A Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer, alleging that a newly purchased vehicle was defective and that the company failed to adequately address these issues. Michael Sullivan initiated the complaint on September 23, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against General Motors LLC.
The case centers around Sullivan's purchase of a new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck from Julian Foy Motors, LLC in Many, Louisiana. The vehicle, bought primarily for personal use on August 3, 2023, had a sales price of $81,315.56. However, Sullivan claims that soon after delivery, the truck exhibited significant defects in materials and workmanship. According to court documents, these defects were discovered within the original warranty period and included severe engine issues such as a knocking sound and contaminated oil due to metal fragments. Despite numerous repair attempts by GM's authorized dealers, Sullivan alleges that the problems persisted and substantially impaired the vehicle's use, value, and safety.
Sullivan accuses General Motors of violating Louisiana Redhibition Laws which protect consumers from hidden defects in purchased goods. He asserts that GM failed to rectify these defects despite being given sufficient opportunities to do so. Under these laws, Sullivan argues he is entitled to either a full or partial refund of the purchase price along with associated costs like finance charges and insurance premiums.
In his legal filing, Sullivan seeks several forms of relief from the court: rescission of the vehicle sale with reimbursement for all related expenses or alternatively a reduction in purchase price; compensation for incidental and consequential damages; recovery of out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to repairs; economic losses; prejudgment and post-judgment interest; attorney fees; litigation costs; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Michael Sullivan is attorney Benjamin Z. Wise from Wise PLLC based in Jackson, Mississippi. The case is identified under Case No. 2:24-cv-2309 but does not yet list an assigned judge or magistrate judge.