Cadillac has long marketed its vehicles as both luxurious and cutting-edge, and the company prices its offerings to match. Unfortunately, many Cadillac owners have dealt with significant defects and safety issues in recent years. These problems are not only aggravating—they’re also downright dangerous.
It’s frustrating to discover that your luxury Cadillac is a lemon, but you should know that you may have the right to compensation under the California Lemon Law. CCA – The Lemon Firm routinely handles Lemon Law claims involving Cadillacs, and we can help you hold the company accountable for selling you a defective car. We know you’re angry and want justice, and we want to help you get it. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
What Is the California “Lemon Law”?
The California Lemon Law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease consumer goods, including cars. Under this law, every consumer product sold in the state comes with an implied warranty that it is fit for its intended use and matches the quality level of similar items in the market. This means if your car doesn’t perform as expected, its retailer or manufacturer has to correct the problem—and if they can’t, they need to compensate you accordingly.
That said, there are specific conditions you must meet to file a claim under the Lemon Law. The primary requirement is that the issue must fall within the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. Therefore, problems related to aftermarket parts or modifications don’t qualify. Additionally, the law says you must give the manufacturer or retailer a “reasonable” number of chances to fix the defect before a vehicle can be officially labeled a lemon. Depending on the nature of the defect, “reasonable” likely means between two and three attempts. If you settle your case or win a jury trial the automaker will have to repurchase the vehicle or pay you a cash settlement to keep the collateral. (https://thelemonfirm.com/how-a-lemon-law-buyback-is-calculated). You might also qualify for additional compensation through a civil penalty against the dealer or manufacturer.
When Is a Cadillac a “Lemon” According to the Song-Beverly Act?
A Cadillac, or any other vehicle, is considered a “lemon” under the California Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act when it meets certain criteria. First, the vehicle must have a defect or nonconformity that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. This defect must be covered by the manufacturer’s express warranty. Second, the manufacturer or authorized dealer must have made a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect, typically defined as:
- Three or more attempts for the same issue; or
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 or more days.
If the manufacturer fails to repair the defect after these reasonable attempts, the Cadillac owner may be entitled to a refund or replacement of the vehicle. It is important to note that the defect must occur within the terms of the express warranty, and the repair attempts must be made within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first. If your Cadillac meets these requirements, you may have a valid lemon law claim under the Song-Beverly Act.
Known Issues and Recalls with Cadillacs
Cadillac has issued several recalls in recent years to address known defects and safety issues.
As part of a broader GM recall in September 2019, Cadillac recalled a large number of Escalade SUVs from model years 2015-17. Cadillac issued the recalls because oil leaks in the Escalades’ vacuum assist pump created a build-up sludge that could impede the brake mechanism, preventing drivers from slowing down and stopping safely.
In September 2023, Cadillac issued a recall for certain Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles from the 2023 model year. The problem involved suspension bolts that were not properly heat-treated. These bolts could weaken and fail, causing alignment issues with the vehicles’ rear wheels that could lead to an accident.
In October of the same year, Cadillac recalled a number of 2024 XT5 and XT6 crossovers. These vehicles did not have the proper windshield sealant to attach the windshield to the body of the car. Without the correct sealant, the windshield is much more likely to detach in a crash, potentially leading to severe injuries.
What To Do if Your Cadillac Is a Lemon
Discovering that your Cadillac may be a lemon due to recurring defects is a frustrating experience. However, there’s a clear path forward to address these issues under California’s Lemon Law. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
- Give the Dealer Opportunity to Fix the Issue: The Lemon Law gives sellers and manufacturers a reasonable opportunity to fix the vehicle before they have to buy it back or replace it.
- Document the Issue: Take notes of all repair attempts, including dates, descriptions of the problems, and the outcomes of each repair visit. Keep these in a file with your purchase or lease agreement and any correspondence with the manufacturer or dealer.
- Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Consider seeking legal advice from a law firm experienced in Lemon Law cases to understand your rights and next steps.
How We Can Help with Your Cadillac Lemon Law Claim
The Los Angeles Lemon Law attorneys at CCA – The Lemon Firm understand the challenges you face with a defective Cadillac, and we’re here to help. Our team has a proven track record of getting clients like you the compensation they deserve under consumer protection laws.
We’ll handle all the legal heavy lifting, from filing the necessary paperwork to negotiating with the manufacturer on your behalf. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether it’s a replacement vehicle, a buyback, or compensation for your troubles. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on your claim today.