GM Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Transmission Problems That May Cause “Shaking, Jerking”

Russell Maas

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General Motors faces a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of car owners who allege the automobile manufacturer hid information about the risk of problems with vehicle transmissions, which may cause vehicles to jerk, shake, buck or otherwise harshly engage, increasing the risk of accidents.

The complaint (PDF) was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on May 17, alleging the automaker had longstanding knowledge of safety defects related to the Hydra-Matic 8L90 and 8L45 transmission used in more than 16 different vehicle models, yet neglected to issue a safety recall to address the problem.

Plaintiffs indicate the transmissions had a design flaw that ultimately renders them defective, and requires replacement much sooner than the anticipated lifespan.

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According to the lawsuit, the transmissions are prone to internal issues which may cause the torque converter and hydraulic systems to experience excess internal friction due to an improper design. Metal shavings may enter and circulate throughout the transmission, escalating repairs on the torque converter and transmission that the consumer would be responsible for paying when the vehicle went out of manufacturer warranty.

General Motors is alleged to have known about the transmissions problems, which may cause abnormal wearing, sudden acceleration, delay in downshifts, and difficulty or delay in stopping a vehicle.

The Hydra-Matic 8L90 and 8L45 transmission defect is believed to cause the vehicles to lurch forward, cause sudden loss of forward propulsion and significant delays in accelerating, posing safety hazards to drivers, occupants and other vehicles or pedestrians due to the inability for the driver to control the vehicle’s speed, acceleration and deceleration.

The complaint indicates General Motor’s efforts to address the issues have been inadequate, despite continuous complaints being received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and its own internal records. Rather than recalling the vehicles and redesigning the defective components, General Motors has offered insufficient software updates, parts replacements and other minor remedies that have failed to resolve the defects, according to the lawsuit.

Plaintiffs warn that consumers with the impacted vehicles will ultimately be responsible for paying hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace the transmission and related components, leaving General Motors “unjustly enriched” at the consumer’s expense.

Vehicles installed with the affected transmissions include the 2015 through 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, 2017 through 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, 2015through 2019 Chevrolet Corvette, 2016 through 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 through 2019 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, 2016 through 2019 Cadillac ATS, ATS-V, CTS, CT6, and CTS-V, 2015 through 2019 GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL, and Yukon Denali XL, and the 2017 through 2019 GMC Canyon.

Plaintiffs are seeking class action status so that anyone similarly situated may be compensated for alleged unfair and deceptive practices by General Motors.

Tags: Auto Accident, Auto Recall, Class Action Lawsuit, General Motors
Image Credit: Image via <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-1012355p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Linda Parton</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/editorial?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>

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146 Comments

Juan
I have a 2017 chevrolet tahoe 5.3 6 speed transmission 4×4 just hit 82000 miles while traveling out of town had some clocking noises the traffic came to a stop the transmission started slipping the transmission was totally destroyed the shop that has the tahoe can’t fix it right away so I have to fly my hole family home the repair cost about 5k and fly home about 800 dollars and I still have to fly back to pick up the taho and drive home 850 miles this ruined the holyday for mi,I’m just grateful my family is safe and well 🙏
Carl
Have a 2017 Silverado1500. Had to replace transmission with 89788 miles on it.
Allen
A lot of good people are getting screw over by General Motors. There was a time when GMC made the best transmissions on the planet.
Stephen
The same problems described with the torque converter, metal filings and total transmission failure happened with my 2017 Suburban Premier 0n Sep. 7, 2023 at only 57, 102 miles. I bought the vehicle new in June 2017. It currently has under 65,000 miles. Yes, very low actual mileage. I have the dealer repair ticket that clearly states it was due to the “torque converter coming apart metal throughout transmission”. Is my vehicle included????
Sharon
My 2017 GMC Sierra is experiencing some harsh shifting patterns. I have had several instances of jerking and shaking. I also had a major hard downshift & acceleration which almost caused me to hit a vehicle on a freeway. My check engine light will come on now & then.
Glenn
I live in North Carolina I was driving to Alabama to visit my MOM the 2016 Tahoe LTZ stop working properly put me down in Lagrange GA. The Check engine Light came on, my GMC app said Engine and Transmission System. I almost had a wreck on Interstate 85 tried pulling back into traffic and the Tahoe just wouldn’t go I had to pull back on the side of the road.
James
2017 GMC Sierra. Transmission faulted without warning. Mechanic states metal pieces in pan, causing filter to back up and fluid to not flow. How do I join in the suit?
john
hi i have a 2016 silverado with 140 km on it and transmission jumps ahead and dealer says no warranty on transmission what to do bought the truck new i am in canada is there anyone in canada to contact
Joan-Evelyn
2023 GMC Acadia Denali did not stay in park even though it had been placed in park.
Stephen
92K mileage, just exceeded the 7yr warrentee. Torque converter blew sending metal shards throughout the transmission. Need a transmission. Cost of the “new” GM rebuilt w/ labor is $6,500. Dealer offered $200 discount.
Vince
2014 GMC Sierra.Bought at 90k and shifted hard since day 1 and now I’ve got the infamous shudder.
Michael
2016 Chevy Tahoe needs transmission replacement at 136000 miles. $6000.00 replacement with the same one. Time to move on.
Steven
I’m going through the same problems now on my 2015 Yukon Denali 6.2 metal shaving in my transmission. Had if flushed symptoms got worse.
Marianne
GMC Yukon XL SLT 2016 My daughter an I were almost in a life and death situation. The car lost acceleration while crossing a 6 lane highway. We were at a soccer tournament 4 hours from home. I made my way on a Sunday evening to the last Auto Zone open. We trouble shooted and put a quart of transmission fluid in the SUV. I frantically made my way home only to have the issue continue on our way to school in the AM amd again in a frightening situation, requiring me to pull over and call Triple A. I am now being quoted $7,700.00 to replace the transmission that I learned is part of a class action law suit.. Question for GMC – Are you OK not stepping up to the plate and doing the right thing? Provide the recall and take ownership. Is it going to take a death to open up your eyes. Oh, that’s right, according to the lawsuit, you were fully aware of the faulty transmission when we purchased these cars so that bears no relevance. For administration that has the ability to due right by this, If it was your family member or you for that matter, how would you handle this. Have a heart! This is criminal and insane! I will be happy to share your business practices through out the neighborhoood apps and social media nationwide.
Sean
I have a 2015 GMC Yukon XL with 93,000 miles on it. The vehicle is shuttering, slipping gears, failing to shift and losing power. Two separate auto shops said the vehicle needs a new transmission due to a torque converter failing resulting in metal pieces flowing through the system. $6,000 to replace. I have a friend who recently experienced the exact same issue with their GMC Yukon as well.
George
2016 Tahoe, 5300 engine, 6L80 tranny, 87k miles. Its shuddering with P0700 and P0741 codes. Local guy wants $7700 for a rebuilt GM tranny installed and programmed. This is Crazy. Someone start a class action lawsuit please
Nelson
I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 5.3 V8 Transmission went out @ 107k. it started shaking and skipping here and there it was not doing it all the time. until finally the check engine light came on the tranny fail to the point that it doesn’t shift at all. took it to the GM dealership and yes, you guessed it . need to replace the transmission @ $6,800 price tag. which of course. you know it. is got to come out of pocket of course. tried to trade it in and they only offered me 10K for a truck that I paid 59k just 5 yrs. ago.
Lynn
I ,m also experiencing trans shifting shuddering
Patricia
I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 LT Crew Cab 5.3 V8 with a 6L80E transmission with 125K miles on it. Transmission is not shifting properly. Delays when slightly accelerating. Shakes and strong shifting. Sometimes making a humming noise when accelerating. All issues came on all of a sudden with no prior warnings. Took to transmission shop today and they have advised the transmission and torque converter needs replaced – $5500. Is this one of the vehicles that should be included in the class action suit?
Alton
I have a 2017 Tahoe. Transmission failed @ 93,000 miles due to bad torque converter. GM put in reman transmission. Told Tyler Ackerman @ Jim Shorkey Cadillac dealer service department in Gainesville, GA reman transmission wasn’t shifting right. Tyler told me it was learning my driving style and this was normal. Said give it 500 miles to break in. 104 days later and 5 hrs from home the reman transmission failed due to bad torque converter again without warning. GM authorized Dan Vaden Chevy in Brunswick, GA to install another reman transmission in my Tahoe and it too has shifted poorly from day one since picking it up from that dealership service dept. Took it to Rick Hendrick Chevy in Buford, GA dealership service dept (3rd different one since Feb of this yr) and they are also telling me that there’s nothing wrong with this transmission, shifting issues are normal, it’s learning my driving patterns, and give it another 500 miles on top of the nearly 500 I have already driven this 2nd reman transmission to break it in. Extended warranty claim person Matthew and a reputable mechanic friend of mine both said premature failure of these transmissions is “pretty common.” There is a serious problem with this transmission model and Chevy knows it but refuses to take ownership of it. I owe too much on this Tahoe to trade it in and was also told by finance manager Alan at the Rick Hendrick Chevy dealership in Buford, GA today that they have concerns about taking my Tahoe as a trade in due to the transmission issue. Please add me to the class action lawsuit.
Anthony
I have a 2015 chevrolet express 3500 6.0 motor with 6 speed trans…im picking up the truck today from dealer after now the 2nd Trans replacement with only 90k to date. First replacement @ 70k, 2nd transmission lasted 20k . This repair is costly @ 7k out of pocket this time around. Problem is obvious to me! I’m no longer a gm guy now. Fix it and move on!
Corey
93k and my tranny went out on my 2015 Silverado. Had a shop do a soft rebuild for $3,200 since I caught it early. How and when will this lawsuit be over? Are the 6L80 even apart of it this!?! Seems to be more common then the 8speeds. I’m taking my invoice hoping that I can one day be reimbursed for something as seems this will happen again.
Greg
Same problems as others transmission went down around 130000 miles over 5000$ to repair GMC Sierra 2015 model.How can I enter the class action lawsuit
Lee
I have a 2017 Silverado 1500 LT Crew Cab 5.3 V8 with a 6L80E transmission and it went out around 98K. Replaced it with a remanufactured one to the tune of 5K with 3yrs / 100k mile Warranty. And it is having the same issues as the original one since day 1 and the warranty company is fighting me every minute of everyday saying there is nothing wrong with it. That’s the way it is made to operate (hard shifts and/or slipping between 1st and 2nd gear) . I don’t think so, do you??
Angel
My 2019 Tahoe transmission went up without notice, it only has 80,000 miles. 2 weeks before I noticed shifting issues and a soft growling sound when accelerating. Took it to an auto shop, they ran transmission and engine tests which did not show any issues. 2 weeks later, the transmission completely failed. They took it apart and said it was completely a mess in there and there is no justification for it. It’s now being replaced at $6000.
Jay
2018 Silverado 6L80E. First transmission failed at 97,000 miles. Extended warranty company wanted to put in a used transmission. Dealer charged me an extra $1,100 to install a new crate transmission that came with a 100k mile warranty. 2nd transmission failed at 187k. Dealer installed another crate unit, and told me no more warranty beyond the remainder left on the 2nd unit. Both units were serviced at gm recommended intervals by gm service departments. I have about 40k on the third unit which has never acted 100% correct, and fear it won’t even last as long as the others. The problem in both of the failed units was the torque converter, it fails and sends metal throughout the trans wiping it out. GM knows this and they won’t change the torque converter they use because to do so would acknowledge they have a problem and make them liable for millions. I know over a dozen people with these transmissions in their pickups and not one has last over 120k miles.
Raegan
2015 Silverado 1500. 6L80 tranny crapped out at 89K. Dealer was a deer in the headlights jerking me from April to June 2022. Back n forth telling me tech doesn’t feel any jerking, tech doesn’t hear any sound, tech didn’t have time to check out vehicle and on an on it went. When I brought back up is when they confirmed all I had been saying and oh, “you’re going to need a new transmission”. They’re estimate, $8K. Went elsewhere. 6 months and $6,900 later I’m back on the road. I’ve owned Ford’s, Mazda’s and a Dodge and NEVER had to replace a transmission. Chevy’s nothin but a rooster lollipop in my book and their punk ass needs to be held accountable for each persons transmission shit show.
Lani
2017 Gmc Yukon XL , My transmission will need to be replaced due to noise coming from the transmission. Mechanic mentioned it will cost me over $4K to replace it. I’m a Mom of 4 kids and I use the car for is dropping off the kids to school and games. This will impact us big time.
Raymond
Had my transmission fluids replaced at least twice in 2020 On a 2015 Yukon Denali XL. It went away up until last month when it happened again. This time it is a lot worse. Trying to get the dealership to flush again will probably be a task.
Nolan
The transmission went out on my 2016 GMC Sierra at 72,000 miles, costing me $4,900. There was no warning. Coincidentally, the OnStar diagnostics sent me an email showing that all systems were working perfectly at 9:00 AM on the same day that the transmission crashed at 11:00 AM. I was 220 miles from home and was able to limp into a transmission shop after the local GM dealer told me that they could not help.
Jesse
2014 Silverado 6L80 118k miles I still owe 14k on it but it’s been sitting in my driveway since January 2022 when driving home one night slip once made a crazy jerking stuttering feeling then wouldn’t go anywhere. Almost was hit twice by traffic waiting on tow truck which was $415 to get it home. Got it home starting calling around for repair and prices. Minimum 4k but some shops recommended upgrades cause it’s a piece if junk. So I was putting on a waiting list for 4 months cause the shop owner said he’s getting rich and all of his buddy’s that also own transmission shops all got new boats and race cars cause they’re doing 3-5 of these a week at 4-6 grand a piece. Well fast forward the 4 months I’m hanging onto the money I need for the repair and fell into a relapse with my ulcerative colitis which stress exacerbates the chronic illness and was down bad for several months afterwards. I was completely stressed about this entire truck situation those 4 months waiting my turn. Then had to use the money to stay current on bills i.e. a truck payment on a truck that I couldn’t drive. So this entire year I’ve attending all my doc appts and traveling back n forth to work in my 88 S10. I’m not about to take a loan out to fix my transmission in top of my existing loan on it. This isn’t the first time it let me down either. February of 2021 I kept smelling gas and the fuel pump was completely rusted out. No anti corrosion from the factory. Just raw steel. That was 500 bucks and I pulled the bed of myself cause I called and it was a 2500 dollar repair. GM needs at the very least to compensate each and everyone of us owners our repair costs. What’s taking so long to get this class action lawsuit going on the 6L80’s? I spent the 2 weeks researching this issue and there are literally thousands of us all with the same problem. So I’m getting proactive at this point. Cause this is just down right evil on GM customers
Kim
2017 Suburban transmission 6L80 failed at 99,9800 miles, two weeks off extended warranty. Had only ever been serviced by the dealer, did all the recommended services, never towed anything and about 70% of the miles driven were highway. Just replaced the transmission fluid and filter at 93,000 miles Owned multiple fords and American made cars, never had to replace a transmission. GM is aware of the defect in this model and needs to do something about it… stop selling people expensive trucks that will clunk out.
Lora
My 2016 Tahoe transmission went and it only had a little over 88,000 miles on it. Cost almost $6,000 to fix.
David
My 2017 Tahoe with 78,482 miles suddenly without warning had transmission failure. I had to have my GM dealer (Don Davis Motor Co. ) replace the transmission. The repair cost me $5682.56. I read that a lot of 2017 Tahoe and Yukon models in this milage range have had similar issues.
Bruce
100k miles. No prior problems with 2016 silverado. 6 speed 5.3 l. Failed Stopped moving forward. $5500 FOR REMANUFACTURED UNIT.
LaNetta
My 2017 LT 4wd Tahoe transmission went out with no warning except one hard shift and then just locked up one morning at just over 100k miles. Called my dealer that had done all of the service and where i purchased the vehicle, and they told me of the existing problems and that GM recommended flushing or changing fluids at every 35k miles or so. My question to my dealer Mark Martin of Ashflat Ar. was if you knew of the issues and you had serviced this vehicle since i bought it at a year old and only having 25k miles on it, why you hadn’t informed me of this and suggested this when i brought it in for servicing? You Checked the boxes that you checked all of the fluids and everything was fine. They told me that i should read owners manual on recommendations of fluid changes, so i referred to the owner manual which already knew it wouldn’t be in there and no such fluid change for transmission fluid at every 35k miles was in there. Needless to say I didn’t let them do the repair on my transmission and used a different mechanic that I trusted. He sent me pictures of the transmission pan that was so full of metal shavings it was unbelievable. The 6L80 transmission has been used in models ranging from 2008 to 2019 chevy tahoes, silverados and many more models so it is obviously been a good transmission which tells me the problem was something that was caused by a mistake in production in relation to the transmission. I have owned nothing but Tahoes, Yukon and a Denali xl since the year 2004 and never had such problems. As a matter of fact the 2001 Tahoe was the best vehicle ever owned and is still running today and has never had the transmission fluid changed in it and has only had regular servicing and a water pump and fuel pump were the only two things that I ever had to replace on it and that was totally normal for the age and miles of the vehicle. GM should make this right. It cost me around 5K after parts, labor, towing, reprogramming fess.
Gerald
We are in the same boat. No warning. It started with some hard shifts at the low end. About a week later, no transmission movement at all. I took it to our dealer and was told they were 2-3 weeks behind on transmission work. When I mentioned that there must be a GM defect I just got a blank stare. No acknowledgment whatsoever. Now, after a little research, I see that there are thousands of complaints with the same progression on the problem.
joey
my 2016 tahoe with 107,000 miles transmission went out.very exspensive to fix.it should not go out that soon
Andrew
2016 GMC sierra 6L80 failed at 90K. 4 Months ago and today I’m stranded in Florida doing disaster relief for a orginaztion and with Our 2018 awd acadia with 77k miles had a catastrophic transmission failure.($6000 for that mess)dollars later for the acadia and 3500 for a Sierra transmission. I’m done with GM . And yup not in warranty, not covered, almost 10k for 2 transmissions both under 100k miles. GM you should be dismantled and sold. Never again will I buy GM and yes I will spread this on social media as GMC should be called Garbage Motors Company.
Andrew
2015 GMC Sierra, 5.3L. Pretty sure mine is the 6-speed but experiencing actual the same issues. Started with just the jerking and hard shifts then delayed down shift. Now it’s all worse and can’t drive it anymore. Plus the transmission fluid will heat upwards to 240 degrees. The hotter the fluid the worse the experience. How can I get added to lawsuit?
David
I have a 2017 chevy silverado WT with the 6 speed transmission with 86000miles. The truck as been bought and serviced from a chevy dealer ship since the day it was bought in 2017. The transmission was serviced at 75000 miles no problems. 10,000 miles later transmission is.junk.
Tim
I have already dealt with this issue in a 2017 C7 Grand Sport, first they changed the fluid and a few months later had to change my torque converter. Around 8k miles. Now my 2019 Silverado is slipping and their plan of action is to change the fluid just trying to mask the problem at hand.
Amy
2018 Camaro, 31000 miles, bought her brand new… just started noticing shifting issues, lunges, appearing to be stuck in gear. Getting the oil changed tomorrow and complaining.
Tara
I just had this happen to me with my 2018 Tahoe. My torque converter got contaminated with metal shavings by metal parts grinding together and then it ruined my transmission! I couldn’t afford to get the transmission replaced so I had to voluntarily surrender my vehicle for repossession! This is very upsetting and a complete loss for me and ruined my credit! This isn’t my fault these parts failed and I feel this problem needs attention and quickly! What became of this lawsuit? Can we get some help here?!?!
Paul
Just had a new one put in my 2015 at 106k.
Kyle
2021 Silverado transmission issues only 42,000 miles I’ve taken to the dealer several times they say they cannot duplicate the issue or there is no problem even if there was they would not fix it since the transmission is made this way
Wallace
My 2016 Tahoe 113k transmission just went out. Please add me to the lawsuit.
J Robb
2016 Tahoe, 105k miles. We have owned this vehicle from mile 1. Getting a new transmission today. What the heck? A vehicle this expensive should have a transmission at the very least last twice as long.
Michael
My 2016 Silverado with the 6L80 with 73000 miles is having the same issues and is going to need replacement this next couple weeks. This is a ridiculous amount of failure and GM absolutely needs to be held to account!
ASHER
2015 Tahoe LT 98K miles.. transmission having issues, now they say it needs to be replaced.. 5K… amazing how the dealership service shop never recommends changing the fluid
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