Does Your GM Camaro Have Defects That Make it a Lemon?

Purchased by those who want a fun and stylish vehicle to drive, the Camaro has been on the road for 55 years. But despite its popularity, the famous muscle car isn’t without issues. Throughout the decades, consumers have raised a number of concerns regarding various flaws and malfunctions in these vehicles. Although some of the problems Camaro drivers have experienced aren’t serious and can be easy to repair, persistent issues might mean the car is a lemon.

Common Camaro Problems

When you invest in a car, it should be reliable, dependable, and free from defects. All vehicles require routine maintenance periodically, but you shouldn’t have to keep bringing a brand new car back to the dealership for repairs. Unfortunately, consumers have made countless complaints regarding problems with the Camaro, spanning across model years.

Camaro drivers have reported numerous nonconformities and defects in their cars, including the following:

• Power train malfunctions
• Engine problems
• Brake defects
• Faulty ignition switches
• Remote starter problems
• Electrical issues
• Steering wheel failure
• Water pump leaks
• Power window defects

Critically, some of the above issues can present a serious safety risk — in these cases, the vehicle should not be driven until it has been repaired. Still, even minor defects can be an inconvenience that cause significant disruption in your life. Not only might you have to take time off work and rearrange your schedule to have the problem remedied, but you might also incur considerable expense for the repairs if the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

What Makes a Camaro a Lemon?

Just because your Camaro has a problem doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lemon. There are specific criteria under California’s Lemon Law that must be met in order for a new or used vehicle to be legally classified as one. First, the car must be one that was purchased in the state — generally, a lemon claim cannot be brought under California law for vehicles bought in other jurisdictions. In addition, the original manufacturer’s warranty must have been in effect at the time the defect was discovered.

The problem with the vehicle must also be one that cannot be remedied after the manufacturer has been given a reasonable opportunity to make repairs. In most cases, a consumer will be required to demonstrate at least four repair attempts were made to invoke their right to a refund or replacement under the lemon law. However, if the defect was substantial and posed a risk of harm to the driver, their passengers, and others on the road, two repair attempts are usually sufficient to establish that the car is a lemon.

A car is legally presumed to be a lemon if the nonconformity arose within the first 18 months of delivery, or if it was identified before the initial 18,000 miles were driven. This presumption can make it easier for consumers who have purchased lemon cars to prevail in their cases.

Importantly, a lemon law lawsuit must be filed within four years from the date the problem first appeared. Failure to commence a claim within the applicable statute of limitations can forever bar you from bringing your case.

Have There Been Camaro Recalls or Class Action Lawsuits?

Safety hazards associated with the Camaro have led to over a dozen recalls in the past decade. Recalls have been issued for a broad scope of defects, ranging from flawed seatbelts to faulty airbags, electrical system malfunctions, and over-pressurization of the fuel system. Last year, GM even identified a problem with the emblem affixed to the driver-side airbag in certain models — the manufacturer found that the emblem could detach upon deployment of the airbag, causing it to become a flying projectile in the affected vehicles.

However, even when a recall is in place, it doesn’t automatically make a car a lemon. In most cases involving recalls, the manufacturer is able to identify a fix or the faulty part can be replaced. But if the problem continues after several repair attempts have been made to remedy the same issue, it’s essential to be aware that you may have rights under the lemon law.

Additionally, a class action lawsuit was filed in 2020 by a group of consumers who alleged that the remote starters in their Camaros were faulty. The owners argued that the issue would usually occur in the heat or and that defective heat shields were to blame for the problem — an issue, they said, General Motors knew about and failed to disclose. Although the judge dismissed some of the claims in the suit, including those brought under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (the “federal lemon law”) because he lacked jurisdiction to hear them, he allowed the consumer protection claims in the lawsuit to proceed. The case is currently ongoing.

Contact an Experienced Southern California Lemon Law Attorney

If you purchased a Camaro or another vehicle that fails to conform to its warranty, you may be eligible for a legal remedy under California’s Lemon Law. It’s best to consult with a knowledgeable lemon law attorney who can assess your case and advise you regarding your options. The skilled attorneys at The Ledbetter Law Firm are dedicated to fighting for the rights of consumers and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve.

The Ledbetter Law Firm works with clients throughout Southern California who have purchased lemons and assists them with obtaining the refund or replacement vehicle to which they are entitled from the manufacturer. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (310) 878-0067 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.