Q: My Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra HD received a recall notice for a fuel transfer and engine stall defect, what are my rights under Florida Lemon Law?

 

A: This recall directly triggers Florida Lemon Law protections for eligible owners. General Motors has acknowledged that certain 2024-2026 Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500 and Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 HD trucks have a fuel transfer defect that can cause unexpected engine stall while driving, a life-threatening safety failure. Under Florida Statute 681, if your dealer cannot permanently repair this defect within three attempts, or if your truck has been out of service for a cumulative total of 30 or more days waiting for parts or a fix, you may be legally entitled to a full vehicle replacement or a complete refund of your purchase price. A safety recall combined with a repair failure is one of the strongest grounds for a successful lemon law claim in Florida. At MMD Law Advocates, we represent Silverado and Sierra owners throughout South Florida, Central Florida, and the Florida West Coast at no out-of-pocket cost, General Motors pays our fees if you prevail..

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Q: My 6.2L V8 has a loud ticking noise, but the dealer says it’s "normal injector pulse." Is this a Lemon?

 

A: Do not accept the "normal noise" excuse. In 2024–2026 Silverado, a rhythmic metallic ticking often indicates Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifter collapse. If the noise is accompanied by a flashing Check Engine Light or a P0300 misfire code, you have a substantial defect. Under Florida Statute 681, if the dealer "cannot replicate" a noise that clearly impairs the vehicle’s value or safety, we can use your own video/audio recordings as evidence to trigger a buyback.

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Q: What is the "Transmission Valve Body" recall, and does it apply to my 10-speed Allison?

 

A: This is a critical 2026 safety issue. Recall 24V-817 (and its 2026 expansions) affects the valve bodies in the 10-speed transmissions of 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. A defect in the control valve can cause the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly while driving. If your truck has experienced harsh shifting or "lunging" and the dealer claims they are "waiting for parts" or a "software calibration," those days count toward your 30-day out-of-service limit in Florida.

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Q: I have a 3.0L Duramax Diesel with a fuel leak. GM says it's just a "Customer Satisfaction Program", does that count for Lemon Law?

 

A: Yes. GM often uses Customer Satisfaction Programs (like N242489010) to address fire hazards without issuing a formal safety recall. However, Florida law doesn't care what GM calls the repair. If your Duramax is spending weeks in the shop for fuel injector leaks or high-pressure pump issues, it is a "nonconformity." A fuel leak is a primary safety defect; you shouldn't have to wait for a fire to start before demanding a refund.

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Q: My Silverado "shudders" at 50 mph, but the dealer only offers a "transmission flush." Is that a valid repair attempt?

 

A: This is the infamous "Chevy Shake." While dealers try to fix this with a specialized fluid flush, it is often a temporary band-aid for a defective torque converter. Under the Florida Lemon Law, if the "shudder" returns after the flush, that counts as a second failed repair attempt. After three attempts (or 30 days in the shop), you have reached the legal threshold to demand that GM buy back the truck.

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Q: GM offered me a "Trade-In Assistance" voucher instead of a buyback. Should I take it?

 

A: Be extremely cautious. Trade-in vouchers are marketing tools designed to keep you in the GM family while allowing them to avoid the "Lemon" title on your current truck's VIN. As your Attorney in the Family, we typically advise against these. A formal Lemon Law Buyback ensures you get a refund of your down payment, all monthly installments, taxes, and fees, usually a much higher value than a "voucher" toward a new (and potentially also defective) truck.