lemon Law Experts at Golden Lemon For a Free Case Evaluation
Common Lemon Law Defects in GMs
Engine failure.
Your GM vehicle’s engine may be failing if it frequently overheats, sputters, or experiences various electrical issues. Engine failure is a serious defect and is not to be taken lightly, as it can be a great danger to both you and other drivers on the road.
Transmission issues.
Transmission issues tend to plague all kinds of vehicles, and GMs are no exception. Models like the GMC Sierra, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Silverado have been known to suffer from faulty transmissions in the past.
Faulty brake fluid light.
GM trucks and SUVs have been reported as having brake fluid lights that fail to properly inform drivers of the vehicles’ brake fluid statuses. If this light is not working, it can create unsafe conditions in which brakes quickly degrade.
There are numerous other defects that may indicate your vehicle’s lemon status. No matter your vehicle’s defects, it is important to keep track of them and notify your GM dealer. If necessary, seeking legal advice may be recommended.
General Motors Recalls
2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
Some 2020-2023 Equinox and Terrain vehicles are experiencing issues with securing child seats. In the event of a crash, it is imperative that these seats are properly secured.
GM Brake Control Recall
Electronic brake control software may fail to display a warning light if there is a significant loss of brake fluid in several GM models. This defect can cause vehicles to be driven under unsafe conditions, which may lead to brake failure and possible crashes. Affected models include the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade.
2024 Buick Encore GX, Envista, and Chevrolet Trax
The instrument panel on these vehicles may randomly go blank while driving. If this panel is blank, drivers cannot see their vehicle’s speed or warning lights, which may increase the risk of a crash.
General Motors Lemon Law Buyback
If your GM vehicle is found to be a lemon and is still under warranty, you are protected under California Lemon Laws. GM is required to buy your vehicle back from you, and they have to cover any associated costs for things like repairs and license and registration fees. In some cases, you may want a replacement vehicle, and in others, you may simply want your money back.
It is important to know your rights in the buyback process, which is why Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP, is happy to guide you, ensuring that you aren’t being taken advantage of.
If you think you were sold a lemon and aren’t sure how to navigate the buyback process, fill out the form below for a free case evaluation from our experts.
Get Your Free Consultation With a Lemon Law Lawyer in California
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim Against General Motors?
In California, you have four years to file a Lemon Law claim. But the sooner you file, the better your chances are of receiving proper compensation.
The statute of limitations typically starts at the end of the written new car warranty, so don’t wait—if you think you have a lemon on your hands, it’s best to act quickly.
Do California Lemon Laws Apply to Used and Leased Cars?
Yes, California Lemon Laws apply to used and leased cars, but the compensation and requirements may be different. If your vehicle is leased, you can expect to be compensated for the amount you’ve already paid, and the dealer or manufacturer will buy out the remainder of the lease agreement. But if you bought your vehicle with no new vehicle warranty, the Lemon Laws will not apply to that vehicle.
Get Maximum Reward for Your General Motors Lemon
When you bought your GM vehicle, you probably didn’t plan on frequent repair shop visits afterward. If you can’t drive your vehicle without constant defects and malfunctions appearing, you should be entitled to proper compensation. Here at Golden Lemon by Compass Law Group, LLP, we know the frustrations created by lemons and we know how to alleviate those frustrations through the legal process.
Knowing your rights after purchasing a lemon is essential, and our team of Lemon Law experts will make sure you receive fair treatment and the best financial reward possible.
Does Your General Motors Vehicle Qualify?
Discover how much a Lemon Law claim for your faulty GM vehicle could be worth by using our Lemon Law calculator—it only takes two minutes.
GM Lemon Law FAQs
What qualifies my vehicle as a lemon?
Persistent malfunctions damaging the safety or value of your vehicle can qualify it as a lemon. Typically, if your vehicle has spent 30 or more cumulative days in a repair shop or if it has been worked on three or four times because of the same issue while still under warranty, it can qualify as a lemon.
Do leased and used GM vehicles qualify by California Lemon Law?
Yes, both leased and used vehicles qualify under the Lemon Laws so long as they were leased or purchased from a certified dealer and are under warranty.
