GM Lemon Law Lawyer in Los Angeles, California

General Motors (GM) is one of the world’s largest and most well-known automobile manufacturers. With a long history dating back to 1908, GM has built a reputation for producing iconic American vehicles like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. While GM strives to maintain high standards of quality and reliability, there are unfortunate instances where defects slip through, resulting in what are known as “lemon” vehicles under California law. If you have purchased or leased a defective GM vehicle in California, it is important to understand your rights and options under the state’s lemon law.

Get in touch with Bohloul Law, APC to discuss your options with a GM lemon.

What is the California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that turn out to have chronic defects or problems that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. Under this law, if the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility is unable to fix a warrantied defect after multiple attempts, the consumer may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or other compensation.

To qualify as a “lemon” under California law, the vehicle must meet certain criteria:

• It must have been purchased or leased in California
• The defect must be covered under the manufacturer’s express warranty
• The defect must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
• The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the issue (typically 2-4 attempts or +30 days out of service)

If your GM vehicle meets these qualifications, you may have a valid lemon law claim and should consider contacting an experienced GM lemon law attorney to discuss your case.

To get a better understanding on what legal options you have, call Bohloul Law, APC to set up an initial consultation.

Common GM Vehicle Defects

While any vehicle can potentially have issues, there are some models and defects that are more commonly seen in GM lemon law cases. Some of the GM models that have been known to experience chronic problems include:

• Chevrolet Bolt – Battery fires, loss of propulsion
• Chevrolet Camaro – Transmission problems, electrical issues
• Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon – Power steering loss, transmission failure
• Chevrolet Corvette – Engine problems, faulty electronics
• Chevrolet Cruze – Engine fires, coolant leaks, transmission issues
• Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain – Engine problems, timing chain failure
• Chevrolet Malibu – Engine stalls/shutoffs, transmission failure
• Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra – Excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, steering issues
• Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia – Transmission failure, power steering loss

Some other common defects seen across various GM models include:

• Faulty airbags that fail to deploy or deploy without warning
• Electrical problems causing stalling, power loss, or fire risk
• Premature brake wear or brake failure
• Check engine light indicating emission control issues
• Defective fuel pumps or high-pressure fuel pumps
• Infotainment system glitches or failures
• Paint defects causing premature rusting or peeling

If you have experienced any of these or other chronic issues with your GM vehicle that the dealer has been unable to resolve, you should document all repair attempts and consider consulting with a lemon law attorney to evaluate your potential claim.

Recent GM Recalls

In addition to individual lemon law cases, GM has also had to issue several major recalls in recent years due to safety defects discovered in various models. Some of the largest and most notable GM recalls include:

• In November 2020, GM recalled vehicles due to faulty Takata airbags that could rupture and spray metal shrapnel, a defect linked to at least 18 U.S. deaths. Models affected included the 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and Avalanche; GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade; the 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT; and the 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.
• In July 2021, GM recalled Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to potential battery fires, warning owners to park them outdoors away from buildings. The defect was traced to faulty LG batteries, which led GM to halt bolt production while developing diagnostic software and replacement battery modules. The recall covered the 2017-2022 model years and cost GM $1.8 billion.
• In August 2021, GM recalled vehicles for faulty airbags that might fail to deploy in a crash. The recall affected the 2021-22 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500; 2021-22 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500; 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500, 6500; and 2022 GMC Sierra 4500, 5500 6500 trucks. No accidents or injuries were reported.
• In March 2022, GM recalled small SUVs in the U.S. due to headlight glare that could partially blind oncoming drivers, increasing crash risk. Models included 2010-2017 GMC Terrain built before 2017 and 2012-2016 Buick Verano. The issue was caused by the headlight housings not allowing adjustment to proper aiming.
• In April 2022, GM recalled vehicles due to faulty windshield wipers that could fail in heavy snow. The recalled models were 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain compact SUVs. The defective ball joints in the wiper modules could wear out from heavy use, especially in areas of frequent substantial snowfall.

While a recall on your specific vehicle does not automatically mean you have a lemon law case, it can provide supporting evidence if you experience ongoing problems related to the recall that remain unresolved after repair attempts. An experienced lemon law attorney can advise you on how a recall may impact your claim.

What to Do if You Have a Defective GM Vehicle

If you suspect your GM vehicle may qualify as a lemon under California law, it is important to take timely action to protect your rights. Here are some key steps to take:

• Keep detailed records of all problems you experience with the vehicle and all repair attempts made by the dealer, including dates, mileage, and specifics of the issue and repairs.
• Give GM a reasonable number of opportunities to fix the defect (typically two to four times, depending on severity) while the vehicle is under warranty.
• If repair attempts are unsuccessful, notify GM in writing of the problem and your desire for a refund or replacement under the lemon law.
• Consult with a lemon law attorney experienced in GM cases to evaluate your claim and advise you on the next steps. Look for a firm that offers free case reviews.
• With legal representation, you can file a lemon law claim against GM and seek compensation, such as a complete refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
• Be prepared to present evidence of the defect, warranty, repair attempts, and damages, and negotiate with GM’s attorneys to resolve your claim fairly.

While the lemon law process can seem daunting, with proper guidance from an experienced attorney, you can assert your rights and obtain the relief you are entitled to. Lemon law firms like Bohloul Law, APC, have vast knowledge in taking on auto giants like GM and have a track record of success in getting compensation for clients.

Contact Us Today

If your GM vehicle has left you stranded with repeated defects and failed repair attempts, know that you are not alone and that you have rights under California’s lemon law. With the help of a skilled lemon law attorney, you can hold GM accountable and get back on the road with a safe, reliable vehicle.

At Bohloul Law, APC, we have vast experience in GM lemon law cases and have successfully resolved claims involving a wide range of defects across GM’s lineup. We are dedicated to fighting for consumer rights and take pride in providing personalized, accessible legal services. Call us today at (310) 525-5116 to get started.