In November 2022, General Motors (GM) announced a massive recall of over 300,000 full-sized SUVs from model year 2021. The recall affects popular models such as the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. The recall has been initiated due to a critical issue with the daytime running lights in these vehicles.
About one year later, the American automaker announced another major recall in late 2022. This time, GM recalled 825,000 trucks and SUVs manufactured in North America because daytime running lights might not deactivate when the headlights in affected vehicles are turned on, which can cause excess glare to other drivers on the road. GM says they are not aware of any injuries or accidents pertaining to the headlight issue.
Federal motor vehicle safety standards mandate that a vehicle’s daytime running lights must turn off when the headlights are turned on. A software glitch in affected vehicles may result in violations of this safety standard since daytime running lights remain on even when the headlights are turned on. This can pose a severe safety hazard to drivers as it may cause glare and potentially blind other motorists on the road.
GM Headlight Recall Overview
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108 was created to establish the safety standards for motor vehicles in the United States. This standard specifies the requirements for lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment in vehicles.
It sets guidelines for the use of lighting equipment on vehicles, including daytime running lights. According to this standard, a vehicle’s daytime running lights must turn off when the headlights are on to prevent confusion and reduce the risk of accidents.
However, reports indicate that certain General Motors vehicles may not meet this requirement, potentially posing a safety hazard to drivers and other road users.
The affected vehicles, including some Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon models, have a problem with their daytime running lights. These lights may remain on even when the headlights are switched on, which is a violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108.
GMC Headlight Recall
GMC vehicles that may present the headlight problem include the following:
- 2020-2023 Buick Envision
- 2020-2023 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2020-2023 GMC Yukon
- 2020-2023 GMC Yukon XL
Chevy Headlight Recall
Chevrolet vehicles that may have malfunctional headlights include 2020-2023:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
Cadillac Headlight Recall
The following 2020-2023 Cadillac vehicles may have the headlight safety defect:
- Cadillac CT4
- Cadillac CT5
- Cadillac Escalade
- Cadillac Escalade ESV
What causes the GM headlight issues?
According to General Motors, the headlight issue in their full-sized SUVs from the 2021 model year is caused by a software problem. Specifically, the problem is with the programming of the body control module, which controls various functions in the vehicle, including the daytime running lights.
Does the manufacturer have a fix?
GM announced that they would provide software updates for owners of affected vehicles, free of charge. Note that manufacturers are obligated to provide free recall fixes due to certain safety regulations and consumer protection laws.
When a safety issue is discovered in a vehicle, the manufacturer must take prompt action to correct the problem and protect consumers. This includes issuing a recall, notifying owners of the affected vehicles, and providing a free repair or replacement to fix the issue.
What makes and models are affected?
To know if your 2020-2023 GM vehicle is included in any active headlight recalls, you can plug in your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into this tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).
What options do I have?
These recent General Motors recalls have affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles and left many car owners wondering what options are available to them if they have been affected.
One option is to join a class-action lawsuit, which is a legal action taken on behalf of a group of people who have suffered similar harm or loss due to a company’s wrongdoing. This is often seen as an attractive option as it allows individuals to pool their resources together, share legal costs, and pursue justice as a collective unit.
Joining a class-action lawsuit, however, may not always be the best option for everyone. In some cases, individual claims may be more effective.
Filing an individual claim can provide a greater level of control over the outcome of the case and may result in a larger settlement or award. Moreover, it can help individuals avoid some of the potential drawbacks of a class-action lawsuit, such as a lower payout, a longer wait time for resolution, and a lack of personal attention to their unique circumstances.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and seek legal advice to determine which option is best for you if you have been affected by the General Motors recall. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the specifics of your situation, such as the extent of the harm you have suffered, the available evidence, and your personal preferences.
This information can help you make an informed decision about whether to join a class-action lawsuit or file an individual claim. Whatever decision you make, it is important to act promptly, as there may be time limitations for filing a claim or joining a lawsuit.
How the Lemon Law Experts can help you with GM Headlight Issues
Properly functioning headlights are essential to ensure your safety while driving, especially in low-light or nighttime conditions. When your headlights fail to function correctly, it can lead to a higher risk of accidents, citations, and even injury. Additionally, unresolved headlight problems can also have a significant impact on the resale value of your vehicle, causing financial losses down the road.
If you’ve been experiencing headlight issues with your vehicle and have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve the problem with the dealership or manufacturer, seeking legal assistance from a lemon law firm may be a great option for your case. If your lemon law claim qualifies, you may eligible for a refund, replacement vehicle or substantial cash compensation.
As the prevailing party, GM will pay for your attorneys fees and costs. This makes pursuing a lemon law claim an easy and right decision as you will not come out of pocket for any of your attorney fees or costs. If you purchased or leased a new or used vehicle in California, our team at the Lemon Law Experts may be able to assist you and we are interested in reviewing your options.
At the Lemon Law Experts, we understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with a defective vehicle, especially when it comes to safety-critical components like headlights. That’s why we are committed to providing our clients with the best legal representation and support possible. When you choose to work with us, we will not only work closely with you to build the strongest case possible, as we have for thousands of clients across California as one of the state’s leading consumer protection firms.
We understand that every case is unique, and as such, our experts will work tirelessly to find the best legal strategy that suits your specific situation. Our free consultation can provide you with a comprehensive assessment of your case to help you make an informed decision when reviewing your legal options. With our help, you can be confident that you will receive the compensation and justice you deserve. To get started with a free, no-obligation review of your case, please visit our site or contact us at (877)-885-5366 today.
