Lawsuit Alleges GM Radio Problems Increase Potential for Collision

A recently proposed vehicle defect class action lawsuit alleges that a defect in the Infotainment System in certain General Motors vehicles, including GMC and Chevrolet models, poses serious safety risks.

The complaint was filed on Sept. 11, 2020 by plaintiff Karen Boddison in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. It asserts that GM knew about and failed to remedy the defect which causes radio volume to unexpectedly spike at maximum level, potentially startling drivers and increasing the risk of accident.

According to the lawsuit, the problem also affects the Bluetooth system and the rearview image camera.

While the affected vehicles have not been subject to a recall, Boddison argues that the defect makes them “inherently unsafe.” She also asserts that GM failed to comply with the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration safety regulation concerning the duration of the rearview image display.

What are the GM Radio Problems Claimed in the Class Action Lawsuit?

The GM radio problems alleged in the class action lawsuit concern an issue in specific Class Vehicles with an “IOR 7-inch in-dash Audio System.” According to the complaint, the defect causes the radio to suddenly blast without warning, which could cause drivers to become disoriented or distracted and lose focus on the road.

As claimed in the lawsuit, the same defect in the subject vehicles causes issues with the Bluetooth system — which continues a ringing sound during calls — and the back-up camera system which fails to disengage despite shifting from “reverse” to “drive.”

Plaintiff Asserts GM Radio Defect Makes Affected Vehicles “Potentially Ticking Time Bombs”

In the complaint, Boddison contends that owners of the affected vehicles are driving in “potentially ticking time bombs while GM knowingly exposes its customers” to severe injuries or fatality while making millions on the Class Vehicles. She argues that GM’s assurances that their Class Vehicles are safe is misleading marketing and that she was falsely induced into buying a vehicle that she would not have purchased, or paid as much for, had she known about the defect.

Boddison claims that two months after purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, “she was subjected to the sudden and jarring blast from the radio.” She states that after explaining the issue to the technicians at the dealership, a diagnostic revealed what Chevrolet referred to as a “software anomaly” for which software updates were not available at the time to make repairs. 

On one specific occasion, Boddison alleges she was driving with the radio at a low volume “when the volume suddenly ‘ramped up’ to the maximum level” and the “sudden and jarring sound momentarily disoriented her causing her to lose control and veer off the road almost colliding with a roadside object.” She also states that she experienced Bluetooth issues and malfunctions with the image display.

Despite having experienced similar repeated incidents of GM radio problems while driving, Boddison says that Chevrolet denied her request for warranty repairs and was informed that no repairs were available for the defect.  

Boddison asserts claims against GM under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Breach of Express Warranty, Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability, Fraudulent Omission, Unjust Enrichment, Negligence, and Violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act for failure to comply with the written warranties.

What Vehicle Models Have GM Radio Problems?

According to the Technical Service Bulletin issued by GM in December 2019, and referenced in the complaint, GM acknowledged that the radio in certain vehicles “may ramp up to maximum without input to the volume controls.” The bulletin lists Chevrolet models Colorado, Equinox, and Silverado models made in 2019, as well as the 2019 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 among those with the radio defect. GM attributed the defect to the possibility of a software issue.

A service bulletin issued by GM in March 2020, indicates that GM had identified problems with the Infotainment System in specific makes and models of their vehicles. The bulletin stated that “a continuous improvement software update is being released” to address the issues associated with the radio volume, rear view camera, and phone problems, among several other issues. 

As specified in the March 2020 Technical Service Bulletin, the affected vehicles include 2020 Chevrolet models Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, Sonic, and Trax. The 2020 GMC models Canyon Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD/3500HD, and the Terrain, were also listed, as well as the 2020 Holden Equinox.        

The complaint asserts that the software update “only reduces, but does not eliminate, the dangerous and disorienting volume spikes” as a result of the GM radio problems.

What Can Consumers Do if They Purchased a GM Vehicle with Radio Problems?

Vehicle defects not only cause the potential for serious injury — they can be time-consuming to deal with and costly. Consumers who purchased a GM vehicle with radio problems or another car with a vehicle safety defect may be able to join a class action lawsuit or be entitled to a class action rebate. An attorney who handles class action lawsuits concerning vehicle safety defects can advise consumers of their legal rights and remedies.

The GM Vehicle Safety Defect Lawsuit is Boddison v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 8:20-cv-02139-WFJ-AEP in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Join a Free Vehicle Safety Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a vehicle that you believe has a safety defect and you are outside of the warranty period or you believe the defect should be covered by the warranty and it’s not, or you or a family member have been injured by a safety related defect, you may qualify to join this vehicle safety defect class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.