Quebec’s Lemon Law Fails Consumer After 16 Months of Chevrolet Equinox EV Issues

In December 2024, Natalina Recine purchased a new electric Chevrolet Equinox EV in Quebec, expecting reliability and performance. Instead, she faced 16 months of relentless issues, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Canada’s first anti-lemon legislation.

The problems began just three days after purchase when the battery failed to charge. Dealers took weeks to diagnose and replace the car’s computer module. Over the next year and a half, Recine encountered a cascade of malfunctions, including:

• Unresolved sensor failures with no provided solution;
• The car stalling at 100 km/h on a highway;
• A collision the following day, attributed to sensor failure;
• A month-long wait for parts after the collision;
• Two unresolved claims submitted to General Motors (GM);
• Loss of the car’s internet connection;
• Windshield wiper malfunctions;
• An error message falsely indicating the charge port door was open.

Recine sought to cancel the sale early but was informed she would lose her rebate under Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act.

The Quebec Consumer Protection Act: Canada’s First Lemon Law

Passed in late 2023, Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act is Canada’s first lemon law, offering recourse for buyers of defective vehicles—whether combustion, hybrid, or electric. It applies to new vehicles purchased or leased with less than three years of ownership or 60,000 kilometers.

A vehicle qualifies as a “lemon” under the act if:

• The defect remains unresolved after three repair attempts;
• There are 12 or more unrelated repair attempts;
• The vehicle is in the shop for repairs for 30 or more days (excluding periods when parts are unavailable or on backorder).

Recine’s case fell under the “unrelated issues” test, yet she still failed to secure a resolution.

Legal Costs Undermine Consumer Confidence in Lemon Law

George Iny, president of the Automobile Protection Association, highlights a critical flaw: consumers lack legal representation against manufacturers and dealers who have dedicated legal teams.

“The customer really is on their own,” said Iny. “Going to court can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 in legal fees, making it financially prohibitive for most consumers to pursue claims.”

This disparity in legal resources undermines the intent of the lemon law, leaving consumers like Recine without recourse despite clear evidence of persistent defects.