Kathryn worked at a GM dealer, which forced her to buy a Chevrolet Silverado. The dealer said she had to buy a GM, not the Toyota 4Runner she wanted, or she would be fired. If that's not bad enough, the new Chevy Silverado died right after she got it.
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The GMC dealer I worked for said I had to buy a Chevy Colorado or a Silverado, not the Toyota 4Runner that I wanted, or I would be fired.
It's hard to believe, but this happened to Kathryn DeOrnellas (@kathrynd96), who worked for a General Motors dealer in Michigan in internet sales.
Imagine wanting to buy a new Toyota 4Runner because it's the vehicle of your dreams. Even though you work for a Chevrolet dealer, you like the Toyota better.
One day, you are chatting with a coworker and confiding in them about what you are going to buy. However, the coworker runs to the boss and tells him you are buying a Toyota.
Your manager tells you that you will either buy a new Chevrolet Colorado or a Silverado truck, not the Toyota 4Runner, or you'll be fired on the spot. What would you do? You have rent to pay, a car payment, and all your other bills.
Kathryn, in a position where she needed her job, was left with no choice but to purchase the Chevy Silverado truck. Her story, which started with a dream, took a sharp turn downhill from there, a journey that's hard to believe.
"Please stop and listen to this,” she says in her TikTok video.
Kathryn says, "I want to talk and share and hopefully find out something. Maybe a lawyer will see this. Maybe General Motors will see this. I don't know."
In 2022, I worked at a GM dealership in the thumb of Michigan. My dream vehicle has always been a Toyota 4Runner. I love them. So, I had been talking to one of my coworkers about it, who then ran and told management about it.
Management pulled me aside and said, hey, if you get a new Toyota 4Runner, you're going to be fired. They say, do you want a Colorado or a Silverado to haul your dirt bike?
Kathryn doesn't want to be fired, so she says, "I said, fine, put me in a Silverado. So, I signed on my Silverado."
She continues, "Not even 24 hours later, the thing broke down, and it was in the shop for 34 days making it a Lemon in Michigan. That dealership then fired me over it and said it was b.s. what was happening with my truck because it broke down within 82 miles in the first 24 hours that I owned that thing."
You know it needed a new wiring harness and had nothing but electrical issues. In total, that thing was in the shop for 325 days.
In January of 2024, I finally won my Lemon Law lawsuit. My Lemon Lawsuit was a full buyback with all of my money back.
So, in January, I went and dropped my truck off, signed over every single paper, and received all my payments back.
In my opinion, it was not enough because I had to keep full coverage on that thing. Also, it was in the shop for 325 days. I couldn't get a loaner, so I had to buy a second vehicle.
So, I was making almost $500 payments for an entire year. So today, I tried to get a pre-owned vehicle at the dealership where I work now. I love my dealership. I was denied.
I called my credit union and I asked why I was denied the loan, and they said it was because you have a repossession on my credit. I said, excuse me? He's like, yeah, you had your 2022 Silverado repossessed.
I said no, I didn't. I won a Lemon Law lawsuit, and they bought it back. Those payments were all made. If you scroll back in my bank account until the beginning of January, you will see a check for over $6,000 that they had to pay me every single payment back.
He said we can't approve your loan because we show that you have had a repossession in the last six months. So, General Motors recorded my vehicle as a repossession on my credit.
So, I am still being screwed over by General Motors and GM Financial. No one can give me an answer.
My dad worked for General Motors for over 40 years. I worked for the GM dealership for over three years. I think my dad would roll over in his grave knowing how poorly made General Motors vehicles are now and how poorly they treat people.
This has taken 605 days to resolve, from May 2022 until January 2024. I think my dad would understand the fact that I drive a freaking Toyota now. I grew up thinking that General Motors was the best.
I love General Motors, but you don't bite the hand that feeds you. I will never, ever in my life own another General Motors vehicle. If I won some kind of lottery tomorrow, where I won a brand new GM vehicle, I would sell it immediately and buy myself another Toyota.
I don't know what to do. No one at General Motors can give me an answer. I've been told to hire a lawyer, but I'm broke now after this. My savings are only this big, she says as she holds two fingers close together.
I don't want to hire an attorney, but what should I do? I can't have a repossession on my credit for another seven years when that Silverado was never repossessed from me.
What should Kathryn do now?
A report from attorney Jibrael S Hindi says there are steps to take to remove a repossession from your credit report.
He says individuals who are in Kathryn's predicament can dispute inaccurate information for free without hiring an attorney.
Hindi says, "Initiate a formal dispute with all necessary credit reporting agencies (CRAs) that issued the report containing the repossession. You can dispute a repossession online with all three credit reporting agencies, and this is the most efficient way to pursue removal from Experian, Equifax, and Transunion."
"Include the inaccuracies and provide any supporting documents. Attach any evidence you have that supports your dispute, such as payment records, repossession documents, or any other relevant documentation. The dispute process costs absolutely nothing."
Then there is the question of employee coercion Kathryn was subjected to.
Can the GM dealer make an employee purchase their vehicle?
A Federal Trade Commission report (FTC) says no.
- No coercion allowed: The FTC's "Car Sales Rule" prohibits dealerships from using any form of pressure or coercion to force a sale, including to employees.
- Employee buying options: While a dealership might encourage you to buy from them, you can purchase a vehicle from any dealer you choose, even if it means buying from a competitor.
- Reporting concerns: The FTC says, If you feel pressured to buy a car from your dealership, you can file a complaint with the FTC or your state consumer protection agency.
Conclusion.
In Kathryn's case, everything that could have gone wrong had gone wrong. She was forced to buy a Silverado truck she didn't want to keep her job, and then the truck was a lemon and she couldn't even drive it. She did get the truck bought back but then had her credit destroyed because of inaccurate reporting by General Motors Finance.
Then, there are the issues with the Chevrolet Silverado. Read more in my report here.
This is not an isolated GM dealer case. Check out my report titled, I Bought a New Chevy Silverado, 4 Months In, the Bank Wants $35K From Me On My Old Truck, the GMC Dealer Never Paid It Off. Have you had a similar situation happen to you working at a dealer or had mechanical problems with your Chevrolet Silverado? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
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 and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Kathryn DeOrnellas
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My brother work for GM for…
My brother work for GM for 40 years . He was always after me to buy a General Motors vehicle. I wouldn't do it. My wife and I have 2 Honda civics that are 20 years old. If we buy another car, it will be another Honda. I loved the old General Motors muscle cars of the 60s and 70s but I wouldn't have anything they've built after 1973. No way.
My Dad and my brother both…
My Dad and my brother both worked at a GM plant in Michigan for over 30 years each. They never bought GM cars to own and drive. My Dad always bought a new Ford every three years. Myself I always buy Ford products. My brother never bought a new car and when he bought a car it was usually a Ford or Jeep product.
Okay now tell me how do you…
Okay now tell me how do you know that? Because you love Chevy and everything about even though they make crap cars you sir are an idiot
I can tell you it didn't…
I can tell you it didn't happen because the claims of Michigan lemon law are 100% false. Lol. Michigan lemon law requires the exact same repair 3 times before it's a lemon. Any differences in repairs, more parts, less parts it's considered a different repair. Also, Michigan lemon law doesn't allow the customer to get back every penny they pay. They get market value of the vehicle. The law in Michigan doesn't allow them to drive the car for any miles and not have to pay for those miles.
In 2000 my wife & I got…
In 2000 my wife & I got a new GMC Sierra 2500. We had front end issues about six months into driving this truck with roughly 6,000 miles on it. GM accused me of “overloading” and towing trailer too heavy!!! At this time we had only hauled groceries and a small trailer UNDER 6,000 pounds with LESS then 800 pounds tounge weight!!! Well under GM recommended weight specs!!!! I had a 5 year extended warranty and GM never honered it to fix the problem. No sooner then the warranty was up there was a work estimate to rebuild the front end and steering box do to wear and tear and “abuse” ….. Scree GM and everything about GM!!!! Though we still have the truck today we never used it like we wanted to travel in it. 25 years later it has 121,000 original miles on it and multiple repairs later it’s never been fully fixed correctly
Should have bought the…
Should have bought the vehicle you wanted had the put it in writing why they where firing you hired a lawyer (anyone one would take this case pro bono) and got that near million dollar settlement instead she choose to buy a vehicle she didn't want because her boss (not family, not a spouse, someone with zero legal grounds to make choices for her) make her decisions know your rights know the law let these corps do stupid things and get paid
Ignoramus dealer. I used to…
Ignoramus dealer.
I used to be a franchisee in a chain that had owners this provincial. We sold our stores & moved on.
Brock Yates' column "Grosse Pointe Myopians" is STILL relevant 57 years later.
This attitude is why Detroit was the once the wealthiest city in the US.
Now it's full of slums and condemned buildings.
I was a DT manager at a…
I was a DT manager at a Toyota Dealer in Ohio. Though I don’t think she should be fired, it is rude to bring a competitor’s car to work. They are paid on units and commissions, you owe them loyalty.
If you love Toyota that much work for a Toyota Dealership.
She doesn’t owe them shit…
She doesn’t owe them shit. If manufacturers want loyalty then they should make reliable products.
I don't believe this article…
I don't believe this article is true. I've never heard of a dealership doing that since most everyone i know can't just walk into a place and buy a new rig. Fake News. You should be ashamed of yourself.
First of all... anyone…
First of all... anyone buying a brand new car of any make is being subjected to the lowest quality and reliability in decades. Not to mention the sky high pricing.
Buy a "pre pandemic" certified used car or have a knowledgeable person help you buying a similar private offering. Buying a car off internet with your phone oftentimes has predatory loan payment plans.
"The car of your dreams" describes a person who is willing to be steered into an overall bad situation. Dealers and service departments are experts at taking advantage of less knowledgeable customers.
I think the story should…
I think the story should include the dealership name where this happened, especially since they were fired wrongly. I worked at a GM dealership (Chevrolet) back in 2003 till 2009. They tried something similar with me...they didn't make me buy a Chevy but I had to use them as a broker for a Craigslist ad I found for a used BMW. I had to do the financing through the dealer's available banks and was convinced to buy a warranty on the car as well. This dealership is DENOOYER in Holland Mi. They knew I didn't care for the GM products...I may have sold them...but here is the reality of car sales. If you don't sell the customer the car when they come in or come close to...they will walk into another dealership and be sold the car. Doesn't matter if you don't like the product you are selling. People buy what they want. Yes, you have an influence on their decision. But, they will buy what they want. The lady in the story needs to find someone to help her get a lawyer and take the dealership to court. They will keep on doing it over and over again. GM is crap for autos but better than Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Don't get me started on that nonsense. Worked at a CDJR store for 6 years as well. Don't care for the product but easy money in car sales .
Nothing of this story is…
Nothing of this story is true. The dealership cannot force anyone to get a new vehicle like this person claims happened. Second, why would a dealer supposedly force her to get a Colorado or Silverado when it's not the same class as a rav 4 which Chevrolet has a comparable vehicle for. Third, Michigan's lemon law is what tells me this whole story is bullcrap. Michigan lemon law requires the same repair to be made 3 times, and anytime a different part is part of the repair it's considered an entirely new repair. Plus Michigan's lemon law doesn't allow for the consumer to get their whole purchase price back. You get market value for your vehicle. She drove it and put miles on it the law in michigan doesn't let you enjoy those miles or the months of no issues for free.
My dad worked for general…
My dad worked for general motors for years after he was out of the army he served in ww2 and Korea . Any way I grew up in the 70,s my dad owned nothing but GM cars and trucks I remember 69 truck and a 1973 monte Carlo he had 2 1955 Chevy's and a 1957 Chevy amount a 60s era El camino.and dozens more so I grew up in never driving in a Ford or a Chrysler vehicle so when I reached my adult hood Imy first truck was an 85 Chevy truck .then a Camaro I ended up buying a jeep CJ-7 then I divorced from my ex wife I got me a new Chevy trailblazer I actually traded in a Toyota tacoma.but I also had a Chevy car at the time but I traveled for work out of state so I wanted an SUV a little more comfortable.on the highway I drove it for 3 years nothing but highway miles in for service every 2 to 3 months I had 60,000 miles on it and my transmission went out I couldn't freaking believe it I didn't fix it I got rid of the dam thing then I find out they were riddled with transmission problems and GM knew about them but never did a thing about it I mean come on you build a nice ride with transmission problems and you continue to put the same transmission in them for years .I don't get it I used to say the exact same thing my dad said but GM hell no I will never give them another penny in my entire life my children are all adults now I told them to never buy a GM product even if they made a bicycle it's to bad it seems like after they got bailed out in 2007 is when they really went downhill I could care less if they had to close down shop on any vehicle they deserve it in my book .I will by Toyota or Honda I would by a freaking Chinese made vehicle before I spend a dime on a American made vehicle for the rest of my life my mom is 86 had a Chevy impala until last year it got totaled after someone ran into her you wanna know what she drives now a KIA optima sport
Hello, Thank you for sharing…
Hello,
Thank you for sharing my story! For those who are stating that Michigan's lemon law requires 3x for the same issue, that is correct. However, if a vehicle is consecutively in the shop for 30 days, it qualifies as a lemon. The Silverado was in the shop multiple times, so it was indeed a lemon.
For those saying that you cannot be fired for buying something from a competitor, that is not entirely true. Michigan is an at-will state, meaning employers can fire employees for any reason.
I saw a comment stating that, since I work for GM, I need to buy GM vehicles. I currently work for Ford and drive a Toyota. Good dealerships do not force their employees to drive what they sell. Many people here do not drive what we sell. Back in the spring, when I was looking for a new vehicle, my boss helped me find the right one at another dealership. This is a great dealership to work for.
It is still on my credit. I have tried calling GM many times but have never gotten an answer. I just get transferred repeatedly or told it is not GM who is reporting it to the credit bureaus.