2020 GMC Canyon Infotainment Gone Wrong

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 98 – March 2023 | Lemon Owner

Dear Suzanne,

I never imagined that my car would spend more time in the repair shop than on the road, but that’s become the reality with my 2020 GMC Canyon. The constant issues have made the GMC dealership feel like a second home. My father and I co-own this vehicle, but I’m the primary driver. It currently has about 30,000 miles on it.
 

Faulty Infotainment System

Our first repair visit was due to a malfunctioning radio. Sometimes while driving, the radio would glitch or shut off completely. Other times, the buttons, such as the volume control, wouldn’t respond. The navigation system was problematic too – the screen would go blank whenever I tried to use it. In short, the entire infotainment system was faulty.

The dealership initially performed a software update, but this didn’t solve the problem. After three more visits, they finally replaced the entire infotainment system. Unfortunately, during the replacement process, they scratched my dashboard, likely while removing the radio. I didn’t notice the damage right away, but when I did, I informed the dealership. Their solution was to cover the scratch with some sort of paint or filler, but the damage has become more noticeable over time.

Acceleration Problems

Now, the infotainment system is malfunctioning again. Additionally, we’ve recently experienced sudden power loss while driving on the highway. Connecting to CarPlay has become impossible, and we’ve noticed shaking and delays in acceleration. We brought the truck in for these new issues and are currently awaiting their response.

While we hope the dealership can resolve these problems, my father and I are considering pursuing a lemon law claim if they cannot. We would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance you can offer on this matter.
 
Lemon Owner

File A Lemon Lawsuit And Get Compensated

 
Dear Lemon Owner,

Thank you for reaching out regarding your 2020 GMC Canyon. I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with constant issues. Based on the information you’ve provided, it seems you may qualify for relief under California’s lemon law.
 

Lemon Law Requirements

In California, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it has been to the dealership at least twice for the same issue or three or more times for different issues. As the vehicle’s manufacturer is responsible for producing a defective product, your claim would be against the automaker, not the dealership.

Since your vehicle has low mileage and is still under warranty, you have a few options. For basic repairs like the electrical system, power steering, and brakes, the warranty lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles. It’s crucial to act promptly to avoid potential deductions or pushback from the manufacturer.

Settlement Options

Here are the two primary options available to you:

Buyback: The manufacturer buys back the vehicle, reimbursing you for the down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interest. If you have a loan on the vehicle, the manufacturer would pay it off, potentially improving your credit. The manufacturer may deduct a mileage offset based on the mileage at your first visit; however, your attorney could negotiate to have this reduced or waived. Find out more about the GMC Lemon Law claim process here.

Cash and Keep: You receive cash compensation for the vehicle’s issues while retaining ownership. If the dealership can fix the car and you want to keep it, this option allows you to do so without voiding or canceling the warranty. It also enables you to sell the vehicle without labeling it as a lemon.

Fortunately, California is a consumer-friendly state for lemon law cases. Your case will likely be taken on a contingency basis, meaning your attorney will not charge you for their services. In California, the automaker covers legal fees, and you receive 100% of the settlement.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.

 
Suzanne

 
PS. The GMC brand is owned by General Motors Company (GM). Read more about the General Motors Lemon Law buyback settlement option, how it works, eligibility criteria, affected models, common defects, and case examples.
 

Free Legal Advice About Your 2020 GMC Canyon Lemon Law Claim

Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.

DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about California Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim in California, please write to help@lemonlawyers.org. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.

Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a California Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

 
Watch: Expert Insights: Navigating the GMC Lemon Law Buyback Process

 

Related Articles:

• How To Avoid Buying A Lemon & What To Do If You Already Bought One
• Eight Things You Need To Know About California Lemon Law
• 7 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Filing A Lemon Law Case

Featured Image:

• 2020 GMC Canyon ©Bull-Doserc (Public Domain)