GM Side Blind Zone Alert Lawsuit Should Be Dismissed, Automaker Says
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General Motors is asking a judge to dismiss a class-action lawsuit brought against the company pertaining to the Side Blind Zone Alert system on the 2013-2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The suit was brought by Michigan couple Anthony and Lisa Hudson, whose lawyers allege that the positioning of the Side Blind Zone Alert sensors in the rear bumper cover of the car quickly renders them useless during normal operation as they are exposed to frequent rain, snow, and other things that can affect operation. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the wiring for the sensors is insufficiently insulated, leading to expensive repairs as the wiring is ruined by the elements.
GM ought to have known that the positioning of the sensors and wiring would quickly render the system inoperable during normal use, the lawsuit alleges, as it’s an issue that should have manifested during GM’s road testing before launch. The Hudsons’ lawyers note that numerous other customers have filed complaints or had their Side Blind Zone Alert systems serviced under warranty.
In trying to get the lawsuit thrown out, General Motors’ lawyers have fired back with a range of counterarguments. For instance, while roughly 25 percent of the 1.1 million 2013-2018 Chevrolet Cruze examples sold were equipped with the system, the lawsuit mentions just 40 cars that were taken in for servicing of the system during their warranty periods, and the plaintiffs don’t mention any specific facts about the issues experienced or the scope of their servicing.
Forty cars requiring servicing out of some 250k sold with the system hardly suggests that the Side Blind Zone Alert system is defective, GM says.
In addition, GM’s lawyers argue that while it is alleged that “the problem with the sensors is inherent in the design of the vehicle,” the terms of the automaker’s warranty only cover defects caused by “materials or workmanship.” And nothing in GM’s warranty guarantees against a repaired part or system needing further repairs in the future, nor is such a burden placed upon any manufacturer. “To [impose such a thing] would be tantamount to re-writing the terms of the limited warranty into one of unlimited scope and duration,” GM says.
What do you think? Do the plaintiffs have a case that the placement of the Side Blind Zone Alert sensors on the Chevrolet Cruze is equivalent to an inherent defect? Or should the class-action lawsuit be dismissed? Weigh in in the comments section below.
(Source: CarComplaints.com)
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2014 Buick Enclave. Same issue with the blind spot sensors. Bunch of crap since it’s gonna happen over and over again living in upstate NY where it snows a lot.
Are they making the parts yet? See my post from months ago.
I am here in Alberta Canada. I had the same issue of course after warranty. I had went to a dealership near by at that time, and they were going to charge me big money. I told them to shove it where the sun dont shine. I should not be going through that with a vehicle that just came of warranty and very low mileage. A few months later went for oil change where I actually bought the car. I mentioned the issue. They were going to replace harnesses at quarter the cost. So I said ok. Made appointment for another day. They called me before that day came and said they looked it up and mine was on the list to be covered as warranty. That was a surprise. Told me that there were some that were and some not. Which dont make much sense to me. Mine is a 2015 chev cruze. It took couple weeks for parts and appointment and vehicle loss for couple days. They will remove all the rear fascia and lights. Make sure you inspect after, mine ended up having a couple clips broken and a slight crack in light housing. They told me about that up front and ordered new. Typical for clips, the mechanic swiped with too on light. Like I said they told me up front on that, so no problem. Anyway, that’s my experience. I expect it again if they have not improved the sealing on the harness and its vulnerable location.
I own a 2015 Buick Verano Convenience with only 28,000 miles. About a month ago I noticed the right side detection indicator on the mirror acting sporadic. Coming on when there was no vehicle in my blind spot, and not coming on as it should. After noticing that, the Service Side Detection message displayed on the center counsel. I contacted the dealer I bought the car from and they basically told me it’s a very common problem because of the placement of the sensor modules in the bumper that collect water, snow, salt and causes corrosion. A very poor design for a safety feature! Approximately $1,000 to fix! I did purchase an extended warranty with the vehicle, but I believe it will not cover this because they have a clause about corrosion. I decided to just turn off the feature from the setting panel and just call it a day, seeing I have been driving for 50 years and never had to rely on a side detection system to view my blind spot. Now I get two messages when I start the car…Side Detection System is Off, and Service Side Detection System. Well anyway, yesterday while I was driving, the indicator light on the right side mirror came on, but the system was off. The light still stayed on even with the car shut off. After a while of driving and turning on and off the system from the settings, the light finally went off. Why would that light come on when I manually turned off the system? Do I need to pull the fuse for the side detection system? I am just afraid that this is going to create other issues with the vehicles electrical system. Also, I live in NYS and was wondering will the car still pass inspection with the Service message?
As per my earlier article on this, I went through what you have gone through and fortunately I was able to get resolved. I basically did the same thing at first with not getting it repaired because of cost till the place I originally bought it from came good with warranty. Mine started with detection failure notice to one side and the light like you was either on or off at random in the mirror till finally it just stayed on. Unfortunately the next stage was my in dash monitor that shows GPS and controll backup camera etc just blacked out on me and did not come back. I was lucky cause I was already booked for repair, was just waiting on parts to come in. So part of my argument is, if it is a known problem with these vehicles, cause yours is part of that lineup, isn’t it their obligation to be up front with customer when buying? Sounds like false advertising when you are selling something that you know is defective already.
I had the same problem and after 3 times replacing the modules (the last ones only lasted 2000 KMs) I gave up and disconnected the cable at the modules behind the rear bumper. I purchased Oldsmobiles and Buicks for my entire life and have never had so much frustration with a vehicle as this issue has presented. I have lost all faith in General Motors as there is no doubt in my mind that this is a faulty design and if GM did the right thing they would replace the system with one that is reliable.
I have 2013 Cruze and replaced both modules in 2019 and it cost me $1033.72 and terrible feeling is looks like the problem is back again with the side detector. Cheap quality.Never buy Chevrolet again.
Have a 2015 verano same problem. 78,000 klms and now it needs a fourth replacement. GM wont do any thing for me. I live in Canada and guess there is no recourse here . It is a safety issue for sure. Wont buy another GM product after have one since i was 16.
Don, I replied on here back in 2020 from my issues with mine, referring to my 2015 Chev Cruse. Well I was fortunate enough then to get repaired under warranty. But Guess what? I am into the same situation, with same car. But not getting warranty now, of course. Yup we have been dubbed by Chev / GM on this one and they don’t give a crap about it. Like you i never again am in buying market to go to those companies. I got up under mine in the garage and pulled both sensors, taped up the connectors to keep dry. I get it on my display showing the error during startup. I cancel it out every time. I will not give them the satisfaction of charging me an arm and a leg to repair myself. I can put up with hitting a acknowledge button every now and then. All the best to you.