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Tanner is fighting for a resolution for his Chevrolet Silverado, a truck with dangerous electrical issues that began well within its bumper-to-bumper warranty, and has now left him with an unsafe “ticking time bomb.”
Tanner Pinnell on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Owners Facebook page says,
“I need help. I purchased a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 in December 2024, as the CPO came with a 12-month/12,000-mile-per-year warranty. I purchased a 60,000-75,000-mile extended warranty. I’ve passed the CPO extended warranty now on miles, but it all started well in the middle of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.”
“My truck has been throwing codes that have caused it to 1 fail to power on at all multiple times on May 6th and August 8th. It’s been in service every time, and they kept saying they couldn’t replicate the issue, but they finally replaced the gateway module. And now on August 22nd, I’m driving home from work, and it went into limp mode, and showed the long list of codes pictured below.”
“My truck passed the L87 recall earlier this year, but has been a ticking time bomb with electrical issues. And since August 22nd, the dealer has had my truck and is saying they can’t get it to replicate, and they’re trying to get me to pick the truck up without fixing anything, hell no!”
“I contacted GM customer service today asking for a buy back, and told the sales and service manager I want it bought back, but they are saying my only option is to trade in, which I know is BS. I live in Wisconsin, and they have one of the strongest lemon laws around.”
“But what are my options? Can this be bought back? I bought the Chevy because of its reliability, and I feel completely unsafe driving this truck. I’m at my wits end with it and dealing with this service department.”
Have you ever felt stranded and frustrated by a vehicle issue that a dealer can’t seem to fix? This report is for anyone in a similar situation to Tanner.
I’ve been covering the automotive industry for years, and I’ve seen my share of baffling problems. What Tanner is experiencing with his 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is more than just a nuisance; it’s a breakdown in trust between a customer, their vehicle, and the very people meant to help them.
First off, the frustration Tanner is feeling is entirely justified. He bought a certified pre-owned (CPO) truck, a vehicle GM is supposed to have vetted and vouched for, and it’s acting like a ticking time bomb. The repeated failures to start and the sudden descent into limp mode are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous.
This isn’t just about a check engine light; it’s about feeling unsafe in a vehicle he bought for its ruggedness and supposed reliability. When he bought a Silverado ZR2, he was looking for an off-road beast, a truck designed for tough conditions, not one that gives up on the way home from work.
Let’s break down Tanner’s situation piece by piece.
Tanner purchased a 2022 Silverado 1500 ZR2 in December 2024, CPO with a warranty. Now, it has passed the CPO extended warranty in miles, but the problems started long before that, well within the initial bumper-to-bumper coverage period. This is a critical point.
The issues were documented while multiple layers of factory warranty coverage still applied to the truck. The dealer’s inability to replicate the problem is a classic defense used by dealerships, but it doesn’t absolve them of responsibility. The fact that the codes were thrown and the truck went into limp mode is evidence, regardless of whether they can replicate the issue in the service bay
His truck has been throwing codes that have caused it to fail to power on multiple times. This indicates an intermittent electrical fault. The gateway module was replaced, which is a good step—it serves as the central hub for many of the truck’s electronic systems.
However, the subsequent limp mode event suggests that the original problem, or a related one, was not fully resolved. The gateway module replacement may have been a symptom treatment, not a cure.
The Silverado ZR2’s sophisticated electrical architecture, which controls everything from the infotainment to the advanced four-wheel drive system, makes it highly susceptible to these kinds of gremlins. The fact that your truck passed the L87 recall but is still having these electrical issues is not a coincidence; it points to a broader, more deeply rooted electrical system problem.
Now, let’s get into the heart of his options, because he’s right—the dealer’s “trade-in” suggestion is absolute BS. That’s them trying to make a quick sale and offload a problematic vehicle back into the market. It’s a low-effort solution for them, and a bad deal for Tanner. He needs to explore his legal rights under Wisconsin’s strong lemon laws. This is not about being difficult; this is about asserting consumer rights.
When Is a Vehicle Considered a Lemon?
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A car is considered a “lemon” if it has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. A vehicle repeatedly going into limp mode and failing to start absolutely meets this criteria.
In Wisconsin, the law states that if a dealer has made a “reasonable number of attempts” to repair a vehicle without success, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price.
A “reasonable number of attempts” is typically defined as four or more repair attempts for the same issue, or if the vehicle has been out of service for a total of 30 days or more for repairs. You’ve already documented multiple visits and significant time out of service. You have a strong case.
So, how do you navigate this?
1. First, create a meticulous paper trail. Document everything. Every phone call, every service visit, every conversation with the service manager.
- Get repair orders with detailed descriptions of what was done (or not done) and the dates.
- You mentioned a “long list of codes” in your pictures; this is gold. Print them out and have them ready. This isn’t just for your records; it’s your evidence.
2. Second, escalate within General Motors. You’ve contacted GM customer service, which is the right move.
- Keep a detailed log of your interactions. Use specific language like “substantial impairment of use and safety” and reference Wisconsin’s lemon law statute.
- You must be firm, but polite. The goal is to get a case manager assigned who can work with you directly. You’re not asking for a favor; you’re demanding the resolution you’re legally entitled to.
3. Third, the next step is to understand the best way to deal with a dealership that refuses to assist with a lemon car. You’ve hit a wall with your dealer.
- You need to stop asking them for a “fix” and start telling them you’re pursuing a buyback or replacement under the lemon law.
This changes the dynamic.
If the dealer refuses to cooperate, your next call should be to a Wisconsin-based lemon law attorney. Most of these firms offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. This is their area of expertise; they are familiar with the loopholes and pressure points. That’s why it’s important to have your documentation in order before making the call.
A buyback request is not a “nice-to-have,” it’s a legal option when your vehicle is a verifiable lemon.
Is there a class-action lawsuit pending for the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado’s electrical problems?
Yes, Class Action Lawsuits says there are active and potential legal challenges, including a class action lawsuit, related to the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. While the most prominent recent lawsuit focuses on engine issues (specifically the L87 V8 engine) leading to sudden power loss, some owners have reported electrical problems that are often tied to other system failures, such as engine misfires and brake pedal obstructions. A separate class action was filed alleging GM sold vehicles with defective tailgate electronic release switches that could cause the tailgate to unlatch.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a comprehensive solution for a Silverado with intermittent electrical issues.
The dealer’s inability to replicate the problem is a common excuse, but it’s not a valid one. A good lawyer will be able to argue that the issue is a known, persistent defect, even if it’s difficult to diagnose in a controlled environment. The key is demonstrating that the truck’s use, safety, and reliability are fundamentally compromised.
Conclusion:
Tanner is not alone, and he has a strong case. The dealer’s reluctance to help is a symptom of a larger systemic issue—they are trained to avoid costly buybacks. But he has the law on his side. The fact that the problems began while the truck was still under warranty, coupled with the documented failures and his detailed evidence, gives him the upper hand.
You don’t have to trade in your truck and take a loss.
Tanner has a legitimate claim for a complete buyback or a vehicle replacement. Don’t back down. The moment he brings up “Wisconsin lemon law” and “attorney” in his conversations, the dynamic will shift. This is his truck, safety, and money. He needs to fight for it.
How About You?
Now, I want to open this up to everyone reading. Have you ever faced a similar situation with a dealer who couldn’t, or wouldn’t, fix a persistent issue? What was your approach, and what was the outcome? Share your stories below—your experience could be the solution someone else needs.
Check out my 2025 Chevy Silverado story: I Bought a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss in March, and This Thing Is a Piece of Work. I’ve Never Had This Many Problems With a Truck in Such a Short Time
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tanner Pinnell
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Source: torquenews.com
