GM Lemon Law

GM is the largest of the three American automakers in Detroit, and the company is known for tough trucks and SUVs, sporty economy vehicles, and family sedans. Long considered a leader in safety and reliability, GM promises the very best. That’s why it’s a bitter disappointment when you discover your GM vehicle has mechanical or electrical problems that mechanics are unable to fix.

If you find yourself in this situation, a GM lemon law attorney may be able to help.

Some recent GM models have been plagued with transmission problems, and the company has been hit with a large number of lemon law claims over these issues. Fortunately, California’s lemon law is among the most consumer-friendly in the nation; if you have a defective GM vehicle on your hands, you have a good chance of securing a refund or replacement vehicle from the company.

The GM lemon law attorneys at Neale & Fhima are familiar with these kinds of lemon law claims, and we can file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Is Your GM a Lemon?

We know that you were excited when you purchased your GM vehicle. Whether it’s a Chevy Volt, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra, or Buick LaCrosse, a GM vehicle is a big investment that you should be able to rely on for years to come.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is my GM a lemon?” — here’s how you can tell. A “lemon” is a truck, car, or SUV that doesn’t function properly despite a reasonable number of repair attempts by the dealer or manufacturer. Nearly every type of vehicle problem can fall under the scope of the California  lemon law.

Whether it has a malfunctioning transmission, a defective engine, a dysfunctional navigation system or radio, or another type of mechanical or electrical problem, a GM vehicle may qualify as a lemon under the California lemon law as long as its issue is covered by warranty..

To determine whether you have a GM lemon law claim, find out whether your vehicle was repaired under General Motors’ warranty. If it was, you’re on the right track. If you purchased a used vehicle, the California lemon law may still apply.. To bring a lemon law claim, you will need one of three specific warranties (outlined below). Before becoming eligible to file a claim, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your vehicle repaired. Find out more in Do You Have a Lemon?

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you are legally entitled to a refund if you purchase a defective GM vehicle. Alternatively, you can choose to receive a replacement vehicle at GM’s expense. However, you must prove that it’s a lemon according to legal guidelines, and that’s where a skilled GM lemon law Lawyer can help. If it turns out that you do have a GM lemon, you can either (1) have General Motors repurchase or replace your vehicle or (2) negotiate a cash settlement with GM. In cases involving buybacks or settlements, you may also be entitled to recover other costs related to your case, such as for towing or rental cars. Find out more in What to Do if You Have a Lemon.

How Does a GM Lemon Law Buyback Work?

First, the GM lemon law in California states that your GM car or truck must have “nonconformities,” defined as any defect or malfunction covered by General Motors’ warranty. A defect must compromise the vehicle’s safety, use, or value in order to be covered by California’s GM lemon law.

Common lemon law defects include:

• Electrical malfunctions.
• Poor acceleration.
• Braking problems.
• Radio/navigation/Bluetooth issues.
• Dysfunctional air conditioning.
• Steering issues.
• Engine and transmission malfunction.

So, how does a GM lemon law buyback work?

To prevail in a GM lemon law claim, you must show that you made a reasonable number of attempts to have a dealership or mechanic repair your vehicle. That’s why it’s important that you keep all receipts, work orders, and used parts from each one of your repair appointments. State law does not precisely define a “reasonable number of attempts,” but there are some guidelines:

• A minimum of two repairs attempted for a defect that could lead to death or serious injury. OR
• At least three repair visits for defects that impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Furthermore, the defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value or safety to you and to a reasonable person in your position. As you can see, you must meet several specific qualifications to file a GM lemon law claim. Find out more in The Lemon Law Claims Process.

If your attorney can prove all these things, then General Motors can be forced to buy back your GM lemon. You want to hire a smart and tough GM lemon law attorney to represent you to accomplish this. Neale & Fhima has a 99% record of success in GM lemon law cases!

Why Choose Neale & Fhima, GM Lemon Law Attorneys

When navigating the complexities of lemon law cases, having a seasoned legal team by your side can make all the difference. Neale & Fhima is a leader in lemon law, offering clients exceptional expertise and dedication.

Focus on GM Lemon Law Cases

Our GM lemon lawyers focus on cases involving General Motors vehicles. Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of GM’s warranty policies, repair procedures, and the nuances of lemon law statutes, allowing us to provide targeted and effective legal counsel.

Negotiation and Litigation Expertise

Our California lemon law attorneys are skilled negotiators who can work with GM and their legal representatives to reach a fair settlement. If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory result, we will take your case to court and advocate vigorously on your behalf. Our ability to navigate negotiation and litigation processes ensures you have the best possible chance of a successful resolution.

Resources and Technology

Our GM lemon law lawyers leverage cutting-edge technology and extensive resources to build strong cases. We have access to expert witnesses, advanced research tools, and a network of professionals in the automotive industry.

Proven Track Record of Success

We have established ourselves as a formidable force in lemon law litigation through notable victories and favorable settlements. Our impressive history of accomplishments is a testament to our unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Will GM Buy Back My Car?

You must prove your GM vehicle is a lemon before General Motors will buy it back. If you purchased the vehicle new, then the original manufacturer’s warranty must have been in effect at the time of the attempted repairs. If you purchased the vehicle used and the original factory warranty had expired by the time of the repair attempts, then you must have one of three specific warranties to be covered by the GM lemon law. These include:

• Transferred New Car Warranty
• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty
• Lemon Law Buyback Warranty.

A skilled California lemon law attorney can help you determine whether your used GM vehicle has one of these qualifying warranties.

Neale & Fhima GM lemon law attorneys work on contingency, which means that we don’t get paid until you get paid. In successful cases, manufacturers must generally pay our fees as part of the settlement agreement or jury award. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe us anything.

How Can Neale & Fhima Help You With Your Lemon Law Case?

Here are some ways Neale & Fhima can assist you with your lemon law case:

• Case evaluation: We will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine its viability. This includes reviewing the details of your situation, examining warranty documents, and assessing the history of repairs and complaints related to your GM vehicle.
• Legal strategy: Based on our assessment, we will develop a tailored legal strategy to maximize the chances of a successful resolution. This may involve negotiation with the manufacturer, a lawsuit filing, or the pursuit of alternative dispute resolution methods.
• Advocacy and representation: Our GM lemon law lawyers will advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process. We will represent you in negotiations with the manufacturer and, if necessary, in court. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your GM lemon law case.
• Access to experts: We have access to a network of experts in the automotive industry who can provide valuable insights and testimony to support your case. These experts can help strengthen your position and provide authoritative opinions on technical matters.

GM Lemon Law FAQs

How long do I have to file a GM lemon law claim in California?

The statute of limitations for filing a GM lemon law claim in California is generally four years from the date the consumer knew or should have known the vehicle was a defect. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with all deadlines.

What should I do if I suspect my GM vehicle is a lemon?

If you suspect your GM vehicle is a lemon, you should keep detailed records of repair attempts, including invoices, work orders, and correspondence with the dealership. You should also contact an attorney experienced in lemon law cases for guidance.

What remedies are available under the GM lemon law?

The remedies available under the GM lemon law may include a refund of the vehicle’s purchase price, a replacement vehicle, or monetary compensation. You will get the chance to choose your preferred remedy if your case is successful.

Is arbitration required before filing a lemon law lawsuit in California?

Manufacturers often encourage lemon law claimants to participate in arbitration, but there is no rule compelling you to do this. We generally advise our clients to opt for litigation instead, as it’s easier to win cases this way.

Contact a GM Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you have a defective General Motors vehicle, you should talk to one of our GM lemon law attorneys today. Call Neale & Fhima at 888-407-2955 for a free consultation. We’re here to help.