Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: Under California law, consumers do not receive money simply because their vehicle is subject to a recall or is recalled. However, vehicles that are still under warranty and are suffering from a defect may be considered lemons and allow a consumer to be compensated.
When a consumer takes their vehicle to an authorized dealer to be repaired pursuant to the warranty, and there have been a reasonable number of attempts, the vehicle may be considered a lemon.
Consumers who possess a lemon vehicle can receive either a refund on all payments they’ve made or a replacement vehicle of a similar make and model as the defective one.
Lemon Law Remedies for Your GMC
If the defect involved in the recall has been attempted to be repaired by an authorized dealer a reasonable number of times and the defect persists, you likely have a lemon on your hands.
A “reasonable number” of attempts is usually around two to four, depending on the severity and dangerousness of the defect. Once these repairs take place and fail, the consumer can begin the lemon law claims process.
It is very important to note that consumers should document these repair attempts and have other paperwork regarding the defective vehicle before bringing a claim.
Bringing a lemon law claim is best done with the help of an experienced lemon law attorney. Like other fields of law, lemon law is complex and having someone who is trained to understand it on the consumer’s side increases their odds of winning substantially.
The following GMC models have been recalled in 2024. If your vehicle has been repaired multiple times to rectify a problem that was covered by a GMC recall, you may be able to file a lemon law claim and receive a refund or cash compensation.
| Recalled Vehicle | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| GMC Hummer EV SUV | $176,050 |
| GMC Hummer EV | $183,050 |
| GMC Sierra EV | $174,116 |
| GMC Canyon | $64,575 |
| GMC Sierra 2500 | $95,121 |
| GMC Sierra 3500 | $97,162 |
| GMC Terrain | $57,391 |
| GMC Acadia | $64,400 |
| GMC Yukon | $127,316 |
| GMC Yukon XL | $133,091 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
2024 GMC Recalls
So far in 2024, GMC vehicles have been the subject of several recalls. Below is a list of some of those impacting the GMC vehicles listed above in the table.
Each entry will also include the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall number. Using this number, consumers can view information about that specific recall on this website.
Insufficient Wire Insulation
A very small number of GMC Hummer EV and GMC Sierra EV vehicles were recalled for their rear drive units potentially having insufficiently insulated wiring. The solution is inspection and replacement of the rear drive unit. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 24V-320.
Over-Tightened Front Wheel Bolts
A very small number of GMC Canyon vehicles had some of their front wheel bolts overtightened and damaged during installation. The solution is inspection and replacement of the bolts. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 24V-237.
Unexpected Emergency Brake Activation
A large number of GMC Canyon vehicles are being recalled due to their front camera sensors sometimes mistakenly detecting objects and thereby activating the vehicle’s automatic braking system unnecessarily. The solution is a software update to the impacted system. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 24V-133.
Tailgate Opening While Driving
A large number of GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles are being recalled because the tailgate locking system could malfunction and open when it is not supposed to. The solution is replacement of the exterior touchpad assembly. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 24V-060.
2023 GMC Recalls
Several GMC vehicles were also the subject of recalls last year in 2023, many of which are still relevant today. They can be found below for the vehicles in the table.
Defective Fuel Pump
Some 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles were recalled for fuel pumps problems, which were failing to provide enough fuel to the engine and therefore causing it to stall. The solution is replacing the fuel pump. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-013.
Rear Fuel Tank Collapse
A large number of 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles with the dual fuel tank option are vulnerable to rear fuel tank collapse, impacting the ability of the fuel pump to move fuel throughout the vehicle. The solution is inspection and replacement of defective parts, as well as the installation of a vent hose. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-047.
Half-Shaft Separation
A very small number of GMC Acadia vehicles were manufactured with the right-front half-shaft assembly improperly connected to the transmission. This can cause them to separate. The solution is replacing the right-front half-shaft. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-043.
Incorrect Transmission Gear
Some 2023 GMC Acadia vehicles had their transmissions built with the wrong gear, which can cause a shaft to disengage from the transmission. The solution is replacing the incorrect gear with the correct one. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-172.
Exploding Airbag Inflator
A very large number of 2014-2017 GMC Acadia vehicles may contain a malfunctioning driver’s-side air bag inflator. This inflator can explode during deployment and create shrapnel in the process. The solution is to replace the defective model. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-334.
Child Seat Installation Problem
A large number of 2020-2023 GMC Terrain vehicles contain over-powdered metal bars which make properly installing a child seat difficult or impossible. The solution is to either adjust or replace the overcoated pieces. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-339.
Improperly Welded Battery Connections
A very small number of certain 2022 GMC Hummer EV vehicles suffer from poorly welded connections between the battery and the rest of the vehicle, which can result in a loss of driving power. The solution is inspection and replacement of the battery if necessary. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-367.
Disconnecting Steering Shaft
A small number of 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles are being recalled for their faulty steering shafts, which may disconnect from the steering arm. The solution is inspection and replacement of the steering gear. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-549.
Improperly Manufactured Suspension Bolts
A small number of 2023 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles contain bolts that were poorly manufactured, which now are more fragile than intended and can break. The solution is replacing the faulty bolts. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-642.
Windshield Improperly Sealed
A very small number of 2023 GMC Acadia vehicles are being recalled because the windshield may not have been attached with the proper sealant. The solution is inspection of the windshield and installation of the sealant if absent. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-681.
Loose Seat Belt Bolts
A very small number of 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV and EV SUV vehicles can contain loosened seat belt bolts in the left or right front buckle attachments. The solution is for a dealer to tighten the bolts if they are loose. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-786.
Unexpected Door Opening
A very small number of 2024 GMC Terrain vehicles can have their door strikers fracture, which can result in the vehicle’s doors opening on their own. NHTSA’s number for this recall is is replacement of all four strikers and their respective bolts. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-869.
Checking Your GMC’s Recall Status
If you know that your GMC is already the subject of a recall, the best place to find information regarding the recall is the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website, which can be found here.
Consumers can simply input their license plate number or the make and model of their vehicle to find out more information about ongoing recalls.
Is Your GMC a Lemon?
Whether or not your GMC is a lemon depends primarily on two things. The first is whether your vehicle was repeatedly repaired during the manufacturer’s warranty and whether the concerns leading to the repairs substantially impair the vehicle’s safety, use or value.
If these are true, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon under California law. What is a reasonable number of attempted repairs for the same issue? This number varies but will typically be around two to four.
Alternatively, if your vehicle was unusable due to repairs for 30 days, it may also qualify as a lemon. These 30 days do not need to be consecutive, so three 10-day periods or five 6-day periods would all work.
Once a vehicle is suspected to be a lemon, the consumer should take care to document all repair attempts carefully and bring their documentation to a skilled lemon law attorney, who can help the consumer bring and manage their claim over the course of its lifespan.
Consumers should be aware that in California, attorney’s fees are not paid for by the consumer if they win their case. A lemon law claim comes at no cost to a plaintiff who brings it so long as they win, which is why hiring a good lemon law attorney is even more important.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from the Lemon Law Experts!
If your GMC has been showing signs of a defect that you have taken in to be repaired multiple times, but no recall is ongoing, you may be dealing with a lemon!
Knowing your rights as a consumer under the California lemon law can be confusing, but the Lemon Law Experts are here to assist you in clarifying things.
We provide consumers with extremely high-quality legal services and have been working since 2009 to ensure consumers are represented to the best of our abilities.
We have already secured millions of total dollars in settlements for our clients: let us help you next! Give us a call today by dialing (877) 885-5366 or by submitting an online form here.
