Chevrolet Lemon Law: Warranty, Dispute Program & Your Rights

The short answer

A new Chevrolet is covered by your state’s lemon law like any other vehicle. Chevrolet’s 3-year / 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty transfers to later owners, and Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac all take part in BBB AUTO LINE, a free dispute program.

From Silverado pickups to Equinox crossovers and Bolt EVs, Chevrolet covers a lot of driveways. When one of them keeps coming back with the same defect, state lemon law decides whether GM has to take it back.

This guide pulls together Chevrolet’s published warranty terms, GM’s dispute program and the lemon law windows that apply in each state.

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Chevrolet warranty terms

Chevrolet new vehicle warranty, as published by the manufacturer
Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Limited WarrantyTypically 5 years / 60,000 miles (some vehicles differ)
CorrosionTypically 3 years / 36,000 miles
Rust-through protectionTypically 6 years / 100,000 miles
Transfer to a new ownerActive warranties transfer (Chevrolet notes a 6-month retention rule on the 2023 Corvette Z06)

From Chevrolet’s owner warranty page. Buick, GMC and Cadillac publish their own warranty terms.

How long state lemon laws protect a Chevrolet

With 3 years / 36,000 miles of basic coverage, your Chevrolet’s warranty usually outlasts its lemon law window. A two-year state closes the window with 1 year of warranty to go; a one-year state, with 2 years. Repairs in that gap are free, but they rarely count toward a buyback.

When the lemon law window closes for a new Chevrolet
State windowJurisdictionsChevrolet basic warranty at that point
The warranty termNew Hampshire, VermontWindow lasts the full 3 years / 36,000 miles
Three years1about the same time the basic warranty ends
Two years211 year of basic coverage still left
18 months318 months of basic coverage still left
One year232 years of basic coverage still left

Many windows also stop at 12,000 to 24,000 miles, long before the 36,000-mile limit on a Chevrolet warranty. Find your state’s exact rule in our state guides, or check your Chevrolet repair history against your state’s window.

Chevrolet’s dispute program

BBB National Programs lists Chevrolet as a national participant in BBB AUTO LINE, and Buick, GMC and Cadillac are on its participant list too. Certain warranty and lemon law disputes are accepted from every state, subject to other eligibility rules in GM’s program summary.

BBB AUTO LINE is free and does not need a lawyer. Call 1-800-955-5100. Chevrolet’s warranty booklet also explains GM’s customer assistance steps, which usually come first.

Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners

This guide uses Chevrolet’s published terms, but the lemon law side is the same for every GM brand. Buick, GMC and Cadillac each appear on BBB National Programs’ list of BBB AUTO LINE participants, so the same free dispute route is open to you. Check that brand’s own warranty booklet for coverage lengths, and its BBB page for the program summary.

Two practical points apply across GM. First, warranties that are still active move with the vehicle when it is sold, which can matter in states that protect later owners during the warranty. Second, GM offers courtesy transportation during warranty repairs, so ask for it, but make sure the repair order still records each day the vehicle was out of service. Those days are the evidence for a days-out-of-service test.

Who to contact at Chevrolet

Chevrolet contacts for a warranty or lemon law dispute
Chevrolet customer service800-222-1020 (as listed by BBB National Programs)
BBB AUTO LINE1-800-955-5100 · bbbprograms.org
Notice addressUse the address in your Chevrolet Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or the one your state names

If your state’s lemon law names a specific address or method for notice, follow your state’s rule.

Things Chevrolet owners should know

  • Chevrolet offers courtesy transportation during warranty repairs. Ask for it, and make sure the repair order still shows every day the vehicle was in the shop.
  • Because GM warranties transfer, a used Chevrolet bought inside the warranty may still qualify in states that cover later owners during the warranty.
  • Check open recalls on your VIN. If a recall repair targets your defect, keep that repair order with the rest.

What to do if your Chevrolet is a lemon

  1. Keep every repair order from the Chevrolet dealer, including the days you used courtesy transportation, and make sure each lists your complaint and mileage.
  2. Call Chevrolet customer service (800-222-1020) and ask for a case number.
  3. Send written notice using the address in your Limited Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or the one your state requires; our letter generator can draft it.
  4. Start a BBB AUTO LINE claim if your state or GM’s program summary calls for it, or if you want a free decision first.
  5. File in your state’s program or court before your deadline, and bring the full repair history.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Chevrolet or GM lemon law?

No. Your state’s lemon law covers a new Chevrolet. GM’s warranty and its BBB AUTO LINE participation affect how the claim runs.

Does GM use BBB AUTO LINE?

Yes. BBB National Programs lists Chevrolet as a national participant, and Buick, GMC and Cadillac also appear on its participant list.

How long is the Chevrolet warranty?

Chevrolet lists 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, typically 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain and typically 6 years / 100,000 miles rust-through protection.

Does the Chevrolet warranty transfer if I buy used?

Yes. Chevrolet says active warranties transfer to the new owner, with a retention rule for the 2023 Corvette Z06.

Can I get a buyback on a Silverado?

If it meets your state’s test, yes. Check your state’s rules on business use and vehicle weight, which vary.

Sources

Checked on October 13, 2026. Read how we verify every rule in our editorial policy.

  1. Chevrolet: Owner warranty information
  2. BBB National Programs: Chevrolet in BBB AUTO LINE
  3. BBB National Programs: BBB AUTO LINE participating manufacturers
  4. 16 C.F.R. Part 703 (FTC rules for warranty dispute programs)
  5. NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN

LemonLawMap provides general information about state lemon laws, not legal advice. We are not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is formed by using this site. Read our full disclaimer.