California Lemon Law News + Info

General Motors Allegedly Equipped Corvettes with Faulty Wheels

A class action against General Motors is accusing the automaker of equipping its 2015–2019 Corvette models with faulty wheels and demanding reimbursements that could cost the automaker millions of dollars.

The rubber part of the tire is slipping off the rim of a parked car.The lawsuit represents owners and lessees of 2015–2019 Corvette Z06 and 2017–2019 Corvette Grand Sport vehicles. Several owners of these vehicles reported that, despite low miles and careful driving, their wheel rims have bent or cracked, which the lawsuit says could cause air leaks or tire blowouts. Many have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Better Business Bureau.

A General Motors spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press that there have been no safety recalls on the listed vehicles, but dealerships offer Tire and Wheel Protection for roughly $1,000 per plan. The automaker’s chief engineer blames the alleged damage on regular wear and tear.

The lawsuit claims that the wheel rims are prone to deforming and cracking because they are made with material that is “cast, rather than forged, and is of insufficient strength, and in an insufficient quantity, to withstand the torque and power input from the drivetrain.” The automaker allegedly used less material that needed, just to save “unsprung weight” not borne by the vehicle’s suspensions.

Citing Car and Driver magazine’s review of the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, the lawsuit alleges that six wheels were damaged within a 40,000-mile testing period, resulting in a total cost of $4,098 for cumulative replacements and repairs. According to the suit, General Motors refused to cover repair costs, and replacement wheels were often equally defective.

Source: Detroit Free Press


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2017–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.

Think You Have a Lemon?

Tell us about Yourself
Tell us about your vehicle

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted via phone, text or email regarding your claim.