GMC Lemon Law

GMC owners most frequently report engine failure (particularly the 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod/crankshaft defect covered by NHTSA recall 25V-274), 10-speed transmission harsh shifting or rear-wheel lockup (NHTSA recall 24V-797), and loss of drive power on Hummer EV and Sierra EV models (NHTSA recall 24V-320). Under California's Song-Beverly Act, a recurring defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety can qualify for a buyback or replacement if GM cannot fix it after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Eligibility depends on your specific repair history; consult an attorney to evaluate your case.

Yes, it may strengthen them. NHTSA recall 25V-274 covers roughly 600,000+ GM trucks and SUVs (MY 2021–2024) with the L87 6.2L V8, including GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL. An open or incomplete recall does not bar a lemon-law claim — in fact, if GM's dealership performed a recall repair but your vehicle continued to lose propulsion, each post-recall service visit still counts toward the 'reasonable number of repair attempts' threshold under the Song-Beverly Act. NHTSA opened a follow-up investigation in January 2026 after reports of ongoing engine failures post-remedy, which may indicate the recall fix is inadequate.

Potentially yes. NHTSA recall 24V-797 covers approximately 461,839 Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500/3500 HD trucks (MY 2019–2025) with the 10-speed 10L80 transmission, addressing valve-body wear that can cause harsh shifting and rear-wheel lockup. If your dealer has attempted to repair these symptoms — including a TCM software update — but the problem persists or recurs, California law may require GM to repurchase the vehicle or provide a replacement. The key trigger under the Song-Beverly Act is typically two or more repair attempts for a safety defect, or four or more attempts for a non-safety defect, within the warranty period.

Yes. Electric GMC vehicles are covered by California's Song-Beverly Act just like gas-powered trucks. The 2024 Hummer EV SUV and Sierra EV were subject to NHTSA recall 24V-320 for rear drive-unit insulation defects causing loss of drive power — a safety issue that can qualify quickly because California presumes a safety defect warrants a buyback after as few as two unsuccessful repair attempts. Battery-system and software issues, charging failures, and range-related defects also fall within the warranty scope. Leased Hummer EV and Sierra EV drivers have the same Song-Beverly rights as purchasers.

Begin by gathering your repair orders (all dates, mileages, and stated complaints), your sales or lease contract, and the original window sticker or order sheet. California's Song-Beverly Act applies to new vehicles still under the manufacturer's express warranty, and to used vehicles purchased with a balance of the original factory warranty remaining. Once you believe GM has had a reasonable number of repair attempts, contact a California lemon-law attorney. Most offer free case evaluations. Under § 1794(d) of the Song-Beverly Act, if your claim succeeds — whether by settlement or judgment — GM pays your attorney's fees directly, so you typically owe nothing out-of-pocket for legal representation.

Under California's Song-Beverly Act, a qualifying buyback typically includes: your down payment, all monthly payments made, registration fees, incidental costs (towing, rentals), and payoff of any outstanding loan balance — minus a statutory usage offset calculated as mileage driven before the first repair attempt divided by 120,000 miles, multiplied by the vehicle price. In cases of willful violation by GM, you may also receive a civil penalty of up to two times the actual damages. Alternatively, GM may offer a replacement vehicle of equal or greater value. Compensation terms vary; an attorney can advise on the strongest available remedy for your situation.

A recall alone does not automatically create a lemon-law claim — you must have presented the vehicle for repair and given GM an opportunity to fix it. However, if your vehicle shows the recall-related symptoms (engine failure, transmission lockup, loss of drive power) and you have taken it to a dealer for repair, those visits count toward the reasonable-number-of-attempts standard even if the dealer characterized the visit as a recall repair rather than a warranty repair. We recommend presenting your vehicle promptly when a recall is announced and keeping every repair order that documents the visit.

Yes, with important nuances. Leased vehicles are fully covered by California's Song-Beverly Act — GM as the warrantor owes the same repair, replacement, or refund obligations as it does to purchasers. If you lease and qualify, the remedy is typically a refund of all payments made plus a replacement lease or payoff, minus the usage offset. Certified pre-owned GMC vehicles are covered if they retain a balance of the original GM factory warranty at the time of purchase, or if the CPO certification itself provides an express warranty. Aftermarket service contracts (extended warranties from a third-party) are not covered by the Song-Beverly Act's lemon-law provisions. An attorney can confirm whether your specific CPO or lease agreement qualifies.