DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 229 – From Tom R. from Allentown, PA
Dear Suzanne,
When I bought my 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, I expected a powerful, reliable truck that could handle everything—from my daily commute to hauling equipment for weekend projects. That’s what Chevy promised. Instead, I got a vehicle I can’t even trust to stop when I hit the brakes.
I never thought I’d be afraid to drive my own truck, but after months of brake failures, electrical malfunctions, and Chevrolet dealership excuses, that’s exactly where I am. I’m wondering if Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law could help because, at this point, I’m fed up.
Brake Failure That Nearly Cost Me Everything
The first major issue happened about two months after I bought the truck. I was driving down I-76 near King of Prussia when traffic suddenly slowed in front of me. I hit the brakes—nothing happened.
For a split second, I thought maybe I hadn’t pressed hard enough. But then I slammed my foot down, and the truck barely slowed in time to avoid hitting the car in front of me. The brake pedal felt stiff, like I was stepping on a rock instead of controlling a two-ton vehicle.
I took the truck to the Chevy dealership, and they told me it was a “software issue” with the brake assist system. They updated the software, reassured me that everything was fine, and sent me on my way.
I wanted to believe them. I really did.
The Brake Problem Gets Worse
A few weeks later, the same issue happened again—but this time, it was worse.
I was pulling into a parking lot when the brakes completely locked up. I had to yank the steering wheel to avoid hitting a parked car.
I went back to the dealership, and suddenly, they changed their story. Now, they said it wasn’t a software problem—it was a brake booster failure. They kept my truck for two weeks, replaced the part, and promised it was fixed.
It wasn’t. The problem came back.
That’s when I started doing some research and found out that other 2023 Silverado owners have complained about brake system failures. This isn’t just bad luck—this is a serious defect.
Electrical Issues That Keep Getting Worse
As if the brake issues weren’t stressful enough, my truck’s electrical system started acting up soon after.
- The infotainment screen would go black, then randomly restart while I was driving.
- The power windows would stop working, then suddenly function hours later.
- The dashboard gauges flickered, and sometimes the speedometer froze, forcing me to guess how fast I was going.
- One morning, I went to start my truck and found the battery completely dead—even though nothing had been left on overnight.
I took it back to the dealership yet again. This time, they blamed a bad alternator, replaced it, and assured me the problem was fixed. But a few days later, the infotainment system failed again, and the windows stopped working at random.
I No Longer Trust This Truck to Keep Me Safe
At this point, I don’t feel safe driving this truck anymore.
The brake failures have already put me in multiple dangerous situations, and the electrical malfunctions make me wonder what else could go wrong. Every time I take it back to the dealership, they make another promise, but nothing actually gets fixed.
I bought this truck expecting power, performance, and reliability. Instead, I got a vehicle that could put my life at risk every time I hit the road.
What Are My Options Under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?
I’ve reached my breaking point. I can’t keep taking this truck back for the same problems, only to be told it’s “fixed” when it’s clearly not. I need a real solution.
I’ve started looking into Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law, but I don’t know if I qualify. Do I? How exactly does it work?
What kind of compensation could I get? Do I need to hire a lawyer to start this process? How long does it usually take to get some kind of resolution?
Any help would be much appreciated, Suzanne.
Tom R.
Allentown, PA
Editor’s Note: This letter has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.
Multiple Repairs, Same Problems—Your 2023 Chevy Silverado Might Qualify as a Lemon
Dear Tom,
I can’t imagine how frustrating and stressful this has been for you. A new truck—especially a Silverado—should be a workhorse, not a constant source of stress and fear. It’s simply unacceptable that your brakes aren’t working properly and that your truck’s electrical system is failing, putting you and others at risk. You shouldn’t have to keep fighting just to get a safe, reliable vehicle, and thankfully, Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law may be able to help.
It sounds like you’ve done everything right—bringing your truck back to the dealership multiple times and giving them every chance to fix the issues. But since the repairs aren’t lasting, your Silverado may qualify as a lemon. Let’s go over your questions one by one so you know exactly what your rights are and what to do next.
Do I Qualify Under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?
Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law applies to new vehicles like yours that experience significant defects within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles—whichever comes first. These defects must substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Based on what you’ve described, your Silverado’s brake failures and electrical malfunctions could certainly qualify.
The law also requires that the manufacturer (or dealership) be given three repair attempts for the same issue or that the vehicle be out of service for a total of 30 days due to repairs. Since you’ve taken it in multiple times and the problems keep returning, you may meet the criteria.
How Exactly Does It Work?
If your truck qualifies under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer is required to either replace your vehicle with a new one or give you a full refund (minus a small amount for mileage). If they refuse to do this voluntarily, you have the right to take legal action to enforce your rights.
What Kind of Compensation Could I Get?
If your truck is declared a lemon, you could be entitled to:
- A full refund of what you paid, including taxes and fees (minus a small deduction based on miles driven).
- A replacement vehicle of the same make and model.
- Reimbursement for towing, rental car costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the defects.
If you end up pursuing a legal claim, you may also be able to recover attorney’s fees, meaning it won’t cost you anything out of pocket to fight for your rights.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Start This Process?
You’re not legally required to have a lawyer, but I strongly recommend speaking with one. Manufacturers and dealerships don’t make this easy—they often push back, delay, or try to downplay the issue to avoid taking full responsibility. Without someone who knows the law inside and out, you could end up with endless excuses or a settlement that doesn’t fully cover what you’ve lost. A knowledgeable lemon law attorney can stand up to them, handle the process for you, and fight to make sure you get what you’re truly owed.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Get Some Kind of Resolution?
The timeline varies, but cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on whether the manufacturer cooperates or if legal action is needed. Some cases settle quickly, while others require formal arbitration or a lawsuit. A lawyer can give you a clearer idea of what to expect based on your specific situation.
Next Steps: Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney
At this point, the best thing you can do is consult with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania Lemon Law attorney. They’ll review your case, explain your options, and let you know how to move forward. Since most lemon law attorneys work on a no-win, no-fee basis, you won’t have to worry about legal costs upfront.
Take the Next Step
At this point, Tom, you’ve done everything you can on your own, and it’s clear the dealership isn’t going to fix this truck for good. But you don’t have to deal with this alone. Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law gives you the legal right to demand a refund or replacement, and a lawyer can help make that happen. I strongly encourage you to take that next step—because you shouldn’t have to live with a truck you can’t trust.
Suzanne
2023 Chevrolet Silverado Lemon Car? We’ve Got You Covered!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 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 Pennsylvania Lemon Law or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. 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 Pennsylvania Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ©Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)
