It’s interesting how things come full circle. Back in the 1970s, GM’s unreliable vehicles actually helped spur the creation of state lemon laws. Consumers didn’t have the protections back then on the state level like they do now. Today’s discussions about GM sometimes revolve around it having a big influence over lemon laws. Well, it would stand to reason that any manufacturer or business with as large of a presence as GM would have its advocates voicing support for its interests regarding state laws.
But why the focus on GM now?
Issues with GM have surfaced recently regarding GM electric vehicle (EV) software problems, GM’s treatment of sensitive driver data, and other matters. As these have accumulated over the last few years, consumers’ trust level in GM has good reason to potentially erode.
We will look at several of GM’s recent controversies and involvement regarding current lemon law updates. Then, we’ll explore how an experienced lemon law attorney can protect your rights, even in the face of potential law changes, recalls involving GM, and more prospective barriers to your lemon law claim.
A Matter of Trust
Trust in a brand gets built over time. Some consumers buy the same make of car for years or even decades. Sometimes that trust can be shaken when multiple events occur to make people question the brand’s dedication to consumer well-being. Here is one of a number of issues that affected GM recently that can shake brand loyalty and make people wonder if their consumer protections are at risk:
Over two dozen lawsuits were filed against GM for sharing driver data (including speeding and braking habits) with third parties. The consumers did not give their clear consent to this data sharing. The allegations regarding the sharing of this data said that it was sold to insurers and led to increased car insurance premiums, policies that were canceled, or denied insurance coverage.
In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against GM and OnStar for these deceptive data collection practices. The result was the FTC’s January 14, 2026, announcement of a 20-year consent order, noting GM’s ‘egregious betrayal of consumers’ trust.’
So, in matters like this, it is not surprising if consumers might wonder if their protections are at risk, as while not involving lemon vehicles, their privacy was breached by GM, giving people cause to worry if this lack of protections could extend elsewhere, perhaps into lemon law.
For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked lemon law questions, click here.
GM and California’s Lemon Law Update
Especially in California, the updated lemon laws and GM’s involvement in getting them updated mean there are new procedures to get a lemon law case started. GM faces a big backlog of lemon law cases in California. By opting in to the new system, here is how GM can more effectively manage their claims, because consumers now have to follow this process:
- Mandatory Written Notice:Before you can even file a lawsuit, you are now required to send a formal written notice directly to GM.
- Forced Mediation:Once you’ve provided notice, you enter a mandatory mediation phase. This may delay your ability to get your case before a judge for several months. But for GM, the new law speeds up settlements, helping to prevent a backlog of cases.
- Hard Deadlines:For GM owners, the “statute of limitations” has been tightened. This replaces more flexible older rules. You now generally have only one year after your warranty expires, or a maximum of six years from the date you took delivery, to file a claim.
GM, the very manufacturer that gets sued the most for lemon law claims, was a prominent architect of the new California law, and key consumer groups were left out of the discussion.
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What does all this mean for the consumer? The updated California lemon law doesn’t eliminate consumer rights; it adds procedural hurdles before court access.
What should consumers do if their claim is complicated by or falls outside these new guidelines? If these new California lemon law updates act as a barrier to your claim, your attorney has another avenue that can be potentially used. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can be used in tandem with or instead of state law to pursue compensation.
Note: A number of manufacturers opted in for these new California lemon law provisions, so they don’t only apply to GM.
How Else are Consumers Currently Affected by GM Under Lemon Laws?
In addition to the California lemon law update and among several recent issues involving GM, consumers across the nation are dealing with many recalls and complaints focusing on GM’s EVs. State lemon laws generally treat EVs the same as gas-powered cars. The critical point for EV owners is that while “bumper-to-bumper” coverage is standard, battery degradation and software glitches are the new battlegrounds.
Lemon laws are confusing. Read our guide to the lemon law complaint process.
Because EV repairs often involve remote “over-the-air” updates (which do count as repair attempts), owners must document these to meet their state’s legal threshold for compensation. Some manufacturers try to muddy the waters, saying that defects and error codes ‘can’t be replicated’ in the dealer’s repair center (meaning the consumer’s claim may not be given serious consideration). That can leave the consumer in a frustrating bind, wondering if their visit to the dealership will actually count as a repair attempt. Lemon law attorneys offer the experience you need to fight back against these manufacturer obstacles so you can gain just compensation.
Please note: A car that is recalled doesn’t automatically qualify as a lemon. Your lemon law attorney can provide a free consultation to review your vehicle’s issues against state lemon law. Through this review, a determination can be made if your vehicle exhibits a substantial defect that severely impacts use, value, or safety. Contact Allen Stewart, P.C. now (866-440-2460) to schedule your free consultation.
How Lemon Law Attorneys Protect Your Rights
With the evolution of lemon laws and car technology, vehicle owners might feel that longstanding consumer trust in brands may not matter anymore to manufacturers.
That’s understandable, and with these updates to laws and automotive technology come additional complexities when a person needs to make a lemon law claim.
A lemon law attorney keeps a clear focus: regardless of any changes in the law or technology, they protect their clients’ rights. One of the most important benefits a lemon law attorney provides is their negotiation skill. Most lemon law cases are settled outside of court. A lemon law attorney gives you the best chance to negotiate a favorable settlement.
Trust Allen Stewart, P.C. for Expert Lemon Law Representation
Allen Stewart, P.C. has won many lemon law cases involving GM vehicles. Our attorneys are well-known lemon law lawyers in California, Texas, New York, and throughout the country. In every case, whether it involves new technology or manufacturers introducing obstacles to your claim, we anticipate challenges and proactively fight for your rights.
Singling out one manufacturer, such as GM, is not our goal; we want to help people understand some of what is happening with GM and lemon law as a whole. Ultimately, consumers win when they have information, and one of the most important points is knowing that you can access lemon law representation and it is the obligation of the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when you win your case.
Please know that the manufacturer will defend its interests with its legal team. It’s vital that you have an experienced lemon law attorney to represent you. Don’t wait. Take advantage of our free consultation by calling Allen Stewart, P.C. now (866-440-2460), or schedule your consultation online.