Having trouble with the A/C in your GMC, Cadillac, or Chevy truck or SUV? You are not alone.

There’s nothing worse than owning a vehicle in which the air conditioning is not functioning properly. This is not just a question of comfort– your health and the health of your family may be at risk. This is especially of concern during the summer months, when the inside of a non-moving vehicle, even with the windows cracked, can reach temperatures of up to 120 degrees in no time.

Attention, Owners of These Vehicles:

• 2014-2016 Chevy Silverado 1500
• 2015-2016 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty
• 2015-2016 Chevy Suburban
• 2015-2016 Chevy Tahoe
• 2015-2016 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
• 2014-2016 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2015-2016 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty
• 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV

People who own these GMC, Chevy and Cadillac vehicles are reporting sudden failures of their air-conditioning systems, sometimes costing thousands of dollars to repair. If you own one of the vehicles on the above list, you are not alone or at fault: There is strong evidence to suggest that General Motors is aware of these problems and that the problems stem from defects in parts of the A/C system.

A “Breakdown” of the A/C Break Down Issue

For over three years, numerous complaints have been raised by vehicle owners on various websites, including GM sponsored websites, the website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and others. Owners have reported significant concerns over identical problems with the A/C system in the above list of General Motors trucks and SUVs. The complaints have been so voluminous that the issue has been covered by major news outlets, yet GM still has not issued a recall.

For example, many 2014 Silverado owners have reported problems with their vehicle A/C systems that occurred just before or immediately after the expiration of the standard 3 years/36,000 miles vehicle warranty period. In cases where the warranty had expired, the cost for parts and labor ranged into the thousands.

It’s Not You, It’s Them

In a thorough examination of the facts surrounding these repairs, Richard Schechter has found evidence of two potential design flaws in the air conditioning systems of General Motors’ trucks and SUVs.

According to one Technical Service Bulletin issued by General Motors, there is a problem in the line that runs from the compressor to the condenser. This line can develop a small crack or pinhole allowing the refrigerant to leak out of the system. Without any refrigerant, you cannot cool your car. Further, if all the refrigerant leaks out, it may also cause the compressor to fail. According to this General Motors TSB, the apparent solution is to add a support bracket to the hose. But this doesn’t always work. In fact, one Chevy owner reported having to replace this particular part twice within a few months.

Delay, Denial—and a Lot of Hot Air

The other problem appears to lie with the condenser, which can develop a leak on its high side. The “fix” requires replacing the entire A/C condenser—a time-consuming, costly repair. Making this frustrating situation even worse for vehicle owners, GM ran out of the part needed to fix their faulty vehicles, and many drivers have been left waiting for months at a time without a functioning air conditioner due to a nationwide backorder of compressors. Richard Schechter has found reports of Chevy owners who had been waiting three months for a new compressor.

GM’s official statement only acknowledges that the compressor is on a national back order. As the manufacturer, they have so far failed to officially issue a recall that covers these problematic vehicles.

The Real Solution

There may be as many as two million cars with A/Cs waiting to fail. In addition, even owners with vehicles whose systems have not failed may suffer a diminution in the value of their car when it comes time to sell. A potential buyer may not want to pay as much money for a car with an air conditioning system that may fail. Richard Schechter has filed a class action lawsuit to hold GM accountable for this widespread, persistent problem that has affected thousands of people across the country and may affect hundreds of thousands more.

If you’ve been affected by this ongoing, burdensome vehicle A/C issue, have concerns about your Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Escalade, Yukon or Tahoe, or want to learn more about the class action, call the law office of Richard Schechter, P.C. for a free consultation.