Are you tired of dealing with a defective General Motors (GM) car that just won’t run like it should? You might have grounds for a lemon law claim against GM. The Lemon Firm can help. Our team knows how to handle these claims and will take action to defend your rights. We’ll collect important paperwork, speak with the car manufacturer on your behalf, and aim to get you the resolution you need, whether that’s a refund or a new car.
Don’t let a defective car disrupt your life any longer. Contact The Lemon Firm today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on making things right for you.
Recent Recalls That Could Lead To Lemon Law Claims Against General Motors
General motors has issued several important recalls affecting a wide range of vehicles in the past year. These recalls address serious safety concerns, including risks of fire, airbag inflators that could explode, car seat installation issues, and malfunctioning tailgate releases. Here are the details:
GM Recalls Silverado Trucks Over Fire Risk
In April of 2023, GM recalled 40,000 Chevrolet Silverado trucks, models from 2019 or later, because of a potential brake fluid leak that could cause a fire. This issue affected the 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD models. The company found that a brake pressure sensor might allow brake fluid to leak, creating a risk of a short circuit and possibly starting a fire, whether the vehicle was moving or parked. GM has advised owners to park these trucks outdoors until they fix the problem. They have not reported any injuries from this issue.
GM Recalls Nearly 1 Million Vehicles Over Airbag Concerns
In May of 2023, GM recalled nearly one million SUVs, including the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, from the 2014 to 2017 model years. This recall was part of a larger effort to address defective airbag inflators made by ARC Automotive. According to the automaker, these airbag inflators could explode unexpectedly and send shrapnel throughout the vehicle. GM has offered to replace the driver’s airbag module for free. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has linked these defective inflators to at least nine incidents, including two deaths and several severe injuries.
GM Recalls Over 600k SUVs Due to Car Seat Safety Issue
Also in May of 2023, GM recalled more than 660,000 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs from 2020 to 2023 due to a problem with the car seats. The issue involved the rear-seat LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) anchorage bars, which reportedly had too much powder coating and could prevent car seats from being installed properly. Owners were advised to use the car’s seat belts to secure car seats until the anchorage bars were fixed. GM stated it would inspect and, if necessary, replace the finish on the LATCH anchorage bars at no charge. No accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to this issue.
GM Recalls Over 323,000 Pickups Due to Tailgate Problem
Most recently, in February of 2024, GM recalled more than 323,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickup trucks from the 2020 to 2024 model years. The recall was announced because of an issue with the trucks’ electronic tailgate release. According to reports, water can enter the switches and cause the tailgates to open while the trucks are parked, which could lead to unsecured cargo falling out and creating a road hazard. GM advised owners to ensure their tailgates are securely closed before driving and said it would replace the affected switches for free. The company has received complaints about the issue, including one minor injury and three instances of minor property damage.
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
The lemon law in California protects you if you buy or lease a car that turns out to have serious problems the manufacturer can’t fix. It prevents you from getting stuck with a vehicle if it turns out to be defective. If you think your car is a lemon, you might be entitled to a refund or replacement.
Here’s what you need to know about California’s lemon law:
- What Makes a Car a Lemon?: Your car might be a “lemon” if it has a defect that significantly affects its use, safety, or value, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of tries. This means if your car spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, you could qualify for a lemon law claim.
- Vehicles Covered: Lemon law covers new and some used vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. It even includes the “demo” vehicles dealerships let you test drive.
- Qualifying for Lemon Law Claims: To qualify, your car must have a substantial defect covered by the warranty that occurred within a certain time or mileage limit. You must also give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem. If they can’t get it right after several tries, you might have a lemon.
How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Help With Your General Motors Lemon
Dealing with a lemon law claim can feel overwhelming, especially after you’ve already made several fruitless attempts to fix your vehicle’s issue. The good news is that having an experienced lawyer by your side can make all the difference. The skilled attorneys at The Lemon Firm know the ins and outs of California’s lemon law and can take steps to make your claim strong, persuasive, and successful. Our experienced lawyers can assist you with your lemon law claim by:
- Evaluating your case to determine whether it qualifies under lemon law
- Gathering and organizing all necessary documentation and evidence
- Explaining your rights and options under the lemon law clearly
- Communicating with the manufacturer on your behalf, if necessary
- Preparing and filing your lemon law claim in a timely manner
- Negotiating with the manufacturer for a fair settlement
- Representing you in arbitration or mediation sessions
- Preparing and presenting your case in court, if necessary
- Protecting you from unfair practices by the manufacturer
- Maximizing the compensation or remedy you receive
- Handling all legal paperwork and filings
- Coordinating technical inspections or expert testimonies
- Challenging the manufacturer’s defenses against your claim
- Ensuring that any replacement or buyback is fair and lawful
Contact a Los Angeles General Motors Lemon Law Attorneys Today
Fed up with your defective lemon car and looking for help? Reach out to The Lemon Firm now for your free consultation. Our team is eager to hear about your situation, clarify your legal options, and outline how we can assist you.