General Motors has been around since 1908. Since its inception, the automobile juggernaut has released a massive variety of vehicles and brands. In fact, GM has used at least 16 brands in its history to sell automobiles and trucks. That's quite a phenomenal achievement. GM is the world's largest automaker. It has its fingers in a little bit of everything as far as cars go. GM makes cars in at least 37 countries. Its major brands are Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, and also partners with several manufacturers all over the world.

Updated April 2022: GM produces several of the most popular cars on American roads. As a result, it has carved out a large market share and continues to post profits after a rocky end to the 2000s. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, though, and we've updated this list to include more problems GM has that customers need to know about.

It sounds rosy, but with big companies come big problems. GM has had its share of ups and downs over the years, but it seems that the issues are increasing or being reported on more because of the internet and social media. Another problem is that all-around reliability rates have plummeted as of late, confirmed by several consumer sites. If you are in the market for a GM vehicle, check out what you need to know before buying one.

Related: See The New Buick Badge Trademark Filed By GM

23 Sometime This Century: GM Struggles to ModernizeC8 Bowling Green

Ever since the financial debacle in the late 2000s, GM has struggled to compete, especially in the EV market. The concept is related to an idea termed "legacy" company. It boils down to the fact that GM has been around so long that people associate the brand with its past.

While the CEO, Mary Barra, commits $7 billion in R&D over the next few years, it won't be enough to produce the results expected of the leading car brand. For example, Tesla outshines in the EV market and is the leader in paving the future of electric vehicles. Yet, GM struggles to produce a quality EV.

22 Not Built GM Tough: Problems with Silverado and SierraGMC_Sierra

According to Consumer Reports, the most recent round of Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks have some significant issues under the hood. Most likely, Consumer Reports refers to the larger engine sizes and problems surrounding the fuel management system, lifters, or bent pushrods, which can cause devastating damage to an engine.

According to Consumer Reports, these severe issues plague around 4% of trucks. With millions of trucks sold each year, that 4% translates into thousands of customers receiving trucks that could blow before the loan is even paid. Not a great look from the market-leading brand.

21 Closing Up Shop: Plants Are Closing Their DoorsGM Fairfax site production

In 2009 when GM filed for bankruptcy and took a massive government bailout, the fear was job loss. Less than a decade later, the company shuttered several plants across the country, resulting in around 14,000 lay-offs. The move was a gut punch for families and communities who relied on these factories.

The real kicker comes when analysts take a look at what the shuttering of plants means. As the Harvard Business Review states, GM's move to close factories while it isn't struggling will prevent further disaster, such as another bankruptcy. While it may seem significant on paper, customers should know the brand is just looking to save a few bucks.

20 Off-Balance: Chevy Equinox Problems

Chevy Equinox
Via: Chevrolet

Another vehicle to avoid is the 1st generation Equinox. We would give the 2005-2009 vehicle a wide berth from the consumer complaints we read. Most complaints are about excessive oil consumption, according to chevroletproblems.com. The Equinox has had 16 recalls since its 2005 introduction.

The 2007 model has the most recalls at 4, so be careful if you are currently searching for one to purchase used. The Passlock security sensors also have a problem where it tends to lock out the vehicle owner, so watch out for that option.

19 Buh Bye: Buick May Lose Its Name

2009Buick_Regal
Via: TopSpeed

No one but GM knows exactly what the fate of the Buick brand will be. GM has already confirmed that it will be removing the Buick brand label from its vehicles soon. All that'll be left to identify the brand is the tri-shield logo. According to Forbes, GM hasn't given much explanation for this plan.

Maybe GM wants Buick to be more like some celebrities that only go by one name or be known only by a symbol? We guess when or if GM decides to share this information with us, then we'll all know.

18 No Good: What People Are Really Saying About The Company

GM Logo Detroit
Via GM

Car companies will never receive a perfect grade from the car-buying public. But, opinion matters greatly to a company like GM, as well it should. In the end, money talks, and regarding that, GM is a hit-and-miss company.

Consumer Reports lists GM low in the rankings because of its reliability problems. All of GM's divisions, except for Buick, show in the lower third of the graph. This shows in sales numbers also, which is what really counts as far as the company is concerned.

17 I Don't Recall: GM Seems To Be In Recall Purgatory

GM issues recall over 2.4 million vehicles safety issues
via The Boston Globe

If you're like us, you have no time to take your car in because of a recall. GM has had its share of recalls this year, primarily affecting the manufacturer's various truck models. Of course, cars like the Chevy Volt and SUVs such as the Chevy Equinox are included.

Potential customers should always look up their vehicle to see what type of recalls are relevant to them and make sure a vehicle they are planning on purchasing has had the recall applied, which will save you a lot of time at the shop.

Related: 10 GM Cars Most Gearheads Never Knew Existed

16 Build Quality: Too Little, Too Late

GM Bringing In New Technology To Build Less Expensive Parts
via The Truth About Cars

GM's build quality is on par for a manufacturer of its size. Yes, there are recalls, safety warnings, and production issues, but this plagues every car manufacturer on Earth. Any issues with GM automatically look worse because of the company's sheer size.

But that doesn't explain the fact that when GM has an issue, they should ignore it. From the consumer group websites and customer issue complaints we've sifted through, GM's main problem will always be that they wait too long to address customer issues, almost hoping any problems will fix themselves. Not the best way to do business, but it seems to be the norm for car manufacturers.

15 Fiat: Total Loss

Fiat 595 Abarth - Front
Via Stellantis

Although things looked great on paper when GM bought a large share of Fiat, the reality of the deal was that it simply didn't work. Rumour has it that Fiat was treated like the red-headed step-child while with GM. Gm sold the company off quickly, but it turns out it was a big mistake for them.

As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. The failure cost GM dearly. Billions of dollars dearly. Fiat didn't sit still feeling sorry for itself. It fought back, became super competitive, and even managed to buy Chrysler, adding a huge bit of clout to its name.

14 Trucks: GM Created A Glut

2021 GMC Canyon Pickup Truck
Via: Flickr

The truck market is full to capacity, that's for sure. GM produces many trucks every year, primarily due to customer demand. The best part about that is the fact that you have a wide choice of trucks to pick from. As far as GM is concerned, the bad part of this is that people are starting to bypass trucks in favor of crossover vehicles, many of which perform the same functions as a regular truck.

Still, if you are in the market for a truck, you can undoubtedly find some very nice ones at a more than reasonable price. A good deal is a good deal, after all.

13 No More Cars: GM May Stop Producing Them

GM May Drop Small Cars & Sedans
via autoevolution

We've heard rumblings from nearly every new site that GM will eventually give up selling cars altogether, much like Ford. For now, GM says they have no plans to go this route, but in the end, talk is cheap. Buyers need to keep up on the news like this, especially if they plan to purchase and maintain their cars for a while.

It would be a long time before your warranty would run out and GM abandons all car maintenance, but it is something to keep in mind when purchasing that nice and shiny new GM car.

12 Let Them Eat Cake: What GM Has To Say

Chevrolet cars are seen at a GM dealership in Miami in this file photo
via boingboing.net

All car companies ignore a problem or two with their vehicles; that's just plain fact. Like the other manufacturers, GM chooses to ignore certain things, hoping that the masses don't get too crazy until the problems can be either fixed internally or that a new model of whatever will be ready by the time a "fix" is genuinely needed.

The Motley Fool thinks that GM is repeating its own past mistakes, and we must say that we agree with the statement. Time will tell if the General can keep up or watch its remaining divisions fall one by one to the side.

11 Bad Cell: Bolt Problems

Chevy Bolt EV
Via: Chevy

Chevy Bolt's are experiencing battery cell problems that have prompted GM to issue a recall on some of them. The issue affects some 2017 models, where the software and battery capacity sensors can malfunction.

This can potentially give false readings about the battery life and harm the cell itself, which for an electrically operated car could turn out to be a nightmare. Recalls happen all the time. The best advice is to educate yourself before giving up your hard-earned dollars.

10 Does Not Compute: GM Customer Accounts Disrupted

Accountant
via 3blmedia.com

In January of 2018, GM Financial's computer went haywire and actually started overcharging and undercharging customers, according to a report from Auto News. It would appear that GM was attempting to upgrade some of their computer systems and phone systems when the glitch occurred.

GM says that only a small number of customers were affected. Those customers were either charged at least $20 extra or undercharged $20 for maintenance performed. By now, most of the problems have been rectified, but it's just another notch on GM's belt that needs to be tightened up.

Related: 10 Coolest Classic GM Cars You Can Buy For Cheap

9 Buick Regal TourX Is Way Too Loud

Front 3/4 view of the Regal TourX on the move
Buick

The TourX is supposed to be one of those near crossover vehicles that can take on the likes of the Subaru Outback or the Audi Allroad without building up too much of a sweat. Critics seem to like it too. But the one thing everyone can agree on is that the TourX is loud. We mean way louder than it should possibly be. The main problem seems to be the tires.

The other problem is that GM is well aware of the noise level. But they just don't seem concerned about it because they keep selling the car without addressing the problem. How crazy (greedy) is that?

8 Cadillac Escalade: Cute, But Unreliable

Cadillac Escalade
Via PaperCIty Magazine

With a Consumer's Report Reliability Score of 26 out of 100, the Escalade isn't doing any favors. Consumer Reports says that the Escalade rides quite stiff and doesn't handle the greatest. Still, consumers love this big hunk of SUV.

With a base price of over $75,000, the mighty Escalade should be more luxurious than its current offering. It does have a 420 hp V8 at least, which is why people really like it. It's also more cramped on the inside than most of its customers initially thought.

7 GMC Acadia: Engine And Transmission Underpowered

2019 GMC Acadia SLE
 via TheCarConnection

Potential buyers might want to avoid the GMC Acadia. Although it is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of a huge SUV, the Acadia is reported to have some big-time power issues as far as the engine and transmission are concerned. To put it mildly, the base engine and tranny are simply underpowered for the truck.

The base powerplant is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that's good for 135 hp, which isn't all that much when you factor in the nearly 3,900-lb weight of the vehicle. Towing capacity maxes out at 1000 pounds, which falls way below the industry standard. It is frankly embarrassing for an SUV of this size.

6 Not Surprised: Camaro Problems Galore

via caranddriver.com

The Camaro is one of those cars that their owners love no matter what. But if you are in the market for one, there are some common problems that you'll have to learn to live with. Three of the worst customer problems, according to carcomplaints.com, are bent driveshafts, non-reclining seats, and excessive oil consumption, at least as far as the 2017 models.

The fifth-generation Camaro (2010-2015) seems the worst offender. Customers report stuck ignition keys, premature belt wear, and airbag light indicators as the top three problems. Hopefully, GM will address these issues sooner rather than later.

5 Buick Verano: Customers Don't Want It

Gray 2016 Buick Verano
Via YouTube

Verano is a great car that no one wants. There's no arguable reason that people don't want it, but they simply don't. Not even Buick can figure out a good explanation. Some have said that it could be because of the 21-mpg city / 31-mpg highway gas mileage; others say that maybe the Verano's appearance might turn people away from it.

It's still a mystery. Our official guess is that it could be because people are buying up crossover vehicles like crazy, so maybe the sedan era might be nearly over. The now-discontinued Verano might be dug up as a fossil in the future for study, but that'd be the only reason to resurrect this car.

4 Chevy SS: Should've Never Left The Gate

2016 Chevrolet SS Cropped
Via mecum.com

Another GM blunder came in the form of the so-called Chevy SS. It has good reviews, and customers mostly praised the SS's abilities. The main problem with the SS, like most GM vehicles, is the image. Just take a good look at the car. It's just a very bland sort of car that really doesn't have a reason to exist.

Sure, the SS has over 400 hp pounding out of its engine, but for nearly $50,000, most customers don't want the inside to look like something out of a rubber factory. The interior is a hot mess of cheap plastic and sticky rubber everything else. To be blunt, the interior might as well have come from the Chevy Spark.