General Motors Class Action Lawsuit Over 8-Speed Automatic Transmissions

General Motors is getting hit by another class action lawsuit over their 8-speed automatic transmissions, which allegedly contain defects and require replacement of some components or complete part replacement. 

As per the GM authority, the 8-speed transmission issues allegedly can be traced back to an issue with the torque converter that causes excess friction. Additionally, the lawsuit also refers to 60 technical service bulletins and service updates by GM regarding the 8-speed transmission problems.

GM Eight-Speed Transmission Lawsuit

Back in April, GM received numerous complaints stemming from the defect. After the lawsuit, more and more customers are showing their displeasure. 

The list of affected GM vehicles in this class action includes the following:

  • 2015-2019 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2015-2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6
  • 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
  • 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
  • 2017-2019 GMC Canyon
  • 2015-2019 GMC Sierra
  • 2015-2019 GMC Yukon
  • 2015-2019 GMC Yukon XL

The 8-speed GM transmission lawsuit alleges the automaker cannot fix the problems and only a planned major redesign in 2023 models will help. The plaintiffs also claim that GM has known about the problems since 2012 but didn’t admit it to customers.

As per the lawsuit, the 8-speed transmission is covered by an express warranty:

“The warranty covers repairs to correct any vehicle defect, not slight noise, vibrations, or other normal characteristics of the vehicle due to materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period.”

GM’s warranty covers all defects except for those related to “slight noise, vibrations, or other normal characteristics of the vehicle due to materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period.”

As per the lawsuit, the transmission problems don’t fall into the excluded categories but GM dealerships told customers that 8-speed transmissions are working normally.

The GM transmission lawsuit also alleges a technical service bulletin (TSB) from August 2020 saying  “replacing transmission components or complete assemblies will not improve the condition.”

According to the 8-speed class action, General Motors hasn’t recalled vehicles even though customers have overpaid to fix the problems.

The GM transmission class action lawsuit was filed by these customers:

  • Matthew Battle / Georgia / 2020 GMC Canyon
  • Juan Castaneda / California / 2021 GMC Canyon
  • David Figueroa / New Jersey / 2021 GMC Canyon
  • Walter and Janice Helms / Washington / 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
  • Robert Gribble / Illinois / 2021 Chevrolet Silverado

Symptoms of Defective GM 8-Speed Transmissions

The following transmission symptoms have been alleged in the class action lawsuit:

  • Slipping, buck, kick, jerking
  • Harshly engage
  • Delay in downshifts
  • Sudden acceleration
  • Delayed acceleration
  • Difficulty stopping the vehicle
  • Suffer abnormal internal wear

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.