A Louisiana resident has taken legal action against a major automotive manufacturer, alleging that the company sold him a defective vehicle and failed to honor its warranty obligations. On March 14, 2025, Michael Malek filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against General Motors, LLC. The lawsuit claims violations of both state and federal laws concerning product warranties.
The case revolves around Malek's purchase of a new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 from Royal Buick GMC in Baton Rouge on September 11, 2023. The vehicle, priced at $79,110.70 with a $25,000 down payment made via trade-in, soon exhibited significant defects. Malek asserts that these issues breach the implied warranty of merchantability and express warranties provided by General Motors. According to the complaint, the vehicle was plagued by engine malfunctions and unusual sounds shortly after purchase. Despite multiple repair attempts by authorized dealers—resulting in nearly two months without his vehicle—the problems persist.
Malek accuses General Motors of violating Louisiana Redhibition Laws and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. He argues that the defects were present at sale but undiscoverable until later and claims he would not have purchased the vehicle had he known about them. The lawsuit seeks rescission of the sales contract, reimbursement for all associated costs including financing charges and insurance premiums, as well as damages exceeding $100,000.
The plaintiff is represented by Drew Nordgren of The Nordgren Law Firm, LLC based in Baton Rouge. The case is presided over by Judge Shelly D. Dick under Case ID 3:25-cv-00224-SDD-SDJ.