GM Sued: Do Windshield Wipers Fail in Popular SUVs?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims GM knowingly sold vehicles with defective windshield wipers that suddenly stop working, creating dangerous conditions on the road.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased or leased 2023-2024 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV models.

Court: Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Union County

Some of General Motors best-selling SUVs have a hidden safety flaw that leaves drivers in dangerous situations in bad weather conditions and forces them to abandon use of their vehicles, a new lawsuit claims. 

The class action lawsuit says the automaker knowingly sold vehicles with defective windshield wipers that suddenly stop working, creating dangerous conditions on the road. The lawsuit targets 2023 and 2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV models. 

According to the filing, the wipers in these vehicles can seize up without warning and fail to reset, even after the car is restarted, posing a serious visibility hazard in rain or snow.

A Driver's Ordeal Details Repeated Failures

New Jersey resident Kevin McKee, who filed the lawsuit, says he learned the hard way just how unpredictable the defect can be. He purchased a 2023 GMC Yukon XL for nearly $92,000 in late 2022, relying on GM’s warranties and reputation for safety. But less than a year later, the windshield wipers began failing, freezing mid-swipe and leaving him unable to see the road.

The problem wasn’t a one-time glitch. McKee reported repeated failures across different wiper settings, including automatic rain-sensing mode. He says he brought the SUV to GM dealerships at least eight times for repairs, only to be told there was no fault detected or that technicians could not replicate the issue. 

Despite software updates and parts replacements, the wipers kept cutting out, forcing McKee to avoid driving in bad weather and rely on other vehicles. Beyond the inconvenience, the defect has also hit his wallet. The car’s resale value has dropped by as much as 25% because of the wiper issue, with some dealerships refusing to make an offer at all, the lawsuit claims.

Lawsuit Claims GM's Response Falls Short

The lawsuit points out that GM is aware of the widespread defect. The company even issued a technical service bulletin instructing dealers to report instances of the problem to its engineering team. But according to the filing, the automaker has not offered a fix, issued a recall, or provided loaner vehicles to affected owners, leaving drivers to cope on their own.

Adding to concerns, GM has previously recalled other models for windshield wiper failures, which the complaint argues shows the company knew how dangerous these malfunctions can be. 

The lawsuit accuses GM of breaching its warranty obligations under federal law by failing to repair or replace the defective parts. It also claims the company misled consumers about the safety and reliability of its SUVs, selling them vehicles unfit for ordinary use in rain or snow.

The complaint notes that New Jersey’s Lemon Law should have offered McKee relief, but GM refused to provide a refund or replacement. As a result, he says, he has suffered financial losses, wasted time, and ongoing safety risks.

GM Faces Broader Legal Battles Over Vehicle Flaws

This isn’t the only legal challenge GM faces. The automaker is currently battling lawsuits over alleged engine defects, faulty transmissions, and even claims that its keyless entry systems make cars vulnerable to theft. 

Other manufacturers are also under fire: Nissan for faulty door locks and Jaguar Land Rover for windshields that crack without cause.

The lawsuit seeks to represent everyone in the U.S. who purchased or leased the affected GM SUVs from 2023 and 2024. McKee is asking for damages, legal fees, and equitable relief under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. He wants GM to compensate owners for lost value, cover repair costs, and fix or replace the defective vehicles once and for all.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: McKee v. General Motors Company
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-14861-SDW-SDA
• Court: Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Union County 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Philip J. Furia

If you own any of the vehicles named in the lawsuit, let us know if you’ve had any issues with the windshield wipers in the comments section below.