Chevrolet Equinox Lemon Law

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot dismiss a legitimate defect as 'normal' if it substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value, or safety. Excessive oil consumption that could lead to engine damage or leave you stranded qualifies as a substantial defect. If you have documented repair visits where the dealer acknowledged the oil consumption but failed to fix it, you have grounds for a claim. California courts have consistently sided with consumers when manufacturers try to redefine defects as normal characteristics.

California's Song-Beverly Act creates a presumption that a vehicle is a lemon after two or more repair attempts for the same nonconformity. Since your infotainment screen has already been replaced twice without resolution, you likely meet this threshold. While a failed screen may not seem as serious as an engine defect, California law considers any defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's value to the consumer. The loss of navigation, backup camera, and climate controls through the screen qualifies as a substantial impairment.

Yes, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act explicitly covers leased vehicles. As the lessee, you have the same protections as a purchaser and can pursue a lemon law claim for the transmission shudder. If successful, you are entitled to a refund of all lease payments made, plus your down payment and any fees, minus a reasonable use allowance. The lessor and manufacturer are jointly responsible for making you whole.

Yes, under the Song-Beverly Act, the 30-day out-of-service provision applies to the cumulative total of all warranty repairs, not just a single defect. If your Equinox has been in the shop for 30 or more calendar days for any combination of warranty-covered repairs, the lemon law presumption applies. Each day the vehicle is unavailable to you counts toward this total, including days waiting for parts. Make sure to keep copies of every repair order showing drop-off and pick-up dates.