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GM Vehicle Problems? You're Not Alone

GM Lemon Law Claims in California

If you’re dealing with a defective GM vehicle in California, you have important legal rights under state and federal warranty laws.

At Mission Law Group, we have successfully represented numerous clients in claims against GM, helping them obtain the compensation they deserve.

Shocking Statistics: GM’s Lemon Law Track Record

Recent data from California courts paints a shocking picture. Here’s what stands out:

  • GM recalled 1.2 million vehicles in 2024 across 22 recalls. (brclegal.com)
  • GM recalled 462,000 trucks and SUVs in 2024 for a transmission defect that could cause rear-wheel lockup. (apnews.com)
  • GM’s 2014 ignition switch recall affected 29 million vehicles and was linked to 124 deaths. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • The NHTSA investigated 870,000 GM vehicles in 2024 after reports of engine failures. (reuters.com)
  • GM owners frequently report transmission failures, engine problems, and electrical issues. (consumeraffairs.com)

If you’re tired of dealing with the same problems, it might not just be bad luck—it could be a lemon. Know your rights.

Common GM Vehicle Issues That Qualify Under Lemon Law

If you’re experiencing any of these recurring problems with your GM vehicle:

  • Transmission failures
  • Engine performance issues
  • Electrical system malfunctions
  • Safety system failures
  • Steering problems
  • Brake system defects
  • Navigation/infotainment system problems
  • Suspension issues
  • Structural defects

You may have a strong lemon law case against GM.

Warning Signs Your GM Vehicle Is a Lemon

Your GM vehicle might qualify as a lemon if:

  • It’s been in the shop 2+ times for the same safety issue
  • You’ve had 4+ repair attempts for any persistent problem
  • Your vehicle has been at the dealership for 30+ days total
  • The problems started while under warranty
  • The issues affect your vehicle’s safety, value, or use

Your Rights Under California Lemon Law

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.2) provides strong protections for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles.

Under this law, GM must either replace your defective vehicle or provide a refund if they cannot repair it after a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period.

You may have a valid lemon law claim if:

  • Your GM vehicle has a substantial defect covered by the warranty
  • The defect impacts the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
  • GM has made multiple unsuccessful repair attempts
  • Your vehicle has been in the repair shop for 30 days or more
  • The problems occurred during the warranty period

Why GM Owners Need to Act Now

  1. California’s lemon law is changing in 2025, potentially reducing consumer protections
  2. GM’s internal policies often resist initial lemon law claims
  3. The manufacturer has an entire legal team – you need someone on your side

What GM Might Tell You – And What You Should Know

Dealing with a problematic GM vehicle can be frustrating, especially when you’re told things like:

“This is normal for your vehicle” 

Reality check: If your car isn’t working properly and it’s affecting how you use it, its value, or your safety – that’s not “normal.” California law protects you against substantial defects, regardless of what’s considered “normal” for that model.

“Just let us try one more repair” 

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to keep giving endless repair chances. Our attorneys understand you have a life outside attempting to get the manufacturer to fix your car. Four (4) times to fix the same problem or being without your vehicle for over 30 days is just plain unreasonable.

“This isn’t a serious enough problem”

Don’t let anyone minimize your concerns. If the problem makes your car less useful, less valuable, or less safe, it could qualify under lemon law – even if the dealership doesn’t think it’s “serious enough.”

“Your modifications voided your rights” 

Not so fast. Unless your modifications actually caused the problem, you still have rights under California’s lemon law. Simple modifications don’t automatically disqualify your claim.

Look, we get it. When you’re told these things by people who seem knowledgeable, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But you have real rights under California law, and we’re here to help you understand and protect them.

The Process Is Simple

We know dealing with a defective vehicle is frustrating and stressful. Here’s our straightforward path to helping you get relief:

  1. Free Case Review
    • We analyze your repair history
    • Review your warranty coverage
    • Explain your options
    • Calculate potential compensation
  2. We Handle Everything
    • All communication with GM
    • Document collection
    • Legal filings
    • Settlement negotiations
  3. You Get Results
    • Vehicle refund or replacement
    • Compensation for expenses
    • Zero out-of-pocket attorney fees

Don’t keep dealing with your defective GM vehicle alone. Contact us for a free consultation – in a successful case the manufacturer pays your legal fees.

Time Limits for Filing Your Lemon Law Claim

While California’s lemon law protections are strong, there are time limits for filing your claim. Generally, you should report problems during your vehicle’s warranty period, though claims can sometimes be filed after warranty expiration if the issues were documented during coverage.

Get Help With Your GM Lemon Law Claim

Don’t continue struggling with a defective GM vehicle. Contact Mission Law Group today for a free consultation about your lemon law rights. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation.

We serve clients throughout California dealing with problematic GM vehicles, including:

  • Cars & SUVs
  • Trucks & Vans
  • Luxury Vehicles
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Contact Us for a Free Case Review

Take the first step toward resolving your GM lemon law claim. Call or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GM models qualify?

In California, any GM vehicle—new or used—that is still under the manufacturer’s warranty may qualify under the state’s Lemon Law if it has substantial defects affecting its use, value, or safety, and if a reasonable number of repair attempts have failed to resolve these issues. This includes models from Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick. Specific models are not predetermined as lemons; rather, qualification depends on the vehicle’s repair history and the nature of its defects.

What if GM already denied my claim?

If GM has denied your Lemon Law claim, you still have options. You can seek legal assistance to pursue your claim further. An experienced Lemon Law attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to ensure you receive the compensation or vehicle replacement you deserve. It’s important to act promptly, as there are time limits for pursuing Lemon Law claims.

How much will this cost me?

Nothing upfront. GM pays all attorney fees in a successful case.

California Lemon Lawyers Near Me

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