Early 08 cts quality problems

BLKCTS said:

(snip) There is also a small "brown" spot where the paint looks like it did not cover correctly on the passener side/rear fender that is noticable at certain angles. (snip)

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bobelew said:

I guess I have been lucky with my 08 DI AWD. My build date was 9/07 and I haven't had a single major problem and I drive my CTS very agressively. I love it when I awaken the beast and let it roam! Yes, I have a few minor problems, but they were easily resolved. It must be the luck of the draw!!

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Loveldos said:

My '08 DI AWD CTS-4 was built 12/07 and it has also been problem-free. I'd still buy the exact same car again, if I had to replace it!

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BLKCTS said:

I must admit I was taken by the new design of the 08 CTS and purchased an early model built 11/07. Like others on this site manufactured during that time-frame I have had my share of problems...
The first big problem was at 10K with the A/C blowing "white dust" all over the occupants and interior of the car, 1st attempted fix was: clean the evaperator core, drain the water and replace the cabin filter. The problem came back, next fix: the entire DASH assembly had to be R&R'd to replace the evaperator core and clean out the system (1 week down). The A/C has been operating fine now.

Now at 23K the check engine light would come on crusing around at low speeds... it was the known timing problem, execpt the head shim and timing chain replacement did not correct the problem. Currently it is being worked on: new crank, cams, ect... (3 week down so far)

There is also a small "brown" spot where the paint looks like it did not cover correctly on the passener side/rear fender that is noticable at certain angles.

Should I give up on GM? I miss my BMW! :banghead:

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marktanner said:

... The law states it needs to be out of service for 30 days or more, and you will probably see that, especially if the engine isn't fixed properly. something to consider, for sure.

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A motor vehicle may be declared a lemon if it meets all of the following conditions:

1. The vehicle has a serious defect or abnormal condition.
2. The defect or condition is covered by a manufacturer's written warranty.
3. The owner reports the defect or condition to the dealer or manufacturer within the warranty term.
4. The owner gives the dealer or manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect or condition.
5. The owner gives the manufacturer (preferably by certified mail) written notice of the defect and at least one opportunity for repair.
6. The defect or condition persists and substantially impairs the vehicle's use or market value, or creates a serious safety hazard.
7. The owner files a timely Lemon Law complaint and pays the filing fee.

How many chances does the dealer get to fix the vehicle?

Determining how many chances a dealer has to fix a defect is easy. Simply see if you pass either the four-times test, the serious-safety-hazard test or the 30-days test.

The law presumes you have given the manufacturer or authorized dealer a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect if you pass one of these tests. The mileage requirements generally do not apply to TRVs.

Four-times test

If you have taken the vehicle to a dealership for repairs:

• two times for the same problem or defect within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and
• twice more during the 12 months or 12,000 miles after the second repair attempt, and
• the problem is still not repaired

you pass the four-times test.

Serious-safety-hazard test

If you have taken the vehicle for repair of a serious safety hazard:

• once during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and
• once more during the 12 months or 12,000 miles following the first repair attempt, and
• the problem is still not repaired

you pass the serious-safety-hazard test.

30-days test

If your vehicle has been out of service for repair because of problems covered by the warranty:

• for a total of 30 days or more, not necessarily all at one time, during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, and
• there were two repair attempts during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles immediately after delivery, and
• a substantial problem still exists

you pass the 30-days test.

If a comparable loaner vehicle was provided while the vehicle was being repaired, that time does not count toward the 30 days.

How long do I have to file a complaint?

A Lemon Law complaint must be filed within six months following the earlier of:

1. expiration of the express warranty term;
2. 24 months; or
3. 24,000 miles following the date of delivery of the vehicle (except TRVs)

In other words, the filing period is determined by which of the above events comes first. To be safe, file your complaint as soon as you realize the dealer is having problems repairing the vehicle.

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