Chevrolet Lemon Law Lawyer

Owning a Chevrolet should mean reliable performance, whether you’re cruising in a Camaro or commuting in an Equinox. But when your Chevy keeps breaking down despite multiple repair attempts, you may be stuck with a lemon. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Chevrolet Lemon Law Attorneys are here to fight for California drivers. Helping you secure the refund, replacement, or cash settlement you deserve under California’s consumer protection law

What Chevrolet Owners Need to Know California’s Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects buyers and lessees of new, used, or certified pre-owned Chevrolet vehicles still under a manufacturer’s warranty. If your Chevy has persistent defects that affect its safety, functionality, or value, and General Motors (GM) or its dealerships can’t fix the issue after a reasonable number of tries, you may qualify for:

• A full refund of your purchase price, including down payments and monthly payments (minus a mileage offset).
• A comparable replacement vehicle.
• A cash settlement to cover your inconvenience and losses.

Lemon Law claims have seen a sharp rise across California in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 22,000 cases were filed, with projections suggesting that number will exceed 25,000 in 2024. With GM issuing multiple recalls for Chevrolet vehicles in 2024–2025, now is the time to understand your rights.

Common Chevrolet Defects That May Qualify as Lemons

Based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data and consumer reports, here are some frequent problems reported by Chevrolet owners in California:

• Transmission Failures- Owners of Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban models (2020–2024) report jerky shifting, hesitation, or sudden power loss due to faulty 8-speed or 10-speed automatic transmissions. A 2024 recall addressed control valve failures causing rear wheel lock-up, affecting 90,000 vehicles.
• Engine Issues- The 6.2L V8 L87 engine in 2021–2024 Silverado and Tahoe models has been linked to catastrophic failures due to defective lifters or bearings, leading to sudden stalling. NHTSA is investigating 877,710 GM vehicles for engine seizure risks.
• Electrical Malfunctions- Infotainment glitches, faulty wiring, and battery drain issues plague models like the Equinox and Malibu, with some owners reporting blank screens or false check-engine warnings.
• Brake System Defects- 2020–2024 Silverado 2500HD/3500HD and Colorado models faced recalls for brake software failures, reducing stopping power and increasing crash risks.
• Airbag Problems- 2022 Silverado 1500 models were recalled for non-deploying airbags due to a sensing diagnostic module issue, posing serious safety risks.
• Structural Concerns- 2024 Silverado models were recalled for roof panel joint splits, compromising vehicle integrity.
• Fuel System Failures- Certain Silverado dual fuel tank models faced recalls for collapsing tanks, causing engine stalls.

These issues, if unresolved, can qualify your Chevrolet as a lemon, especially if they persist after multiple repair attempts. Our team at West Coast Trial Lawyers has seen a surge in Chevrolet-related claims, particularly for Silverado and Equinox models, reflecting their high sales and reported defects.

Is Your Chevrolet a Lemon? Key Signs to Watch For

Under California’s Lemon Law, a vehicle may be considered a lemon if it meets these criteria during the warranty period (typically 3 years/36,000 miles for Chevrolets):

• Safety-Related Defects: Issues like brake or airbag failures that pose a risk of injury or death, unresolved after 2 repair attempts.
• Non-Safety Defects: Problems affecting use or value (e.g., transmission or electrical issues), unresolved after 4 repair attempts.
• Extended Downtime: Your Chevy spends 30 days or more in the shop for warranty repairs, even for multiple issues.
• Warranty Coverage: The defect was reported while under GM’s warranty.

Pro Tip: Save all repair orders, invoices, and dealership communications. These records are your strongest evidence when building a lemon law case. In 2025, over 70% of successful lemon law claims in California relied on detailed repair documentation.

Chevrolet Models Most Likely to Face Lemon Law Claims

Chevrolet’s  lineup includes some of America’s best-selling vehicles, but certain models have drawn attention for reliability issues. Based on 2024–2025 NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints, here are key models to watch:

Chevrolet Silverado (2019–2025)

This flagship pickup has faced multiple recalls for transmission, brake, and engine issues. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Silverado a reliability score of 13/100, one of the lowest in its class, with 35% of owners reporting major defects like excessive engine vibrations or faulty tailgates.

Chevrolet Equinox (2018–2025)

This compact SUV has been flagged for engine oil consumption, piston ring failures, and electrical glitches A 2025 recall for 2,890 Equinox EVs cited defective adaptive cruise control software.

Chevrolet Bolt EV (2017–2022)

Recalled for battery fire risks affecting 142,000 units, the Bolt EV has also faced complaints about electrical system failures.

Recent NHTSA data shows GM recalled over 449,000 vehicles, including Silverado and Tahoe models, in September 2024 for brake control module software issues that failed to display warning lights during fluid loss. These recurring defects highlight why Chevrolet owners are increasingly turning to lemon law protections.

How California’s Lemon Law Protects Chevrolet Owners

Filing a lemon law claim against General Motors can feel like a big task, especially without legal help, but the process is straightforward. Here’s how it works:

• Document the Defect: Report issues to your Chevrolet dealership and request warranty repairs. Keep detailed records of all visits and communications.
• Give GM a Fair Chance: The law requires GM to have a reasonable number of repair attempts (2 for safety issues, 4 for non-safety issues).
• File Your Claim: If repairs fail, our attorneys can file a claim against GM, seeking a buyback, replacement, or settlement.
• Secure Your Remedy: Successful claims often result in a refund, new vehicle, or cash compensation, with GM covering your legal fees.

Time Limits for Filing a Chevrolet Lemon Law Claim

Under the Song-Beverly Act, you generally have 4 years from when you noticed or should have noticed the defect to file a claim, often tied to the vehicle’s delivery date. For vehicles delivered after April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 1755 shortens this to 1 year after the warranty expires or 6 years from delivery, whichever comes first. Acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your case, especially with GM’s push to expedite claims under AB 1755, which may limit filing windows.

Why You Need a Chevrolet Lemon Law Attorney

Taking on General Motors without legal expertise is a heavy task. GM’s legal teams are skilled at minimizing claims, often delaying or denying valid cases. Our Chevrolet Lemon Law Attorneys at WCTL level the playing field by:

• Evaluating your case for free
• Collecting evidence, including repair records and recall notices, to build a compelling claim.
• Negotiating with GM for a fair settlement, often without going to court.
• Representing you in court if GM refuses to cooperate, with no fees unless we win.

In 2025, 70% of California lemon law claims settled out of court within 4 months when backed by experienced attorneys, compared to 12 months or longer for unrepresented claims. With that in mind, if your Chevy is a lemon, and repairs fail to resolve the issue, you may have a strong case.

Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Don’t let a defective Chevrolet steal your peace of mind. Our Chevrolet Lemon Law Attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for affected drivers, with offices all over California. Our no-fee-unless-we-win policy means you pay nothing upfront, and GM covers our fees if your claim succeeds.

Get Started Today: Call (213) 927-3700 or complete our convenient online contact form, for a free consultation.