Chevrolet Express Lemon Law

General Motors recalled tens of thousands of 2022–2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission because the transmission control module (TCM) software was incorrectly calibrated (NHTSA campaign 24V839). The bad calibration can cause harsh shifting, reduced power, unintended deceleration, or rear-wheel lockup — all serious problems in a heavy van. For 2026 vans, GM issued a separate recall over an incorrectly built steering-column component that can give inaccurate gear-selection feedback, letting the van move unexpectedly.

Express owners — many of whom depend on the van for work — also report other recurring issues: harsh or delayed shifting and slipping, power loss when engaging Drive or Reverse (a long-running complaint on cutaway models with GM's 6L90 transmission), electrical faults, and diesel emissions or DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) warnings on diesel-equipped vans. When the same defect keeps returning after repairs, that pattern is what the Lemon Law addresses.

Importantly, California's Lemon Law can protect commercial and business vehicles, not just personal ones: a business with five or fewer vehicles registered in California qualifies for a van under 10,000 pounds. Many Express vans used by small businesses fall within that limit. If your Express has been through a reasonable number of failed repairs or long shop stays for the same defect, Chevrolet may owe you a buyback (a refund minus a mileage offset), a replacement van, or a cash settlement — with your attorney fees paid by Chevrolet.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Express has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Chevrolet Express qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Chevrolet pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.