General Motors is a well-known automobile manufacturer that sells popular brands like Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. Even though it’s a popular choice among car buyers, not all GM car owners have had a good experience with their vehicles. Some GM models have had issues with their engines and other parts, which have led to numerous recalls. Could your newer GM car, truck or SUV be a lemon?
GM’s Surprising Lemon History
GM has produced its share of lemons over its history, but one older GM brand product has the dubious distinction of being such a failure that it directly led to the formation of state lemon laws across the country.
The GM Oldsmobile Diesel V8 engine was fast-tracked into production as a solution to the 1970s oil crisis that sent gasoline prices soaring. This underpowered engine was expected to power full-sized cars; as an example, the Olds Delta 88 weighed 3,600 pounds. Numerous problems surfaced almost immediately. California banned them for the first two years of production and by then, consumers were monumentally dissatisfied. Small wonder that by 1985, GM had eliminated diesel cars from its lineup.
At the time, no state consumer protection laws existed to help buyers get satisfaction. The Federal Trade Commission was overwhelmed with complaints, and GM fended off numerous lawsuits. Eventually, states began passing their own consumer protection laws so buyers could have some recourse after buying a lemon.
Which GM Vehicles Are Lemons?
Today’s GM brands (GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet) are particularly susceptible to lemon law claims, which allow consumers to get a refund or replacement for a defective car. Some of the models most involved in lemon law claims include the GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac STS, Chevrolet Cobalt, and the Chevrolet Equinox. Here are a few examples:
- Chevy Silverado Trucks—These trucks are notorious for transmission problems, electrical problems, poor fuel economy, and more. Their low warranty period also presents problems, as many breakdowns occur just after the warranty ends, leaving consumers bearing the entire cost of repairs.
- 2020-2023 GMC Sierra Trucks – These popular trucks have been reported to have transmission troubles, electrical failures, faulty software, brake problems, AC problems, suspension problems and performance issues that leave many consumers wholly dissatisfied.
- 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade – This high-end SUV was plagued with 10-speed transmission problems, fuel injector defects and other safety defects that sparked numerous recalls. There were similar problems with the same year model Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes.
Many older GM vehicles developed serious issues that prompted lemon law claims, but as you can see from just three examples, newer models are not immune to problems.
What to Do If You Bought a Lemon GM Vehicle
Don’t fret if you suspect your GM car, truck or SUV is a lemon. Take the online Lemon Larry test to see if your defective vehicle qualifies as a lemon. If you qualify, Lemon Larry can connect you with a Lemon Law Attorney near you who can offer advice and guidance. If you bought a lemon, you could receive a refund or a replacement vehicle, and all your legal fees paid! Take the online assessment now!
