Class Action GM Eight-Speed Transmission Lawsuit Hits A Snag
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A class-action GM transmission lawsuit has hit a snag after a judge dismissed certain implied warranty claims made in the filing.
Five separate class-action lawsuits filed against General Motors over alleged defects with its eight-speed automatic transmission were consolidated in a Michigan court this week, according to Car Complaints. In the process, the judge presiding over the lawsuit, Judge David M. Lawson, dismissed claims related to implied warranty for all plaintiffs that fall under the laws of Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Another claim related to class wide monetary damages for a sole plaintiff under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act was also dismissed.
Numerous class-action suits have been filed against GM over its 8L45E and 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. Plaintiffs claim the eight-speed automatic transmission will slip gears, shift into gear aggressively and also cause the vehicle to shudder or jerk. Plaintiffs have also reported the transmission will lead to delayed acceleration and make it more difficult for the vehicle to slow down.
GM has argued that these claims should be thrown out, as its express warranty only covers defects that relate to materials and workmanship, and not design defects. The suits claim that all 8L45E and 8L90E transmissions experience these problems, which implies the problems are related to a design defect instead, the automaker said.
Judge Lawson will allow other allegations in the suit to proceed, including certain other claims related to implied warranty. The judge also acknowledged that the complaints put forth by plaintiffs could be consistent with either materials/workmanship defects or a design defect. He also did not dismiss claims that GM knew there were issues with the eight-speed transmission before it put affected vehicles on sale, saying “plausible inferences may be drawn that GM had substantial knowledge about the looming problems with its new transmissions before any of the plaintiffs’ purchases were made.”
The full list of affected vehicles in this newly consolidated transmission lawsuit includes:
- 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade
- 2015-2017 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
- 2015-2017 GMC Yukon Denali
- 2015-2017 GMC Yukon Denali XL
We’ll continue to provide updates on this consolidated class-action eight-speed transmission lawsuit as it proceeds through the courts.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more updates on this GM transmission lawsuit, along with ongoing GM legal news, GM recall news, GM safety news, and around-the-clock General Motors news coverage.
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GM can’t build transmissions or interiors!
GM recommends a triple flush with a different transmission fluid. The old fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture. If your car is out of Warranty you are stuck with a $900+ bill. GM put the wrong fluid in. They should pay for the fluid flush, new filter and gasket no matter the mileage. Like mine a 2017 with 13k miles before the problem began.
I have said before so many times, I think this is fraud.
I think GM is committing fraud !
If you sell something saying X and X does not happen, how can you continue to sell that product !
And the warranty ! WOW, how does GM continue to get away with not honoring their warranties ?
And the dealers, dealing with these, WHAT A JOKE !
GM has little power over these dealers, and when a customer has troubles, it is just a HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE !!!
!!!!!! HORRIBLE !!!!!
HOW THE H3LL is a design flaw, or ” known faulty ” design NOT a warranty issue ?
Let me say this, IF this transmission shift was human injury related, the government would call the design defect the problem and demand a RECALL !!
Yet when its just the customers money, or lively hood, the government doesn’t care one bit !!!
I wonder how come we have government problems in the good old USA !
The customer has no rights !
Yet GM can commit fraud and steal from the consumer !
Isn’t there a consumer protection agency ?
Trump probably fired all those people also !
Your Liberal Democrat ways have finally shown through. The only work I don’t think you used that is a staple of the Left is Propaganda. You want to write a reply and include that? It is a shame this country is being ruined by the far left, wearing rose colored glasses and taking their participation trophies thinking everyone can have everything and no bad can be done in this world.
WOW !
Commonsense !
Your snowflake panties in a bunch are they ?
If you have not noticed by now , you are losing all the way around on this GM 8 speed junk transmission !
GM however is still winning as our laws, are put in place in our country to protect fraud and corrupt companies !
Even back when GM went bankrupt, the government was right there to bail them out !
This is why our country is at the brink !!
The REAL people in this country, have no where to turn !!
Just like this lawsuit, GM CLEARLY knows they have produced junk here !
There are HUNDREDS of TSBs on this GM 8 speed junk transmission !
And even in this very lawsuit, GM is saying a DESIGN FLAW, is NOT a warrantable claim !!
This will play out just like our federal government, GM will push the people, the customer, right up to the brink, before GM does the right thing here !
And all for the mighty dollar, going to the DO NOTHING population !!!!
Commonsense,
I am truly sorry I hurt your delicate feelings !
Laws are to protect you from making a bad deal? Not what I thought…hmmm any wonder people scream, ” I’ll sue!”
GM should NOT have been bailed out.. just like Fiat buying Chrysler, or further back when Mercedes Benz bought it, GM should have been sold off and the investors PAID. Yet they the stockholders lost their money.. It was a sleezebag operation and it emboldened GM to freely screw the very people who not only bailed them out, but continued to buy their bullsh!t products
I agree. I don’t see what Trump has to do with a company manufacturing a car with a major design defect. I almost feel like eventually they will blame Trump for the weather, too. Politics aside, this is exactly what a lemon law attorney is for. You don’t even have to own the car anymore to be entitled to a full recovery. I work for Law Offices of Issac Kohen, and we serve all of California. Initial insults are free and we bill the car company once the case settles. Our clients keep their settlement with no hidden fees. If anyone here lives in California and has questions, feel free to call me to discuss. 310-775-3678.
I agree. I don’t see what Trump has to do with this. Politics aside, this is exactly what a lemon law attorney is for. You don’t even have to own the car anymore to be entitled to a full recovery. I work for Law Offices of Issac Kohen, and we serve all of California. Initial insults are free and we bill the car company once the case settles. Our clients keep their settlement with no hidden fees. If anyone here lives in California and has questions, feel free to call me to discuss. 310-775-3678.
He only fired the ones who were sleeping on the job.
Why are you blaming Trump? You’re just showing your ignorance and hate mongering.
The day I left the showroom my 19′ had issues with the transmission. They said as long as the light isn’t on, GM will do nothing.
My 2016 camaro the transmission it’s got a shutter in it and a very hard shift.. is GM got a recall on this. What I understand is that this is a very big problem in many of Chevrolet Camaro and other vehicles also… what is going on are they fixing the problem . It needs to be fix
I joined this lawsuit. I have a 2017 Denali crew cab truck and it has had the “shudder” in it since I bought it. It also downshifts hard and clunks when it does. Dealer says he cannot duplicate my complaint so they won’t fix anything. I ask if he drove it and he said his mechanic did and said it was fine. I have taken it back 3 times and still won’t fix it. I have had enough and I want something to happen. GM needs to replace trans mission or do a buy back. Every penny I spent on this truck should be paid back to me.
How did you join the lawsuit? Our transmission had a catastrophic failure and needs full replacement. 2015 GMC Sierra
It is never in your interest to join a class action, and you are automatically included unless you opt out. The lawyers make all the money and the victims are left most of the time with nothing more than an extension period to their warranty. You actually WANT to find a lemon law attorney, have them opt you out, then file a lawsuit on your behalf separately, I work for Law Offices of Issac Kohen and we specialize in lemon law. We serve all of California. Every state has they own laws, so it is imp to find an attorney in your state. I’d be more than happy to discuss any questions. 310-268-7802
Do you have a law office in Milwaukee we have the same issue with our 2017 denali xl
414-517-9669
What was your outcome?
My 2018 with 36k miles on it has the exact situation unfolding.
Dealer service telling me there is no issue, they can’t duplicate the problem.
How can I join the lawsuit?
Thanks
How do you join the lawsuit claim? I have a 2015 Sierra Crew Cab. 118,000 miles…. my transmission just “went”…. it’s in the shop. They said 7-8K for replacement and it was giving me trouble since around 90 thousand miles. It has not been accelerating or switching into gear properly for a while now. Thanks Chris.
Haha, 118k and you want to join the lawsuit? Jesus what is wrong with people thinking they are entitled to anything and everything. At that point you don’t, no lawyer will want to include your case in with those having problems early, you got good use and mileage out of it. Should have gone more but who knows how it was treated, driven, abused or lack of maintenance was done. I had a buddy who he went through two 4L80’s, not because they are at all a bad transmission, actually quite the opposite, but because everytime he shifted from reverse to drive he did it at 5 mph and not use the brake. Abuse and lack of maintenance doesn’t equal a lawsuit, like the numb nut that hydro locked his Rubicon early and wants to blame and sue Jeep even though he abused the crap out of it hitting massive mud puddles at higher speeds.
Get it repaired and move on, that 118k isn’t the norm but on the lower end of normal life, most with good care and maintenance can easily eclipse 200k but it all depends.
You are exactly correct. A lot of people beat the crap out of a car or truck and complain what a piece of crap it is. I have a gmc van with 4l80e with 270 thousand miles on it . It is extremely overloaded. I push it hard at times but I don’t beat it to the point that the transmission over heats. It has only had one fluid change at 177k.
I find most transmission failures come directly from the way they are operated. Especially plowing and not using low range, the trucks are equipped with it for a reason.
The 4L80E was a great transmission!
^^Tens of thousands of complaints.
Did anyone find out the best way to join the lawsuit claim?? Private lawyer vs. being part of the Class Action Lawsuit without an attorney. I was contacted by a law firm. That is how I found out about it. My 2015 Sierra has shuddered since the day I purchased it brand-new. It also shifts hard at times. I took it in twice while under warranty and the dealership told me it was normal for this type of transmission. My current mileage is 60,920.
I just had the transmission go out on my Chevy Tahoe at 110,00 -2016. Terrible! This will be my first and last Chevy purchase, back to Toyota or Honda.
Now you know why GM went bankrupt! Let’s try that again without help from our government…
Sorry about your GM transmission troubles people. I really hope GM takes accountability for this issue. I guess a Toyota Tacoma or Tundra would have been a much better choice in my opinion. Good Luck.
Yeah like those are trouble free, especially the Tacoma, they have their own transmission issues that sent people to trade them in.
I think its past your bedtime.
I thought that truck transmission were made at the Ford general motors plant in Mexico I have a 8-speed in my Buick regal but it is a Toyota transmission made by aison
I have a 2019 Silverado that jumps into gear and does the exact same thing as described in this article I’ve taken it a few times to Chevy dealership , and was told this is normal , I beg to differ we have owned Silverado for 14 yes now have had 7 of them this is the first one to ever do this
MINE TOO, AS DESCRIBED AS ABOVE, 2019 SILVERADO 8000 MI , DEALER CHANGED FLUID,,,, NO HELP ,, LIFE LONG GM CUSTOMER…
‘” FIRST” GM PRODUCT I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH,,, PUT MY NAME ON THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
PS: I KNOW CAP’S ARE ON
I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado as well and it’s doing the same thing, who do we contact for this class action lawsuit? GM just offered me a longer warranty.
Yes, that’s what they do rather than to fix the faulty transmission. Year after year after year with the same old bs. They must think car buyers don’t speak to each other.
Have a 2020 silverado , same problem . Say it’s normal ???
It seems like just about everyone I know with a chevy and GMC truck has had some sort of transmission issues. Luckily I only buy FORD, And with 96,000 miles on my 2017 F150 Lariat FX4. ZERO ISSUES.
Funny, the only person I know with a GM failure (many I know drive them) had transmission problems and it was because of abuse as noted in a comment above (changing to drive from reverse with out the brake while moving). Other than that of all our years of GM not a single transmission problem. 4 speeds going to 250k while towing a boat at its limit in an Astro van, buddy had the 4L60 in his Tahoe for 290k when he traded it in and it was trouble free. None that we have had any issues. Most don’t, just like most brands. I know a few people with Fords and a few that have moved away from them, some trouble free while others because of issues or failures. Seems the Ecoboost is the big failure point, not sure I would want my engine to be a concern even if I had a good transmission. The old 5.4’s had spark plug issues, one of the generations of power strokes was prone to failure as well as a spread of the 2.3 ecoboosts. So not sure I would boast about transmission issues when their engines are lacking…
Mmm thats funny I have 2019 Chevy Silverado when the truck is at an idol the transmission makes A Ticking time bomb sound. At least i hope thats normal lol. there was a time that mine as well down shift real hard like if some one hit me form behind. Scared the crap out of me.should I have buy a Ford.? Lol
I have a 17 Sierra SLT 5.3 w / 8 speed transmission. I complained about the irregularities everyone has mentioned and my dealer was very understanding. Flushed and changed the trans fluid and it’s much much better. Will most likely buy the refreshed Sierra with a 10 speed. Thanks
Is it to soon to list for 2020 colorado or did they fix the problem after the 2019
They came out with the new ATF fluid in around spring of 2019. Its just a band-aide. Some 2020 models are having the issue as well from what Ive seen. The fix for them is a new torque converter. Not good to say the least.
Had my triple flush at 10 000, then a converter at 15k. Still fouled up. Waiting to see if gm will do a buyback, but after seeing the court decision I believe gm will give me a 1 finger salute.
Its not Just the 8 Speed. I have been through 3 4l60e Transmissions in the past year on my Chevy Silverado. GM has NEVER got a Tranny Right! Sorry to all you new owners. Hopefully you all get help with your troubles. I know how it is ..
Come on, 3? If that isn’t a troll agenda… Ok, I can play this game it is easy to on the internet. I had an engine, two transmissions, 1 transfer case and 3 axles needing to be replaced on my Toyota in the past 6 months, don’t buy Toyota! Don’t get me started on the trouble my F150 had. See, easy to say what you want, not a single person is going to believe that…
We have three GM trucks and two of the three had transmissions replaced due to failure.
2014 Silverado was slipping and completely failed 4k out of warranty. The dealership stated I shouldn’t have followed the GM guidelines on service because everyone knows its wrong and wouldn’t cover it. Took it to a transmission shop and they refused to use the same year transmission and dropped back a version due to the main valve being the size of a ballpoint pen and its the biggest joke they’ve seen. The truck has over 200k now on the replacement transmission.
2016 GMC Seira had sudden transmission failure and died on the road 3k out of Warranty. GM wouldn’t cover it but fortunately I purchased it used with 20k on it from a Ford dealership and they covered it.
Anyway the third truck is a 2020 GMC and yeah, I should have purchased a ford because it sounds like they still have design flaws. Hey GM, maybe it’s time to fire your engineering team and while you’re at it, fire the team that designed the new trucks to dent if someone leans on it.
Hey the Dynaflow in my 63 Buick working great!
In or out of warranty, a flush and fill with the latest recommended fluid (3rd one) makes a big difference. My ’16 Sierra with the 8l90 shudder is “almost” perfect after the change. Started at 85k miles. Now at about 103k. There is a TSB out on it
People underestimate the benefits of changing transmission fluids more often than the maintenance schedule says or trying compatible fluids if there are issues. Some might say that it is a bandaid fix, but if you are out of warranty, it may keep you from having to replace the unit. Then again, it could keep the transmission working within specs and prevent it from premature wear or simply self destructing.
Trying other ‘compatible’ fluids can work. Generally OE fluids are pretty good, but there are other premium brands out there that will outperform the OE offerings.
My 17 as camaro had the shutter issue at 30k they flushed the fluid an it’s been perfect ever since. I think they just upgraded the fluid to something more performance driven.
My 2016 CT6 has a glitchy transmission. I have to drive gently so it doesn’t jerk into gear.
Another thing, isnt it weird to have three different transmissions? GM should just make the ten speed standard across the full size truck line.
Had a 2018 GMC slt 6.2 eight speed, same problems, took it in four times called GM twice, they said get a lawyer, so i called Lemon Law, they got me $2750 for each of us, bought a RST 6.2 10 speed, it is a lot faster, great trans.
A lot faster?
2016 Denali 6.2 8speed 5733lbs 0-60 in 5.8 1/4 in 14.2
2019 AT4 6.2 10speed 5466lbs 0-60 in 5.8 1/4 in 14.2
2019 Denali 6.2 10speed 5595lbs 0-60 in 6.0 1/4 in 14.4
It is the same or a touch slower it seems with the added shifts. It has been well publicized the 10 speed in many tests was a hair slower than the 8 speed, seems the larger amount of gears is a diminishing return as it slows it down with added shifts.
Hi everyone my name is jose and yes is really bad I bought a 2019 Silverado and I spent a year well over a year talking with GM and the dealership and I also have videos whit my problem. They brought a GM ingenier to solve my problem and even he could not fix my truck.by the end they give me a 2021 Silverado with 10 speed transmission and so far is been ok with it good look all of you
2019. When I go from reverse to drive it delays then slams into gear if you don’t wait an extra couple seconds. On a busy road, it’s a problem. Since the day I left the dealership, I’ve been back to complain 12 times. I opened a case with GM and they blow me off because the computer doesn’t register a problem. Dealerships are now saying the same even though the mechanics know it’s a huge issue
My dealership refuses to do anything about my transmission shift problem 2019 Canyon It’s a darn shame when a corporation Can get away with this wish I knew which way to turn The dealership will never get my business again being that day have given me the same and return damn it I cannot buy a vehicle without getting screwed only in America
Well you should have bought a Honda pilot or Honda Odyssey their problems transmission problems they only lasted 30,000 miles all the way up to 2010 Google it
I’ve complained about the 8-speed transmission since day one of buying my 2017 Sierra 5.3L. The truck jerks so bad you feel like you’ve been rear ended sometimes. It’s mostly downshifting into first gear when driving around slowly. The Dealer gave me the run around 4 times in the first 15000kms saying the truck had to learn my foot(the way I drive) and I gave up because I don’t have the time but it still has the issue like day one. I’m at 90000kms now and it’s just as bad or worse at this point. I sold my 2008 Sierra that had 400000kms on it with the original transmission that shifted smoother then this garbage. I’ll never by new again because of this. I spent 70k on this truck for nothing but problems and then get treated like it’s all my fault the hole time. Please GM let me know what you can do to make this right until then you’ve lost one of the largest fans you’ve ever had. I have 6 vehicles that are all GM’s and I’ll be focusing on changing them for different manufactures.
So you currently have 6 GM vehicles that are trouble free, have had years of great vehicles but 1 issue which isn’t that bad as you have been able to drive it for 90k and you want to switch brands? Ok, good luck with that! The grass isn’t always greener… Sucks you have had issues but sounds more like a dealer issue.
BTW, I would never buy a used truck. Too often they are modded horribly with stuff that wears out parts then take it off and the next owner has to deal with the repercussions. All these large leveling kits, wheel spacers and large off set tires just eat up suspension and drive train parts, wheel bearings and paint. The last thing I want is not knowing the dufus before me put on a 2.5″ level and wide off set wheel’s that peppered the paint, wore out the wheel bearings early and ball joints and CV axles are on their way out down the road well before they should. With the high prices of used trucks and the deals on new I will never buy a used truck. Having a warranty is fantastic, knowing what has or hasn’t been done to the truck is great as well as the maintenance records that I know of. You do you, but used isn’t a deal…
Hmmm Commonsense is your real name Mary? LOL Maybe you just need a tissue.
This common sense dude sounds like a douchebag that doesn’t know come here from sick em … If you actually turn wrenches then you can talk !!
I had an Escalade with the 8 speed transmission. When cold, it would sporadically slip. I used my phone to record a video showing the tach a 3000 rpm and the speedometer was less than 5 mph. The dealership changed the transmission 3 times. After about 16 months and 60 days of the car out of service, I went lemon law. I got my money back from gm. I loved the truck and the dealership really tried, but that 8 speed tyranny is garbage and dangerous.