GM Calls Back 725,000 SUVs Over Too-Bright Headlights

Some headlights on General Motors vehicles work too well, the company recently told federal regulators.

GM is recalling some 725,000 GMC Terrain sport-utility vehicles because their headlights are too bright. Although the company said it is not aware of any accidents caused by the issue, it acknowledged that the headlights exceed federal restrictions on headlight brightness.

The recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration denied the automaker’s request to skip the callback. GM had argued that the defect did not raise safety risks and no owners had complained.

“NHTSA does not consider the absence of complaints or injuries to show that the issue is inconsequential to safety,” the agency said in a letter denying GM’s petition.

“Motor vehicle headlamps are, among other things, required to provide forward illumination for driving conditions in a manner that does not cause safety consequences for the driver of the vehicle, or other roadway drivers,” NHTSA explained. “In particular, this can include sources of glare caused by light reflected back to the driver or other roadway drivers.”

The recall covers certain 2010-2017 Terrain SUVs whose headlights are more than three times as bright as permitted in the U.S., Car and Driver reports.

GM has had its hands full with safety defects and car recalls. The company in December called back roughly 15,000 vehicles because of a fuel pump defect GM warned could cause cars to stall unexpectedly. It also recently recalled some 95,000 sport utility vehicles because of an equipment defect that could cause seatbelts in those cars to become inoperable.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Car Owners

GM is not the only automaker grappling with recalls. Around the world, major car manufacturers call back millions of vehicles every year. These recalls are often over serious defects that put everyone’s safety at risk.

Fortunately, GM and other car owners in California do not have to wait for a recall to get their vehicles fixed. They have some valuable rights and protections under the California lemon law.

Also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also obligates the companies to buy back or replace vehicles that the companies are unwilling or unable to properly fix. That includes covering the purchase price, as well as financing fees and related expenses like towing and rental vehicle costs.

There is no specific number of repair attempts or requests that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorney at our firm can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you are stuck with a lemon or locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over repairs, the Los Angeles lemon law attorneys at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.