In the wake of General Motors' 2009 emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, consumers have expressed concern over how GM warranties will be honored. Vehicle warranties affected by the bankruptcy include all GM makes: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. Whether you are an owner of a GM vehicle or are considering purchasing one, there are changes you should be aware of that will have a direct affect on how your GM car or truck will be serviced by the new GM in the future.
New GM Warranty
Purchase a new car or truck, and GM will offer a fully transferable 100,000 mile/five-year powertrain limited warranty covering the major components of the drive line. This includes the engine, transmission, transfer case and axles. For repairs covered under warranty, your dealer will offer you free transportation. If no transportation option is available, GM will reimburse you for travel expenses incurred from the warranty repair. Also standard with the warranty is free 24-hour roadside assistance, including lockout assistance, gasoline, flat tire changing and towing.
Old GM Warranty
If you purchased a GM car or truck before or during the bankruptcy reorganization process, the new GM will honor those warranty commitments. In March 2009, the government's Warranty Commitment Plan was announced to restore confidence to GM owners and buyers. In a June 5, 2009, issue of USA Today, Steve Harris, General Motors' vice president of global communications, reassured consumers that their existing GM vehicle warranty will continue to have the company's full backing and reaffirmed the support of the federal government.
Extended Service Contracts
Since extended warranties under General Motors Protection Plan are covered by a separate GM subsidiary, GMAC LLC, they were not affected by the bankruptcy reorganization. Your extended service contract is also backed by MIC Property and Casualty Corporation for added protection. For more information about the plan, you can log on to gmprotectionplan.com or call (800) 631-5590.
Servicing Your GM Vehicle
With the next wave of GM dealers due to have franchise agreements expire in October 2010, you may find fewer locations to service your warranty contract. "You may have to drive a little farther to get (service) as the dealer network is consolidated," said Harris. "But even with the reduction in dealers," Harris continued. "GM will be in more towns and have twice the total dealers as Toyota." If your local GM dealer has closed, refer to one of the following websites or phone centers for assistance in locating the closest dealer to you.
www.cadillac.com(800) 458-8006
www.chevrolet.com(800) 222-8006
www.buick.com(800) 521-7300
www.pontiac.com(800) 762-2737
www.gmc.com(800) 462-8782
www.hummer.com(800) 486-6376
www.saturn.com(800) 553-6000
www.saab.com (800) 955-9007
Warranty Disputes
As part of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruling, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line program will continue to resolve all warranty disputes filed on GM vehicles. If your dispute goes unresolved, it will be scheduled for arbitration. For more information on the BBB Auto Line program or if you wish to file a complaint, you can log on to the BBB Auto Line website at bbb.org/us/auto-line-lemon-law/ or call for assistance at (800) 955-5100, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., EST.
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