GM Class Action Alleges Company Placed Customers in ‘Danger’ With Inaccurate Towing Capacity

General Motors Towing Capacity Class Action Lawsuit Overview:

• Why: GM supposedly falsely advertised the towing capabilities of its 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 vehicles, which placed its drivers and occupants at risk of injury.
• Who: A GM customer sued General Motors, LLC in a new class action.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Florida federal court.

A General Motors (GM) customer is suing the company for advertising higher towing capabilities of its 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 vehicles than are actually true, which allegedly placed Sierra and Silverado occupants and others on the road in danger. 

Roger Snyder, the lead plaintiff, bought a new 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 in September 2020. Intending to tow a recreational vehicle, Snyder made his purchase largely based on the Sierra’s gross combined weight rating (GCWR), which is the maximum weight allowed for a completely loaded vehicle and trailer, including fuel, passengers and cargo. The advertised GCWR for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 was 16,800, according to the complaint. 

In April 2021, GM sent a letter to Snyder and other owners of 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 vehicles stating that their GCWR numbers were inaccurate, according to court documents. The Sierra had an actual GCWR of 15,000 pounds – 1,800 pounds less than the previously advertised figure. 

Snyder seeks to represent a proposed nationwide class and a Florida subclass that involves anyone who bought or leased a 2020 model year GMC Sierra 1500 Series and/or a 2020 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series pickup truck. 

The class action complaint brings charges of violation of warranty laws, negligent misrepresentation and deceptive trade practices against GM. 

GM Ads Supposedly Misled Customers As To Vehicles’ GCWR

In the complaint, Snyder argues that if he and other customers had known that the GCWR for their vehicles was less than advertised, then they would have not bought or paid much less for them. However, they relied on GM’s representations. 

GM marketed the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado as “work horses” that help consumers “tow like a pro.” Additionally, the Sierra was promised to have “serious pulling power in a premium pickup.” 

“GM knew, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have known, that the GCWR representations were false at the time it made them, yet intended for Plaintiff and Class Members to rely on these representations,” the complaint says.

GM’s Mistake Risks Customers’ Safety, Complaint Says

In its trailering guidance materials, GMC “expressly advises” consumers to consult the Trailering Information Label in their vehicle so as not to exceed the GCWR, according to the complaint. The Trailering Information Label is a sticker inside of the driver’s door with specifications for a specific vehicle’s towing and trailering capacity.

Elsewhere, GM warns consumers not to exceed the GCWR while towing which could “cause severe damage to your vehicle or trailer, but also put yourself, your passengers and others in danger.”

GM did not recall the inaccurately labeled class vehicles, relying only on its mailed letter ​​enclosing a new Trailering Information Label to affected owners.

Snyder seeks awards of actual damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and pre- and post-judgment interest.

Do you own a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 or 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500? What has been your experience with the towing capabilities? Let us know in the comments section below!

The plaintiff is represented by Michael E. Criden and Lindsey C. Grossman of Criden & Love, P.A.

The General Motors Towing Capacity Class Action Lawsuit is Snyder v. General Motors, LLC, Case No. 1:21-cv-24256-BB, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida Miami Division.

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