2023 GMC Yukon Lemon Law Case Study
Catastrophic Engine Failure in a Brand-New GMC Yukon
Our client purchased a brand-new 2023 GMC Yukon on September 29, 2023, from Bob Jeannotte Buick GMC in Plymouth, Michigan. The vehicle had just 5 miles on it at the time of purchase — a factory-fresh SUV that should have been trouble-free for years.
Instead, the Yukon suffered a catastrophic engine failure — a spun crankshaft bearing in cylinder #4 — that required a complete engine replacement. The vehicle spent 59 consecutive days in the shop from March 3 to April 30, 2025.
What Went Wrong
- Abnormal engine noise reported by the client, leading to discovery of a spun crankshaft bearing in cylinder #4
- Complete engine replacement required due to severity of the internal failure
- Radiator and hose replacement needed due to metal contamination in the engine oil from the bearing failure
- Additional recalls completed during the repair — mapping module and brake fluid leak
Why This Case Required Expert Lemon Law Representation
While the severity of the defect was clear — a complete engine failure on a vehicle with only 17,000 miles — this case presented unique challenges:
- Cross-state complexity: The vehicle was purchased in Michigan but registered in Florida, requiring knowledge of both states' lemon law statutes and which jurisdiction's protections applied
- Single repair visit: Many lemon laws require multiple repair attempts before a claim can be filed. With only one visit (though an extended 59-day repair), building the case required demonstrating the severity and substantial impairment of the defect
- Engine replacement completed: GM could argue the issue was "fixed" since the engine was replaced. Our team had to establish that the catastrophic nature of the failure — and the resulting loss of confidence in the vehicle's reliability — constituted substantial impairment of value
How Easy Lemon Fought for our client's Rights
Free Case Evaluation
We reviewed our client's repair order documenting the 59-day engine replacement, sale contract, vehicle registration, and warranty terms to assess lemon law eligibility across both Michigan and Florida jurisdictions.
Documentation & Case Building
Our team compiled the sale contract, retail order, vehicle registration, and detailed repair order showing the catastrophic bearing failure, complete engine swap, and secondary contamination damage.
Demand to General Motors
We filed a formal demand with GM, documenting the severity of the defect — a brand-new engine failing catastrophically at low mileage — and the 59 days of lost use, citing applicable lemon law protections.
Settlement Negotiation
Leveraging the compelling facts — a factory defect causing complete engine failure in a nearly new vehicle — we negotiated a $97,664 recovery as a full refund for our client.
Why This GMC Yukon Qualified as a Lemon
Michigan's Lemon Law (MCL 257.1401 et seq.) sets specific thresholds that entitle a consumer to a buyback or replacement. This case satisfied multiple criteria:
- Engine Failure: Required multiple repair attempts without permanent resolution.
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act eligible: Federal warranty protection provided additional remedies.
$97,664 Recovered for Our Client
Case Timeline
- Vehicle purchased: September 29, 2023
- Engine failure occurred: March 3, 2025
- Repair completed: April 30, 2025 (59 days)
- Case filed with Easy Lemon: September 2025
- Settlement reached: $97,664 in refund
Results may vary. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and applicable law. Attorney advertising. Easy Lemon® by RockPoint Law P.C.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Attorney on Record
Steven Nassi, Esq.
Managing Partner — Easy Lemon by RockPoint Law P.C.
Licensed attorney specializing exclusively in lemon law across all 50 states. Steven leads the Easy Lemon legal team and has overseen thousands of successful lemon law settlements against major manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, and more.
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