In a legal battle that could have significant implications for consumer rights, a couple has taken on a major automobile manufacturer over alleged vehicle defects. On October 17, 2024, Daniel L. Ziegler and Jennifer S. Ziegler filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, against General Motors LLC. The lawsuit centers around the purchase of a new 2024 Chevrolet Trax, which the plaintiffs claim is riddled with defects that render it substantially impaired and worthless.
The Zieglers' case against General Motors LLC hinges on several documented repair attempts that failed to resolve persistent issues with their vehicle's infotainment system and backup camera. According to the complaint, these problems first surfaced when the vehicle had only 5,840 miles on its odometer. Despite multiple repair attempts by authorized dealers between October and December 2024, the issues persisted. "The vehicle continues to exhibit defects and nonconformities which substantially impair its use, value and/or safety," states the complaint.
The plaintiffs argue that these unresolved defects violate both state and federal laws designed to protect consumers from faulty products. They cite the Pennsylvania Automobile Lemon Law, which mandates manufacturers to either replace or refund vehicles with persistent nonconformities after reasonable repair attempts. Additionally, they invoke the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, alleging that General Motors breached its express warranties by failing to provide effective repairs.
In their pursuit of justice, Daniel and Jennifer Ziegler are seeking relief in various forms. They demand reimbursement for the full purchase price of their Chevrolet Trax along with all collateral charges such as attorney fees and court costs. Moreover, they seek damages under the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law for what they describe as deceptive practices by General Motors in selling them a defective vehicle.
Representing the Zieglers is attorney Robert M. Silverman from Kimmel & Silverman P.C., who argues that his clients have suffered financially due to General Motors' failure to honor its warranty obligations. The case has been assigned Case ID No.: CVPDD008S354F816 in the Civil Division of Allegheny County's Court of Common Pleas.