You’re behind the wheel of your GMC and then all of the sudden your engine sputters, the transmission jerks, or the brakes act like they’ve got a mind of their own. You take it to the dealer, thinking it’s a quick fix. One visit becomes three, and suddenly, your dream GMC feels like a money-draining lemon
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of GMC owners across California fight back using the state’s powerful Lemon Law. From Sierras to Hummer EVs, we know the defects plaguing GMC vehicles and how to hold General Motors accountable.
Whether it’s a full refund, a brand-new replacement, or a cash settlement, we’re here to turn your frustration into freedom.
What Makes Your GMC a Lemon Under California Law?
California’s Lemon Law, known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, is your lifeline when your new (or sometimes used) GMC turns out to be a Lemon. It applies to vehicles under warranty with a defect that seriously affects safety, usability, or value and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of tries. Think two to four repair attempts for the same issue or 30+ days in the shop within a year for warranty work.
In 2025, Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755) streamlined the process to get you relief faster. You now need to give GM a 30-day written notice before filing a lawsuit, and claims must resolve within one year of the warranty expiring or six years from delivery, whichever comes first.
If you Bought your GMC before April 1, 2025, older claims may still have a four-year window, so don’t count yourself out. This law covers everything from your Acadia’s electrical system to your Sierra’s engine, as long as the defect isn’t your fault. But Keep those repair receipts, they’re your ticket to a claim.
GMC Models and Defects That Could Mean a Lemon
GMC’s trucks and SUVs are built for California’s toughest roads, but even the best can have bad days. Based from NHTSA complaints, recalls, and owner reports, here are the GMC models and issues that could qualify for a lemon law claim.
GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-2025)
This pickup’s a workhorse, but over 500 NHTSA complaints point to engine and transmission woes. Owners report stalling, harsh shifting, and check-engine lights tied to L87 V8 engines or 10-speed transmissions.
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL (2021-2024)
These SUVs are part of a recall affecting nearly 600,000 GM vehicles, including 82,832 Yukons and 60,933 Yukon XLs, for defective 6.2L V8 engines. Crankshaft and connecting rod failures can cause sudden power loss or engine failure, with over 28,000 field reports and 14,332 propulsion loss cases by early 2025. That’s a safety nightmare on busy freeways like the 405.
GMC Acadia (2019-2024)
This mid-size SUV’s been hit with complaints about brake failures, electrical glitches, and transmission hesitations.
GMC Hummer EV (2024-2025)
The electric powerhouse has faced recalls for faulty motor insulation and software bugs causing power loss. For a vehicle priced over $100,000, that’s a dealbreaker.
Lemon law filings in California surged from 15,000 in 2022 to over 25,000 in 2024, with GM models like these in the spotlight. If your GMC’s repair history is starting to look like a novel, it’s time to call a lawyer.
Common GM Defenses (and How We Answer Them)
- “No fault found.” We line up repeat codes, road-tests, and expert reads of your RO history.
- “It’s normal operation.” We compare TSBs/recalls, symptom timelines, and manufacturer specs.
- “Owner modifications voided coverage.” Aftermarket parts don’t automatically kill claims. California focuses on whether the mod caused the defect. If you’ve customized your GMC, read this article we wrote on the topic.
- “You moved or serviced out of state.” California law can still apply to qualifying vehicles sold/registered here. Learn more in Can You File a Lemon Law Claim After Moving Out of California?.
Why You Need a GMC Lemon Law Lawyer to Fight GM
Going up against General Motors without a lawyer is like trying to go against a giant. GM’s legal team is ready to downplay defects, delay repairs, or offer settlements that barely cover your losses. Without expertise, you could end up stuck with a faulty vehicle or a fraction of what you’re owed.
That’s where our attorneys come in. We know California’s Lemon Law like the back of our hand, from AB 1755’s new 30-day notice rule to the nuances of GM’s warranty fine print.
We’ve taken on GM for clients just like you, delivering:
- Full Buybacks: Your purchase price, minus a fair mileage offset, plus taxes, fees, and loan interest.
- Replacements: A new GMC that actually works, at no extra cost.
- Cash Settlements: Six-figure payouts to make up for your hassle.
Best of all? If we win, GM pays our fees under the Lemon Law so that means no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for you.
Should You Accept a Replacement, Cash Settlement, or Buyback?
Buyback is clean when you’re done with the vehicle and the defect is stubborn. Replacement makes sense if you love the model but not the VIN you own. Cash may work when you want to keep the truck but be compensated for the hassle and loss of value. We’ll walk through pros/cons for your facts and market conditions, including interest rates, trade equity, and delivery timelines. For pitfalls to avoid on the way, see Common Lemon Law Claim Mistakes.
EVs and Software: Special Issues for Hummer EV Owners
Electric GMCs add battery, motor, and software layers. Over-the-air updates don’t reset your lemon clock; they count as repair attempts if they target the same defect. Power-loss incidents, charging faults, HV battery warnings, or thermal events are all material to use, value, or safety. If your Hummer EV has recurring alerts or derates, keep a simple “charging/use” log and ensure each update/repair is captured on the RO. For EV-specific concepts and remedies, see Electric Cars & Lemon Law.
How We Get You Back on the Road
Our process is straightforward, stress-free, and built to get results:
- Free Consultation: Call (213) 927-3700, share your GMC’s repair history, and we’ll tell you if you have a case (no cost, no pressure to you).
- Build Your Case: We’ll help gather repair orders, warranty docs, and any GM correspondence. Every detail strengthens your claim.
- Notify GM: We’ll send the required 30-day notice, giving GM a chance to fix it or face a claim.
- Negotiate or Fight: Most cases settle out of court, but if GM digs in, we’re ready to take it to trial. Our track record speaks for itself.
- Win Big: Whether it’s a buyback, replacement, or cash, we’ll get you the outcome you deserve, often in just 30-60 days.
Don’t Let Your Lemon Sour Your Life! Call West Coast Trial Lawyers Now
Your GMC was supposed to be trusty and reliable, not a constant headache. Every moment you spend dealing with repairs, loaner cars, or GM’s excuses is time you’ll never get back. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’re not just GMC Lemon Law lawyers, we’re your partners in taking back control.
With our transparent fees, 24/7 support, and a proven track record of securing remarkable settlements, we’ve earned our spot as a premier law firm in California. We’ve turned lemon nightmares into stories of triumph, with clients driving away in new vehicles or pocketing checks that let them start fresh.
Don’t let another day go by stuck with a defective GMC. One call to West Coast Trial Lawyers can mean the difference between more shop visits and a resolution that puts you back in the driver’s seat. Dial (213) 927-3700 now for your free consultation, or fill out our contact form to get back what you are owed.
