We are aware of the login problems affecting the forums, and appreciate your patience as we work on a fix.
Did you recently purchase a new Tesla, Rivian or Lucid vehicle directly from the manufacturer and willing to share how your experience compared to previous vehicle purchases made through a traditional dealer? A reporter would like to speak with you; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 2/19 for details.
Comments
The back windshield wiper has been replaced twice and now it doesn't work anymore. I got it fixed both times under warranty but with about 105,000 miles, it is out of warranty. 33,000 for a wiper motor is WAY TOO SHORT of a lifespan. Especially for a part that is used not even 1/3 of the time.
I am disappointed with GM and what happened to Saturn. The problems with the Relay are definitely making me reconsider GM cars and trucks in the future. I have been buying them since I was in high school but now I may be looking elsewhere.
If anyone has any insight into how to resolve heat and air issue I would greatly appreciate it.
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Front driver side 3 times (Once for bearing and twice for sensor) and passenger front twice. I think the first time for both sides and GM part, all the other were aftermarket. Ironically, the most recent have lasted the longest.
Sarah,
Look for an email.
I've also taken this to four different Chevrolet dealers (Sims, now closed; Classic and Pat O'Brien) for a service engine light that has been on intermittently since 24,000 miles, and three dealers for a clunk in the front suspension which O'Brien wrote me a note they'd extend the warranty. Here's a good one - the indicator for the turn signals quit clicking (lights still work) and three technicians in 45 minutes couldn't figure out where the indicator is at. I've spoken with GM Customer Service, who seem oblivious to the real issue - I can't keep taking off from work and doing without a vehicle, for nothing to get fixed.
BTW, my mother's 2006 Montana has same problem with Traction Control/Stability Control warning light. She can write her own post, I have enough problems to deal with on this piece of crap.
If anyone has any idea why the TC/SC light would come on intermittently, the service engine light comes on intermittently, the turn signals don't work, etc. etc. I'd love to hear them. BTW Sarah - don't suggest I take it back to the dealer. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting to get a different outcome. As I told the dealer (the third time they cleaned/replaced the fuel injectors) - if you bought a house and the faucet clogged up, and the builder replaced it over and over every month for a year; you might eventually come to the conclusion that there's nothing wrong with the faucet... :lemon:
They can't fix it!!! They can do something to the computer to take away the messages but they will return because I believe there is no fix. You can open a case with GM but you will take it to the dealership they will make the message go away for about a week longer than your case complaint is open. Been there done that. I know I sound jaded but that hunk of junk took me 5 years to pay off 5 long years!!!!.....Sell it, trade it, RUN and don't look back!!!!!
Although your experience hasn't been as smooth as it could have been, thank you for supporting the "Made in America" movement. If we can look into this further with you, please send us an email at the address located in my profile with more information (include your name/Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 digits of your vehicle's VIN and current mileage, and the name of your involved dealership).
We look forward to hearing from you,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I've already had the van in for brake sensors to be replaced a few times. It has also had the transmission rebuilt at 55000 miles, and the passenger power door was opening on it's own, refusing to close, making chime noises and opening while driving, etc. The driver's side power door is now starting to have the same problems. The interior light controller had to be replaced, the backlights on the dashboard went out at night in the rain on the freeway, those were fixed. I don't think we've gotten through an entire year without this van needed some major repair work.
To say it is the worst car I've ever owned would be an understatement. We were the proud owners of an 01 Venture that we got 137000 miles out of with no issues. Unfortunately it was totaled in a rollover accident. We decided to purchase another Chevy minivan since we had a great experience with our Venture (purchased new). We purchased the Uplander from Carmax. They have been wonderful and have stood behind the vehicle they sold us with their MaxCare extended warranty. I am grateful to Carmax for the way they have handled this lemon they sold us. When we purchased it, it only had 8900 miles on it, and was in phenomenal shape. We felt we had made another good solid purchase buying a Chevy minivan. What a huge mistake. It is doubtful we will EVER purchase another American vehicle. Least of all a Chevy. This van is an absolute piece of crap, and I don't feel safe driving our daughters in it. Unfortunately we are stuck with it for at least another 9 months while we save up to replace it. My question for all of you; What can I do about this ABS light message? Would that system really need repair again after such a short period of time? If it does, why is GM not standing behind what they've built? Why hasn't this van been recalled for all of these issues? I came across this forum tonight and am blown away by how many people have the EXACT same problems with these vans. I realize this van is a 2006 but it has been one headache after the other since we purchased in Jan 2007! Seriously disappointed. :lemon:
I'm sorry that your Uplander has been encountering so many difficulties. I see that you did take this in to a dealership to have some work done on it for the ABS - if we can follow up on this with you, please send us an email to one of the addresses located in my profile (include your name/Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your dealership). My coworker Christina, who answers inbound emails from the forum, will advise you further.
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
So how does one send you an email when your e-mail address is marked as "private"?
My 2006 Buick Terraza (same body as the Uplander) started its ABS trouble right after the warranty ended. I have not taken mine into a dealership because I cannot afford to pay megabucks to fix this lemon.
Will GM make good on a flawed ABS system in a car that is out of warranty?
Thank you for your message. Edmunds is working to fix the concerns with Sarah's profile. I apologize for your frustrations. I understand your concerns and would be happy to set up a case for you with GM Customer Assistance; however, we will require that you have the vehicle diagnosed at a GM dealer. From there we can look into your concerns and frustrations. Please feel free to email me with the name of the dealer you will be working with, your VIN, and current mileage. I look forward to your email.
Christina
GM Customer Service
Hey Sarah, you have time for one more happy satisfied customer? Please advise on what information you need and how to send.
Thank you
I filed complaints with BBB and the Attorney General (the car is still under powertrain warranty, and this is a powertrain problem). I received a call from customer service, who asked me when I bought the car and what the current mileage was. THAT's ALL... nothing about the problem, the dealer experience, nothing. They told me they were required to call the customer when they got a complaint and that's what they were doing. What kind of joke is this? It's as if they're automatons who read from a script, but are incapable of independent logic, thinking or empathy. All I want is a safe vehicle that I can register with license plates when they come due. I can't even do that right now because of the engine problem. The traction control/stability control problem (unfortunately) is a luxury for me right now (along with the suspension clunk, the turn signals, the rear wiper (new problem). What a piece of junk! More importantly, what a poor, ineffective, uncaring, customer service organization!
I'm not an unreasonable person, I like to think I'm well educated, the car is paid for. When I talk to customer service I don't raise my voice, curse, or call their ancestry into question. Heck, I used to work for GM so I'd like to think I have some sympathy for them. But then I remember why I quit my job there - because of stupid stuff like this.
GM Customer Service - I'd love to hear a solution that works. What you've suggested before has been tried and failed. Why don't you try something new, like actually caring about the customer and addressing the problem once and for all instead of this constant runaround? :sick:
Do you have a case number with us (71-**********)? If you wanted to get that our way, we'd be happy to get you any available updates. However, as this is now a BBB matter, I am very limited in what I can do at this point.
I'm sorry to read that you don't feel as though we're addressing this properly at the moment. If I can get your case number (or the last 8 of your VIN), I can send a notification to your agent with any requests you may have.
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
We'd be happy to look into this further with you. Please email us at socialmedia@gm.com with: your name and Edmunds username, phone and current address, last 8 of your VIN and approximate mileage, and the name of your involved dealership. My coworker Christina, who answers inbound emails from Edmunds, will advise you further.
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
If we can look into this further with you, feel free to send us an email at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, and name of your dealership).
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I have a 2008 Chevy Ulander, which has been a problem since the day I bought it. It is still covered by the powertrain warranty. Current problems include:
Service engine light (keeps me from registering or selling the vehicle, because it won't pass echeck)
Transmission slippage
Traction Control / Stability Control service light
I've taken it to four different Chevrolet dealers, and they've serviced it at least twelve different times. NONE of the problems have been fixed. I also have a faulty turn signal indicator (not under warranty but they weren't able to fix) and a faulty rear wiper motor.
Each time I've taken off work, I've imposed on my friends for a ride, and been without my car for an extended period of time. Did I mention NONE of the problems have been fixed? I filed a complaint with BBB and got a call from Chevrolet. Their response was "Well, we're required to call you and we did." Didn't ask anything about what was wrong, what had been done, or that NONE of the problems have been fixed. They seem content to play a waiting game and hope that I give up.
Has anyone tried other options - for example, calling every news outlet in Ohio, or painting lemons on the car and driving in circles around their dealership? What about showing up with a film crew at the dealer and then posting it on Youtube? If any of those have worked I'd love to hear it. I won't take off from work and I won't do without my car anymore because NONE of the problems have been fixed.
Thanks for the advice.
I'm an accountant, not a mechanic but I do have some common sense (moreso than the dealer's mechanics seem to have) - let me ask two questions:
When the Traction Control and Stability Control lights are on, does the ABS (Anti lock Braking System) light come on?
Do you have the Flex Fuel engine (it has a yellow gas cap)?
My dealer told me the same story about the Electronic Brake Control Module, but this doesn't make sense. If it was bad, then all the systems that use it would fail (TC/SC/ABS). It's a shared part like a Christmas tree light - if one goes out, they all go out.
On the engine light - does it come on during long trips, or when it's cold and damp? I've tried to explain to the mechanic that using e85 ethanol (sold at only a few gas stations in the country) will make the light go out. e85 runs notoriously lean (they use it in Indy cars) which means that it's probably my computer program telling the car to run too rich.
Has GM given you a loaner while they experiment with the thing? That's been my biggest hangup with them - I'm willing to let them work on the car but I don't have another one to drive and I don't think I should have to pay for a rental for their incompetency.
I look forward to your answers and keep us posted on the outcome. Thanks.
It sounds as though they've found the root of the matter; hope that the repair goes well! Please keep us updated on progress, and if we can be of any assistance feel free to send an email to socialmedia@gm.com
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
To answer your other questions, yes it is the one that can take the flex fuel. I agree, after reading what everyone has said here and what I have been able to find elsewhere it seems everyone with the brake pressure modulator valve issue has an ABS light on. I don't. The lights I have are on everyday it seems, but they don't usually come on at the same time. Sometimes I can drive a bit before they start coming on.
The first part they changed was under the intake and this is what GM covered.
I was just informed this repair would be $1300. Thank goodness for extended warranties. I have 6000 miles left on it. I believe if they ever figure this out I will drive it straight to another dealership to trade it in!
Don't get me wrong, I agree that the U-van is a good vehicle in principle. Seating for seven, take the seats out and you can put a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back. Towing for 3,500 pounds, front wheel drive and unibody provide a reasonably comfortable ride in snow, good visibility and decent gas mileage.
My gripe is that I can't find a competent dealer to service it, and General Motors feels they have no further obligation once they build it. Four different dealers have worked on the thing and I have the same problems as when I bought it four years ago. Honestly, more than a dozen trips for the same problems which never get fixed? You'd be frustrated too if you got shuffled back and forth with no answer and no resolution.
I've called GM in Detroit, and spoken to their representatives at the car shows. Their response is almost robotic - take it to the dealer (just like the other dozen times). There should be some sort of escalation process - "if this doesn't work, try this instead."
Customer Service Sarah won't even reply to me, because she isn't empowered to make a decision that would resolve this problem. I'm not an unreasonable person, but insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. I've tried taking it to the dealer; Sarah, why don't you suggest something else?
You're right, I'm a hater. I hate the way that GM and their dealer network have passed me back and forth; I hate the way they treat me like I'm stupid, gullible or both; I hate all the time I've lost and the money I've spent on repairs for ZERO results; and I hate that I paid tens of thousands of dollars for a vehicle that I can't renew the registration on because it won't pass e-check.
No more GM vehicles, I've learned my lesson. You simply can't depend on them (their vehicles or their employees).
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Although my traction control still grabs occasionally at stop signs my TC & ABS lights don't come on anymore every time I turn. Have them look for this. I have had it in so many times that the repair shop only charged me for parts, about $74. They have fixed A LOT of ABS problems on these vehicles.
Good luck. I'm still trying to find a way to get my Engine light off. No engine problems but light will not go off. I've decided to keep my now for another year. I paid it off this month as was going to get rid of it fast. Too bad they have all of these problems because i do like the van otherwise.
Sarah, GM Customer Service
What year and model do you have? If you want for us to check into warranty information, please email us the last 8 digits of your VIN to socialmedia@gm.com
Kind regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
You already know this problem is so common it should have been a factory recall, but I guess your Certified Repair Network making a thousand bucks of profit at each visit to not-fix it is reason enough to let it slide. I fail to see how it helps me for you to have my car's serial number . . . BUT if you convince me it is worthwhile I'll email you the VIN
The last time I called GM I was told to take the van to my local dealership and call back so that they could monitor the dealership. I spent my entire day there. When I called back with the $1800 bill the person I spoke with had gone for the day. I was called by some (in TX, I'm in MI) who said they had spoken with the manager of the dealership who was willing to help with the charges and he would be calling me. I never got the call. I ended up ordering my transmission coolant lines, getting my brakes done elsewhere and not having anything done about my side molding that has been replaced several times for adhesion failure and turning brown or the automatic door that randomly stops working. I've had 3 or 4 key fobs and the current one does not work. My Malibu has had brake problems, the steering column and lower control arms replaced. Currently, the Malibu has a loud clunk when turning left or right. The Malibu has 60,000+ miles and the Uplander has 61,000+.
On the day that I was at the dealership with the Uplander I spent most of the day with a salesman looking for a 2010 Malibu. When one was found I was told that I would have to pay to have the car brought in. This was a real turn off so I took my $1800 bill and left. In May, I went to the local Ford dealership and in two weeks I had what I asked for without paying anything up front. I didn't trade either vehicle because I didn't want to hear later that someone had had an accident and died in a vehicle that I previously owned.
I plan on keeping the Uplander and giving the Malibu to another family member. Since GM has money for the repairs I have listed I am wondering why people are given such a run around when reporting known issues.
I contacted the Ohio Attorney General, who then contacted GM. An attorney for GM (Brandi) called me, got the VIN number (sounds like the automatons all have the same script) and then did nothing for me. At the AG's request, I took it back to the last dealer who saw it under the bumper to bumper warranty. I was assured by Mike Campola (GM of Pat O'Brien Chevrolet) that they "weren't going to throw darts at the problem" and that a master technician would do the diagnosis.
After spending an entire day at the dealership, they told me that my check engine light problem requires a fuel injection cleaning, at a cost of $149. I paid $58 for them to tell me this. If that doesn't work, I was told that disassembly of the engine at $1400, plus parts would be required. They would not guarantee that any of this would fix the problem. When I reminded Phil (Service Manager) that they did the same work at 34K miles (under factory warranty) and it didn't fix the problem, he stated that this was necessary for diagnosis. I asked him why I had to pay and he said because this is a maintenance issue and not covered under warranty. When I reminded him that the fuel injection service at 34k was covered by warranty and no charge, I swear I could see the wheels spinning in his pupils and smoke coming out of his ears.
Meanwhile, I have a car that runs but that I can't renew the tags on because it won't pass e-check. Sarah, there's a difference between customer service and lip service, and everyone on this forum seems to be getting the latter. Can you give us an example of anyone you've actually helped? I'd like to talk to that customer and find out what worked.
Remember consumers, this problem was reported under the factory 36/36 bumper to bumper warranty and not fixed. Think about that before you buy a new vehicle from GM.
I see that you've contacted us in the past - if you wanted to email us either your Service Request number (71-**********) or the last 8 digits of your VIN we could check into that further to see if there's anything further we can do. Our email is socialmedia@gm.com
Sarah, GM Customer Service
EXCELLENT customer service. Truly. It has made me a GM customer for LIFE . . .
. . . not. Way to go Sarah, you are making your company look worse than it already did!
Here's what I suggest (won't get your car fixed but it'll make you happier and might get Serviceless Sarah's attention) -
Post negative reviews on every website and blog that you can find. Keep it factual but be sure to use lots of keywords - mention every current model that GM makes (even if it's not yours), so that when someone is looking to buy a new car and do research, your review will be near the top of the search list. When you post something on this site, be sure to check the box that says Share on Facebook to spread its reach. At some point Sarah won't be able to keep up (though I doubt her real name is Sarah, there's probably a hundred just like her who all use the same name, even the guys).
I dont have the time to do this but I've seen it work before - stick some lemons on the side of the car and then drive around in front of the local dealers. Be sure to have someone there with a video camera, and be sure to get the name of the dealership in the shot. Then, post to Youtube and wait for the fun to begin. Be sure to send the link to every media outlet in your area. Instant viral video.
Sarah (or George, or whatever your name is) what empowerment do you have to fix any of this? If your only authority is to ask for VIN numbers, YOU"RE NOT HELPING. Get someone from GM on this blog who is empowered to make a decision to help us and GET OUT OF THE WAY!
Sorry I had missed your follow-up message! Sometimes the search tool we use does not flag all responses, and again I apologize for that.
With your VIN, we're able to search our records to get a good idea of your history with the vehicle, as well as gives us the ability for us to provide you with any pertinent information we can find about the given situation (relevant recalls, special coverages, warranty information, etc.). We use it to build a Service Request, through which we do interact with the dealership to learn more about what's going on with the vehicle after a diagnosis and to see what we can do in the situation.
Additionally, if we build this Service Request, it is logged in our database and can be accessed by different departments within GM (including brand quality).
Sarah, GM Customer Service
Pertinent information - apparently there are several insouluble mystery problems or there would be answers on all these threads about how people came away with FIXED cars.
Recalls - wouldn't that be nice!
Special coverages - apparently not even STANDARD coverage, see post #99 above
Warranty information - at 7 years and 75,000 miles, not on a GM
Color me still unconvinced, skeptical of GM's commitment even to FIX problems, much less genuine Customer Service, and yes even a bit hostile toward the uncaring attitude I find here and elsewhere.
Here is what a world-class giant car company does, that CARES about their products, CARES about their customers, and CARES that their customers come get more of their products in the future: When there is a known problem with lots of potentially-fatal events caused by the problem being posted all over the internet, they assign some people to find the owners of potentially-affected vehicles and FIX the problem. This is not the same as hope the owners come in, charge them $$$$ and let them drive away with cars still broken in potentially-lethal ways.
If a scam/fake/worthless aftermarket warranty company can figure out how to send me a postcard asking for my business, how is it General Motors can't? How is this even a question?