EVs Under Michigan Lemon Law: Your Rights
Electric vehicles are no longer the future—they’re the present. Michigan is at the center of this transformation. Ford’s F-150 Lightning rolls off the line in Dearborn. GM’s next generation of EVs is being built in Michigan plants. Rivian’s supply chain runs through the state. But as EV adoption accelerates, so do the defects. Battery range that doesn’t match the advertised specs. Charging systems that fail. Software bugs that leave you stranded. DC fast charging that doesn’t work. If you own an electric vehicle in Michigan and it’s not performing as promised, you need to know this: Michigan’s lemon law fully protects EV owners. Whether you drive a Ford Lightning, Chevy Bolt, Rivian truck, Tesla, or any other electric vehicle, you have the same consumer rights as someone who bought a traditional gas-powered car. This guide will explain how Michigan’s lemon law applies to electric vehicles, the most common EV-specific defects we’re seeing, how to document EV issues, and what you’re entitled to if your EV is a lemon. Michigan’s Lemon Law Covers Electric Vehicles Under Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Warranty Act (Act 87 of 1986), the law applies to all new motor vehicles sold or leased in Michigan—including fully electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrid vehicles. The law does not distinguish between powertrains. An EV has the same protections as a gasoline or diesel vehicle. Protection Window Michigan’s lemon law protects you if defects appear within: Most EVs come with robust warranties: Since all of these exceed one year, you’re effectively protected during the full warranty term. The 4-Repair-Attempt Rule Your EV qualifies as a lemon if: The 30-Day Rule Alternatively, your EV qualifies if it’s been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty repairs. These days don’t have to be consecutive. You can add up all the repair visits. What You’re Entitled To If your EV meets the lemon law criteria, the manufacturer must: And critically, the manufacturer pays all your attorney’s fees if you prevail. EV-Specific Defects That Qualify Under Michigan Law Electric vehicles have unique systems that create defect scenarios gasoline vehicles don’t face. Here are the most common EV-specific issues we see in Michigan lemon law cases: 1. Battery Range Degradation Beyond Normal All EV batteries degrade over time—that’s expected. But when degradation is excessive or premature, it can qualify as a defect. What’s Normal: What’s NOT Normal: Example: You buy a Chevy Bolt EUV advertised with 247 miles of range. Within 6 months, your maximum range is 180 miles—even with a full charge and optimal conditions. That’s a 27% loss in six months, far beyond normal degradation. If the manufacturer can’t restore the battery to proper capacity after multiple attempts, you may have a lemon law claim. 2. Charging System Failures The ability to charge your EV is essential. When the charging system fails, the vehicle is unusable. Common charging defects include: Level 2 Charging Issues DC Fast Charging Failures Charging Port Malfunctions If your EV has been in for charging system repairs four or more times, or if charging failures have kept it out of service for 30+ days, you have a lemon law case. 3. Battery Management System (BMS) Failures The Battery Management System is the computer that monitors and controls battery performance. BMS defects include: These issues can leave you stranded and create serious safety concerns. 4. Software and Over-the-Air Update Failures Modern EVs are heavily software-dependent. When software fails, the vehicle can become inoperable. Common software defects: If the manufacturer has attempted to fix a software issue four or more times (whether through OTA updates or dealer service visits), and the problem persists, that qualifies under Michigan’s lemon law. 5. Sudden Power Loss While Driving EVs should deliver instant, consistent power. When they don’t, it’s a safety defect. Power loss scenarios: These defects are especially dangerous on highways and in traffic. 6. High-Voltage System Failures The high-voltage electrical system powers everything in an EV. When it fails, the vehicle is dead. Common HV system issues: These are serious defects that often require major component replacements. If the problem recurs after repairs, you have a strong lemon law case. Real-World EV Defect Examples in Michigan Chevy Bolt EV/EUV: Battery Module Failures Even after GM’s massive battery recall and replacement program, some Bolt owners continue experiencing: If your Bolt received a replacement battery, but these issues continue, those post-replacement service visits count as repair attempts. Ford F-150 Lightning: Charging Port and Battery Issues The Lightning is built in Michigan, but that doesn’t make it immune to defects. Common Lightning problems: Ford has issued multiple software updates and service bulletins, but if the problems persist after four repair attempts, you qualify for relief under Michigan law. Rivian R1T/R1S: Software and Build Quality Defects Rivian’s electric trucks and SUVs are innovative—but also new to market, which means growing pains. Issues reported by Michigan Rivian owners: While cosmetic issues alone don’t qualify, water leaks that damage electrical systems absolutely do. Tesla Model 3/Y: Touchscreen and Charging Failures Tesla’s best-selling models have documented defect patterns: If you’ve had the same Tesla issue repaired four or more times in Michigan, you have a claim. Does Battery Degradation Count as a Defect? This is the question we get most from EV owners: “My range is terrible, but the dealer says ‘battery degradation is normal.’ Do I have a case?” The answer depends on how much degradation and how quickly. Normal Degradation: Not a Defect All lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. This is physics, not a defect. If your 3-year-old EV has lost 10-12% of its original range, that’s likely within normal parameters. Excessive Degradation: Potentially a Defect If your EV loses significant range in a short period—especially within the first year or two—that may indicate a manufacturing defect. Red flags: How to Prove Excessive Degradation Manufacturers will argue degradation is normal. You need evidence that it’s not. Document: If you can show that your degradation is significantly worse than typical for your
GM & Ford Lemon Law Claims in Michigan: A 2025 Guide
You live in the Motor City. Detroit is home to General Motors. Dearborn is where Ford was born. Michigan’s identity is built on the automotive industry—and for generations, that meant buying American, buying local, and trusting the brands that built this state. But what happens when the Silverado you bought at your local Chevy dealer keeps breaking down? When your F-150 Lightning won’t charge? When GM’s recall “fix” didn’t actually fix anything? You still have rights. Even in Michigan—headquarters to the automakers themselves—consumers are protected by state lemon law. And if GM or Ford can’t repair your vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, they owe you a refund, replacement, or compensation. This guide is specifically for Michigan residents dealing with defective GM or Ford vehicles. Our Lemon Law Michigan Attorneys are ready to help. We’ll cover Michigan’s lemon law, the major GM and Ford recalls, what to do if a recall didn’t solve your problem, and how to hold these manufacturers accountable—even in their own backyard. Michigan’s Lemon Law: The Basics Michigan’s lemon law is found in the Motor Vehicle Warranty Act (Act 87 of 1986). According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), lemon laws exist to protect consumers from defective vehicles that manufacturers fail to repair within a reasonable number of attempts. Protection Window Your vehicle is covered if defects appear within the first year of ownership or during the full term of the manufacturer’s written warranty (whichever provides longer coverage). Most GM and Ford vehicles come with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, so in practice, you’re protected during that full warranty period if you meet other requirements. The 4-Repair-Attempt Rule Michigan law presumes your vehicle is a lemon if the manufacturer or dealer has attempted to repair the same defect four or more times and the problem still isn’t fixed. The 30-Day Rule Alternatively, your vehicle qualifies if it’s been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days for warranty repairs. These days don’t have to be consecutive—you can add up all the time your vehicle has spent in the shop. What You’re Entitled To If your vehicle qualifies, the manufacturer must refund the full purchase price (minus a mileage offset) or provide a comparable replacement vehicle. Fee-Shifting Provision Michigan’s law includes attorney fee-shifting. If you win your case, GM or Ford pays all your attorney’s fees. You pay nothing out of pocket. GM’s 6.2L V8 Engine Recall: What Michigan Owners Need to Know In 2024 and 2025, General Motors issued a massive recall affecting the 6.2L V8 engine—one of the most popular powertrains in GM’s truck and SUV lineup. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fuel pump module defects in these engines have posed serious safety risks, including engine stall at highway speeds. Which Vehicles Are Affected? • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–2024) • GMC Sierra 1500 (2019–2024) • Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024) • Chevrolet Suburban (2021–2024) • GMC Yukon (2021–2024) • GMC Yukon XL (2021–2024) • Cadillac Escalade (2021–2024) • Cadillac Escalade ESV (2021–2024) What’s the Problem? The recall addresses fuel pump module failures that can cause engine stalling while driving, loss of power, inability to restart the vehicle, check engine light illumination, and rough idling or hesitation. In severe cases, the engine can shut down completely at highway speeds—a serious safety hazard. The Recall Fix GM’s recall involves replacing the fuel pump control module. Dealers are instructed to inspect the fuel pump module, replace the module if defective, and update vehicle software. What If the Recall Didn’t Fix Your Problem? A recall repair is not a magic solution. If you had your vehicle in for fuel pump issues before the recall was announced, complied with the recall but the problem persists, or are experiencing new fuel system issues after the recall repair, you may have a lemon law claim. Each service visit—before and after the recall—counts as a repair attempt. If GM can’t fix the issue after four attempts total, Michigan law says you’re entitled to relief. Ford F-150 Lightning: Battery and Charging System Issues Ford’s F-150 Lightning is the company’s flagship electric truck, built right here in Michigan at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn. But the Lightning has experienced significant growing pains. For a deeper look at how electric vehicles are covered under state law, see our guide: EVs Under Michigan Lemon Law: Your Rights. Common F-150 Lightning Defects Battery Management System Failures • Sudden loss of charge • Battery won’t charge beyond a certain percentage • Inaccurate range estimates • Battery overheating warnings Charging Port Defects • DC fast charging doesn’t work or charges extremely slowly • Charging port door won’t open or close • Charging cable won’t release from the port • Error messages when attempting to charge Software and Infotainment Crashes • SYNC 4A system freezes or reboots • Loss of critical vehicle information (range, speed, battery status) • Navigation and climate controls become unresponsive Power Loss While Driving • Truck suddenly loses power and enters reduced power mode • Inability to accelerate • Complete shutdown requiring a restart Ford’s Response Ford has issued several technical service bulletins (TSBs) and over-the-air software updates addressing Lightning issues. However, software updates don’t always resolve hardware defects. If your Lightning has been back to the dealer multiple times for the same issue, and Ford’s updates haven’t fixed it, you may have a lemon law case. Chevy Bolt EV: Battery Recall History and Ongoing Issues The Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV were among GM’s most popular electric vehicles—until a massive battery recall. The Battery Fire Recall In 2020–2021, GM recalled every Chevy Bolt ever