GMC Lemon Law Lawyers

GMC Denali models present unique lemon law considerations because their premium price point and luxury marketing create higher reasonable quality expectations, making substantial impairment easier to establish. While Denali variants of Sierra, Yukon, and Acadia models share many mechanical components with standard GMC vehicles, their adaptive suspension systems, enhanced infotainment features, and premium interior materials introduce additional potential defect points. Common Denali-specific issues include Magnetic Ride Control failures, premium sound system malfunctions, and advanced safety system calibration problems. GMC typically defends Denali lemon law claims by separating premium feature failures from ‘essential’ vehicle functions, despite the premium pricing specifically for these features. For successful claims, documentation should emphasize how Denali-specific features were material factors in the purchase decision, directly connecting their failure to substantial value impairment.

GMC’s extended warranty provisions for Duramax diesel engines create unique lemon law considerations because they establish different component coverage periods that can extend or limit protection for Sierra and Canyon owners. Unlike the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty, diesel engine components often carry longer coverage, but with specific exclusions for emissions-related components that frequently experience problems. GMC typically defends diesel lemon law claims by categorizing defects under these various warranty provisions to minimize their significance or argue certain components are excluded. To strengthen your claim, document all diesel system problems including reduced power, regeneration frequency, exhaust fluid consumption, and emissions warnings, specifically noting any dealer statements regarding warranty coverage. GMC’s own technical service bulletins regarding fuel system and emissions component vulnerabilities provide evidence of known defects. Courts in several states have found that manufacturers cannot use warranty divisions to circumvent lemon law protections when engine performance issues substantially impair vehicle use regardless of which subsystem causes the problem.

GMC vehicles equipped with infotainment systems, particularly Sierra, Acadia, and Terrain models with either standard or navigation-equipped interfaces, have experienced specific defect patterns that strengthen lemon law claims. These vehicles may exhibit symptoms including screen freezing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection failures, backup camera delays or outages, and system crashes requiring restart. GMC typically defends by performing software updates rather than hardware replacements, often claiming each update represents a new solution despite addressing identical symptoms. To build a strong case, document all system failures with specific descriptions, screenshots when possible, and particularly note any safety implications when driving-critical features like backup cameras experience outages. GMC’s technical service bulletins regarding infotainment system diagnostics provide evidence of known issues despite carefully worded language. While GMC often argues entertainment functions are convenience features rather than essential systems, courts in several states have found that safety-integrated functions like backup cameras substantially impair vehicle safety when unreliable, qualifying for lemon law protection regardless of whether purely entertainment aspects are also affected.

GMC vehicles equipped with 8-speed automatic transmissions (RPO code MHS), particularly in Sierra, Yukon, and Acadia models, have experienced specific defect patterns that strengthen lemon law claims. These vehicles may exhibit symptoms including harsh shifts, shuddering sensations particularly at low speeds, delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive, and torque converter clutch issues creating vibration at highway speeds. GMC typically defends by performing fluid flushes and software updates rather than addressing fundamental mechanical vulnerabilities, creating a pattern of temporary improvements followed by returning symptoms. To build a strong case, document specific driving conditions that trigger symptoms, safety implications during traffic maneuvers requiring predictable acceleration, and all diagnostic codes retrieved during service visits. GMC’s class action settlement regarding these transmissions provides powerful evidence of acknowledged defects, though opting out may be necessary to preserve individual lemon law rights. Expert testimony establishing that these problems result from fundamental design limitations rather than normal adaptation periods is particularly effective in demonstrating that the defect persists despite repeated flush and reprogram attempts that mask rather than resolve the underlying mechanical deficiencies.

GMC vehicles equipped with electric power steering systems, particularly in Sierra, Acadia, and Terrain models, have experienced specific defect patterns that strengthen lemon law claims. These vehicles may exhibit symptoms including steering assistance that varies unpredictably, unusual noises during steering inputs, warning messages indicating system limitations, and in some cases, complete assistance failure requiring significant effort to control the vehicle. GMC typically defends by performing software updates and calibrations rather than component replacements, often attributing problems to normal operating characteristics despite clear differences from properly functioning examples. To build a strong case, document specific symptoms with video evidence when possible, particularly noting safety implications during evasive maneuvers or precision driving situations. GMC’s technical service bulletins addressing steering assist motor and torque sensor calibrations provide evidence of known issues. Courts in several states have found that unpredictable steering assistance creates obvious safety concerns that easily meet the ‘substantial impairment’ standard regardless of whether failures trigger dashboard warnings or occur intermittently, as steering control represents a fundamental safety component whose reliability directly impacts basic vehicle safety in all driving conditions.