GMC Lemon Law Attorneys Serving Michigan & Ohio

A new vehicle should function properly after you drive it off the lot. However, if it doesn’t, your vehicle may be considered a lemon. Dealing with lemons can be frustrating and overwhelming for new car owners, leading to increased maintenance costs and poor performance in the transmission, engine, or electrical systems. 

If you believe your GMC vehicle is a lemon, Michigan and Ohio have robust lemon laws to protect consumers like you. At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we understand how frustrating it can be to encounter repeated vehicle defects after purchasing a new GMC.

Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights, evaluate your situation, and pursue the compensation or resolution you need. With offices located in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, we can help you determine if your GMC qualifies as a lemon under your state’s laws and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started. 

Understanding Lemons  

A lemon is a vehicle that has a significant defect, which impairs its functionality, use, or safety, and that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. To qualify as a lemon, your vehicle must meet specific criteria under both Michigan and Ohio law (depending which state applies). Namely, the car must: 

• Have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty that occurred within a specific period or after a number of miles traveled.  

• Have a substantial defect that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.  

• Have spent 30 days or more at the dealership for repairs within the first year of purchase.  

If you are in Ohio, additional provisions include undergoing eight or more repairs in an effort to fix various problems or undergoing one attempt to repair a defect that was likely to cause death or serious injury.  

Michigan Lemon Law Overview 

Michigan’s lemon law applies to new cars, trucks, SUVs, or vans purchased or leased in the state. To qualify, your GMC vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs its value or limits its use. This defect must initially occur during the warranty period or within the first year after delivery, whichever comes first. 

If the manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be eligible to seek remedies under Michigan law, such as a vehicle replacement or refund. 

Ohio Lemon Law Overview 

Ohio law provides similar protections for GMC vehicle owners. The qualifying time frame for coverage under Ohio's lemon law is either within the first year or the first 18,000 miles of usage, whichever comes first. Similar to Michigan, the issue must be significant enough to impair the vehicle’s use, safety, or value. 

It’s crucial to note that both state laws cover any defect not caused by abuse or neglect by the owner. This means the problems must stem from deficiencies in manufacturing or engineering, not misuse or aftermarket modifications. 

What Qualifies a GMC as a Lemon? 

Some GMC vehicles have been known to experience issues that may make them eligible for legal claims under Michigan and Ohio lemon laws. Some common problems drivers have encountered following the purchase or lease of a new GMC vehicle include: 

• Engine issues such as stalling, power loss, or poor acceleration. 

• Transmission problems, including hesitating, jerking, or slipping gears. 

• Electrical system malfunctions, such as issues with infotainment systems, backup cameras, or navigation. 

• Brake system failures, including reduced braking power or persistent warning lights. 

• Air conditioning or heating system defects that make driving uncomfortable in extreme weather. 

• Safety features failures, such as problems with airbag deployment or lane departure systems. 

If your GMC vehicle is facing any recurring issues that haven’t been resolved despite multiple repair attempts, you may qualify for protection under the your state's lemon law. 

Potential Compensation for a GMC Lemon 

If your GMC is legally determined to be a lemon, you may be entitled to one of the following remedies, depending on the specifics of your case and which state's law applies: 

• A replacement vehicle: If your vehicle turns out to be a lemon, you have the right to receive a comparable new vehicle from the manufacturer. 

• A full refund: If you don't want a replacement vehicle or a comparable replacement is unavailable, you can often receive a full refund. This includes the purchase price, taxes, fees, and any other expenses directly related to your lemon vehicle. In Michigan, a deduction for the miles driven before the problem occurred may apply (and miles in excess of 25,000). 

• Compensation for repairs: Sometimes, you may be eligible for reimbursement for any related repair expenses incurred. 

Manufacturers may not always act quickly or fairly in response to lemon law claims, which is why having an experienced legal advocate can make a considerable difference in your case. 

How Our Firm Can Help 

At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we have decades of experience helping GMC vehicle owners in Michigan and Ohio pursue lemon law claims. We understand the unique laws in each state and know how to force manufacturers to comply with their legal obligations. Some of the ways our firm can help include: 

• Considerable legal experience: We have years of experience handling lemon law cases to make sure your case is backed by local knowledge and expertise. 

• Proven track record: We take pride in having helped countless clients secure compensation and remedies for their defective vehicles. 

• Client-centered approach: We believe in simplifying the legal process for our clients and keep you informed every step of the way.