How One Faulty 2022 Cadillac XT6 Window Cost Me Big Time

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 100 – March 2023 | Stressed Out

Dear Suzanne, 

It’s funny how small issues can sometimes lead to big problems. That’s been the case with my car, a 2022 Cadillac XT6. It’s had a few issues that might not seem major, but they’ve caused me some serious headaches. Let me tell you about the one that affected me the most.
 

Faulty Power Windows

I bought my car brand new, and it’s been to the repair shop three times already. The first issue, which turned out to be a major problem, involved the power windows. They stopped working, so I couldn’t roll them up or down. I called the dealer and scheduled an appointment to get it fixed.

But before I could bring the car in, something terrible happened. I had a busy day planned: I needed to go to the bank and then pick up some flowers for my partner. After withdrawing money from the bank, I locked it in my car’s safe and headed to the flower shop. Since I couldn’t roll up my windows, I asked the doorman at the shop to keep an eye on my car while I was inside.

$2,000 Gone

It took a little while to get my flowers, but I eventually got what I wanted and left, thanking the doorman on my way out. When I got home, I was shocked to find the money missing from the safe. I was sure I had locked it up, so someone must have stolen it. I went back to the flower shop and asked the doorman if he saw anyone near my car. He said he had kept an eye on it the whole time, but then admitted he briefly stepped away to use the restroom. My heart sank, realizing my $2,000 was gone.

I reported the theft to the police, but there wasn’t much they could do. I was so frustrated, especially since it was such a small car issue that led to this mess. I finally got the window fixed at the Cadillac dealership – they replaced the motor controlling the window, and that was it. The first time I brought it in for repair, the car had about 20,000 miles on it.

Transmission Issues

The second time, the problem was with the transmission. It would idle down, causing revving and rattling noises. I brought it to the dealership, but they couldn’t replicate the issue or find anything wrong with it. However, after getting the car back, my wife heard the noise again. We complained and took the car back to the dealership, where it’s been ever since.

We haven’t been charged for any repairs and even got a rental while our car is at the dealership. But driving the rental isn’t the same as driving my Cadillac. I’m frustrated with the automaker for selling me a defective vehicle and looking for a way to hold them accountable.

Stressed Out

Resolve Issue with California Lemon Law

 
Dear Stressed Out, 

I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your money and the ongoing issues with your car. It must be incredibly frustrating to deal with all of this, especially during these challenging times. The good news is that you might be able to get compensation and resolve the situation through California’s lemon law.
 

 
In California, a vehicle can be considered a lemon if it has been repaired for the same issue at least twice, if it has been repaired for different issues three or more times, or if it has been at the dealership for more than a month due to a defect. Since your vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, it might qualify for lemon law protection.

Settlement Options

It’s essential to act quickly to avoid potential deductions or pushbacks from the automaker. An attorney can help you navigate your options, which could include:

Buyback: The manufacturer buys back the vehicle, reimbursing you for your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interest. They may also pay off any loans you took out for the car, which could even improve your credit score. The only deduction might be a “mileage offset” for the miles you drove the car without issues, but your attorney could try to negotiate this amount.
 

 
Cash and Keep: You receive cash compensation for the vehicle’s issues while retaining ownership of the car. Your warranty would still be valid, and you could sell the car in the future without labeling it as a lemon.

Replacement: The manufacturer provides you with a replacement vehicle of similar value, make, model, and mileage. This option could be risky, as you might receive another defective car, but you could potentially replace it with a new car by paying the difference.

In California, lemon law cases are usually taken on a no win-no fee basis, meaning you won’t be charged any fees, win or lose. The manufacturer would be responsible for covering the legal fees, and you would receive 100% of the settlement.

Dealing with a lemon can be incredibly stressful, but there are options available to help you find a resolution. I hope this information provides some comfort and guidance as you move forward with your case.
 
Suzanne

 
PS. Cadillac is a division of General Motors Company (GM). Read more about the General Motors Lemon Law process, how it works, eligibility criteria, affected models, common defects, and case examples.
 

Free Legal Advice About Your 2022 Cadillac XT6 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.

 
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• General Motors (GM) Lemon Law Buyback Settlement Information

 
Featured Image:

• 2022 Cadillac XT6 ©Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)