General Motors has been hit with another class-action lawsuit over the well-known ‘Shift to Park’ issue that it has received widespread complaints about in the past.
This latest Shift to Park lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. According to Car Complaints, the plaintiff in this suit says they are forced to constantly wiggle and move their vehicle’s electronic shifter in order to get it to recognize the fact the shifter has been put in the ‘Park’ position. Like other ‘Shift to Park’ lawsuits, the plaintiff says the issue has caused them to become trapped in their vehicle, as the error message means the vehicle cannot be shifted into ‘Park’, preventing them from being able to safely exit the vehicle.
Since this problem is not under recall, customers are allegedly forced to pay out-of-pocket for repairs contained in the TSBs, which in some cases includes a full transmission replacement. The replacement parts contain the same defect as the original factory parts, however, leaving owners with little recourse to prevent the ‘Shift to Park’ error message from appearing again in the future. In addition to the above-mentioned technical problems, this suit also says that plaintiffs’ vehicles have now diminished in value as a result of the ‘Shift to Park’ error.
Unlike some previous ‘Shift to Park’ lawsuits that have focused mainly on the GMC Acadia, this latest suit includes Illinois consumers and business entities that purchased or leased various Chevy vehicles. This includes the 2016-2019 Chevy Malibu, 2016-2019 Chevy Volt, 2018-2019 Chevy Traverse and 2019 Chevy Blazer. GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins in the past attempting to address the ‘Shift to Park’ issue in these vehicles, the most recent of which was published in September of 2019.
A similar lawsuit containing the same Chevy vehicles was also filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan back in August.
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Comments
Had this problem in my 2014 Buick Regal as well. Hoping I don’t have the same in my 2014 LaCrosse.
This has been for sure on going issue. It is a resisters issue in the shifter that is causing a signal issue to the BCM. GM has replaced shifters to fix it but often the replacements are doing it again. Often the people who paid are on a second sifter.
This lawsuit will not amount to much for the customer. GM really should offer changes on the shifter and if they are high mile a discount.
This Was not really a danger thing as the vehicles are in park the vehicle just does not recognize it is. Often the worst things is the vehicle will want to drain the battery. Usually you can shift back and fourth a few times it will pick up the signal.
On the web many have fixed this by shorting the sensor with a paper clip.
This law suit will just make some lawyers rich and customers with a few oil change or discount on a new car.
They say the situation wont let them out of their vehicle, what about manually unlocking the damned door idiot?
That way they can get a good look at the vehicle as it rolls away. Smart.
Won’t roll away if you engage the parking brake…
Paul, you obviously do not have the problem and do not understand what the issue is. When the car does not go into Park when you turn it off, it goes into ACC mode. Everything except the engine is still ON! The is a constant ‘ding’ the gets progressively louder and louder! If/When you open the door, the stupid ‘walk away’ turns on all exterior lights. This will drain the battery in about 10 minutes. Does not literally mean one cannot get out of the vehicle. Means one should not leave the vehicle for safety and security reasons.
So, who is the idiot?
thank you I couldn’t have said it better
Do you want to look at your own comment before calling people in idiot. What they mean is you can’t get out of the stupid car or the batteries gonna die you have to stay there till you clear the message
do you understand what you just wrote? No one saying the door won’t open moron is saying they can’t get out of the vehicle because the car saying it’s not in park and they were afraid to get out of the vehicle because the car might roll. you can’t fix stupid you must be a Trump supporter
I have a 2018 Malibu that had the shift to park problem. I did a permanent fix by cutting the black and blue wires that got to the switch that’s below the shifter by stripping the insulation on the wires back about a half inch. Twist the bare wires together and cover with electrical tape. This bypass the microswitch and you will.nevwr have that shift to park problem again.
This just started happening in my 19 Traverse. Sending it in on Wednesday. Let’s see what happens.
Got the vehicle back yesterday (Thursday). It required a new switch and wiring harness in the shifter. Luckily it was covered by the extended warranty.
No car is perfect. Neither is the driver.
Yet some are worse than others , engineering should have addressed this issue long ago.
Have had this fixed twice on 2017 Acadia. I paid $428.33 for the second fix. First one was under warranty which obviously didn’t work. The “fix” appears to last 2 years in my experience. At least the dealer is warranting the latest fix for 2 years. Past lawsuits appear to have been dismissed over technicalities. I hope this lawsuit has been filed more “correctly”.
An issue like this can occur with any manufacturer, however, the way GM is reacting to it and other issues like this seems to be “to hell with existing customers” and pissing them off rather than just facing up to the problem, fixing it, and making it a positive experience for the customer. GM did the right thing with the Bolt batteries and likely will have the 140K affected customers likely to buy and / or recommend GM positively in the future. However, by ignoring other existing customers with issues like this “Shift to Park” issue (and others) and creating class-action lawsuits it not only can alienate millions of potential repeat customers but also create negative word-of-mouth and publicity. In a recent investor conference GM spoke of their plans to double revenues by 2030 and of investing 25 – 30 billion in EVs to help do this. Maybe this works, but it seems that perhaps spending a few billion to keep from losing the existing customer base would be money well-spent in achieving their goal.
Hate to say it … But same old same old. The General spends millions denying the problem exists. Spends nothing ignoring the problem. Why ? Because we keep buying new problems from them. Remember the definition of insanity… it really does apply here.
I have an appointment with my Chevy Dealer this Saturday to have my ’19 Malibu Premier looked at….the “shift to park” error started happening about 2 weeks ago…I have only put 12K on it since I bought it new in August, 2019. It’s a shame because I’ve loved the car up to now…the dealer told me the repair “should be” covered under my warranty. They wouldn’t even offer me a loaner car because of the “car shortage” so I’ll be stuck sitting for hours on my Saturday waiting on it. I’ve documented the problem using my video camera on my phone just in case it won’t perform the error when I get to the dealer…it’s sporadically happening…not every time I drive it.
I have the same issue on my 2018 Acadia. It seems to be getting worst as time passes. I have not taken it in to the dealer as it’s not under warranty anymore, but I’m thinking about shorting out the sensor as well and see if it works.
This shift to park happens on my 2014 Cadillac SRX.
Had the same problem on our 2016 cadillac srx
Had this issue on my 2018 Malibu with about 13,000 miles on it. Had to arm wrestle a bit to get it covered under warranty because they sold it to me as new 35 months before I took it in for repair but had reported it to GM as sold 38 months before I took it in.
Could be worse, I had a Camaro that the cruise control would randomly kick on full accelerate and not stop unless I killed the engine. The amount of fighting I had to do to get a new cruise control module covered under warranty was insane. Yah I disabled it, but it’s a nice accessory to have.
Gm needs to build simple and quality vehicles, and do away with all the computer crappie. You got te be a rocket scientist to work on your vehicle now days or pay out the wazoo to take to a dealership that can’t fix it either.
Took my 19 Malibu Premier in this morning for the repair. I was in and out in about an hour and 20 minutes. “Cause: Park switch not pulling BCM signal low. Remove and reinstall transmission control, install new shifter harness, add wire harness jumper”.
Covered under warranty.
3rd time fixing the shift-to-park issue…this time they want me to pay! Dealership is covering it but won’t cover any future issues even though GM hasn’t figured out the correct fix. How can I get in on the lawsuit?
Curious how to join the lawsuit.
And what’s the downside/risk of bypassing the sensor?
This just happened to my mom today. She has a 2018 Equinox. It’s at the dealership. I have a feeling it won’t be covered under warranty. She is 80 this week and was stranded out with her sister because this happened. Luckily, she was able to call me to get someone out there to help her. THe GM dealership was of NO help. They should have came out and towed her because they KNOW about this problem.
I agree. But it’s hard to get a heartless monster to do the right thing.
I had the same problem on my 2018 Chevy Malibu. (15,075 miles on it as of today) I spent 30 minutes in my car trying to get the shift to park notification to go off. Finally had to google how to turn it off. So, took it to dealership today and paid them $489 to fix the $30 wire that GM knows has a defect. They should be held accountable for reimbursement of a problem that they are aware of.
Unfortunately on one hand there’s the right way. On the other there’s the Generals way and if their defect can be ignored until it (you) go away then all is good. Remember this lesson when buying a new one.
gm WTF is going here?, either the Power Train Engineer and Design Team didn’t get right with the design of this Shifter or we got people who can’t put together a vehicle properly, from the Bolt, to the Trucks and SUV’s with AFM and DFM Systems and now the Blazer. Yes S*** happens, no vehicle in this world is perfect and there are even Foreign Cars with familiar badges that have problems, but this is another example as to why Toyota just recently put gm in 3rd or 4th Place when it comes to overall sales for 4th QTR 2021, the Penny Pinching approach to building these cars is steady testing the patients of loyal customers, please get out of that frame of work.
The Generals top brass seem only to be bonus driven. They will only pay attention when the bonus’s dry up and or are held accountable. Personally I will not buy a new (anything) from them and have not in decades. But I alone can not affect change.
I have same problem on 2017 GMC Acadia Denali, started about 6 months ago. Just now turned 30k. I learned about a service bulletin from my Primary care Dr. who is having same issue.
Nice of the General to let you know. Instead it was a Dr. Good work G.M. aka the General.
I have a 2016 chevy malibu, the first issues was my care engine reduced speed while driving, then one year later while stop at a gas station my care is telling me shift into park ,car would not cut off doors won’t lock ,engine won’t cut off ,I had gotten my car towed to Chevy dealership in Glenburnie md,where my car sat for days ,then when I called they told me they had to find away to push my car into the mechanic shop ,even tho they knew my car battery and the car was towed their ,after a week they tell me it’s my piston issues even tho their was no indication that a piston had failed, no loud noise or nothing. I had talked them down from 5 grand to 4,300.00. Out for pocket.
I am so upset to see people having the same issue and they giving different explanations.
My 2014 Cadillac ELR just started this shift to park message it’s a little more unsettling when it’s happening on a hybrid. If the electronics don’t shut down the battery is drained when the battery is drained you go nowhere. How do I get on board with the lawsuit. And another thing I had my ELR in for oil change I asked Manny my service writer about this issue he made no mention of the service bulletins on this problem or of the lawsuits but that it could be fixed for about 400 bucks you gotta love GM
This shift to park problem is not being handled properly at all peoples safety is at stake here. GM has got y to o step up and make the repairs needed before lives are lost. Please post how to get in on the legal action. Thanks
I purchased a used 2016 Chevy Malibu from Liberty Chevy in Wakefield Mass. The car had 11k miles on it in 2018 when I purchased it. It now has only 32k. They supposedly fixed it, when I first got the car, I could not get out of the car several times for about 5 or 10 minutes. You have to clear the Shift to Park or it will drain your battery. Well they replaced the shift and 3 years later, faced with the same situation again. It is covered under my extended warranty, but I still had to pay the 200 plus deductible yet again. I’ve filed a complaint with the Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau. I’ve spoken with several General Motors people, who don’t give a you know what about this issue. They were to busy explaining to me how they are not responsible. Bottom line, they will take no responsibility. I hope they lose sales over this, because they clearly don’t care about the consumer. I’m disgusted and I never should have purchased a Chevy in the first place, they never could make a decent car. This is the biggest issue amongst many I’ve had in the 4 short years I’ve had it. As you can see with 32k miles, it’s not like I drive it much and it had 11k already when I bought it. Someday back to Toyota, never to purchase from these heartless people again who don’t give two cents about their customers.
Now if everyone who’s been burned by the General would take your stand. But no “cuz” Dad bought GM they must as well. Once the top dawgs stop getting their “bonus’s based on sales maybe, just maybe they might start learning. But I doubt it .
i agree, Received another call from someone at General Motors yesterday. All you get from them is defensiveness an attitude. they don’t give two cents in the world that you’re having issues with the car they made. In addition, this is a faulty part and her response yesterday was we already fixed it for you once so this time you have to pay. I honestly just shake my head and will regret the day I bought this car forever
Remind them the so called “FIX” comes with a warranty .
Hello
Me and my coworker both have 2018 chevy Malibu’s and both of us have just started experiencing the shift to park . Other than taking the car to the dealership to have it checked are there any easier solutions to having this fixed? Apparently GM is not taking any responsibility.
I’ve had Chevy/GM cars practically since I’ve been driving but maybe it’s time to invest in another brand.
Please stop buying their cars. That’s the only way they will learn. They treated me like crap when I reported this, and their little minions that would be the places that sell the cars are worse. Worse dealership ever, Liberty in Wakefield Massachusetts just a warning
Same happened to my 2018 Chevy Malibu. Over the weekend i spent 30 minutes trying to shut it off and eventually just left it running when I went into the store. Only has 25000 miles but is 4 years old and out of Warranty. I took it to Chevy Dealership yesterday and it cost me almost $300.00 to get fixed, Sadly parts were only 44 bucks and labor was 231.00. Service Manage said he reached out to GM and they would not give any discount or assistance. I am so frustrated with them. I would love to know how to be a part of this lawsuit.
We are all going through this, I do not understand how GM can get away with it. Try pressing the button on the shift quickly a few times while in park, sometimes this will clear it. If it doesn’t then you had to do what you did, repair it.
I have a 2017 GMC Acadia and the first time with this error, I was out of state on vacation. Took it to a dealer, they couldn’t find anything wrong. It’s happened multiple times over the years. I’m curious about these lawsuits, and what is the outcome of the lawsuits? Is it worth filing a lawsuit? I’m fearful that when I go to trade it in, I’ll not get as much out of it because of this problem.
You’re going to have to get it fixed by a dealer. If you ever get stuck there’s that little button on the shift just click it real fast back-and-forth and it sometimes will release the error message. Chevy sucks I will never again by American I tried it this time and I regret it
Same issue on my 2019 Traverse with 60K. Dealer this morning also wanted $145 for “diagnostic” good towards repair which is just a scam to get you invested in the band aid fix. I told them just to do the oil change but have it on record of the issue.
If you grab the shifter and release button with one finger and swipe your hand upwards quickly off the shifter, swiping the button, it will reset. There are youtube vids showing how.
Waiting for GM to do anything for its customers is futile. I am very familiar with the 8 speed transmission issues on 2015-? trucks, SUV’s where they shift hard or wont go into other gears. I worked with the transmission and warranty group. A guy this morning ahead of me had this issue with his truck at the dealer and will be another disappointed customer. I thought I would be OK with the 9 speed in the Traverse but will be my last GM vehicle.
My mom just had this issue and found it is not a recall item. Dealer states he has replaced many of these. Like I tell everyone that will listen, buy Toyota.
Bought a 2017 Malibu new. My 1st shift to park came at 10,000 miles. Under warranty dealer replaced the whole shifter box. Ever since that day it has happened 8 times. I have 31,000 miles now and have to fix it again. I found out on U-Tube the problem. You need to pull the shifter console up and locate a thin small piece of tin wire and bend it down with a screw driver. Therefore when you shift the car to park the tin wire creates tension to hit the sensor to recognize that it is in park. Very upset on this recurring problem.
I’ve written many issues of this, and they don’t give a crap that’s why next time don’t buy a car from this manufacturer I know I won’t. It’s a crime they’re allowed to get away with us. I’ve had my car five years. I’ve had to do it twice so far.
I have a 2023 Silverado 2500HD having the same issue. Struggling with dealer to get it fixed. First they replaced some cables and called it good but issue was still present.
Just had to get my 2018 Malibu repaired for the shift to park issue. I keep checking to see if there’s an official recall on this issue. Same reply not as of yet. Even my dealership said they are having to repair the same problem in the same year 2018 and 2019 vehicles. Obviously its on the shoulders of GM, and should be fully responsible for the replacement and for any repairs that have or will need to be addressed. Come on GM take responsibility for this annoying and costly repair we’ve had to pay and make the “dam” recall official. If not I won’t be buying another vehicle from you again!!!!
it really ticks me off. mine is a 2016, I purchased in 2018. Its been fixed twice. The e in Wakefield tried to act like he never heard of it
I appreciate all the customers reply. I have a 2018 Chev. Traverse. I started having the same problem.
I told and showed my wife .she first thought it was something I did. I searched the web.
I found out it actually Shift to Park Warning. I took it to a Dealer. The Tech. said that there was no recall
from GM about this problem.
what very frustrating is every three years I have a feeling I’m gonna have to pay to fix this until I get rid of the car. I will never get another GM never so they make this car and it hasn’t repeated problem. That is their issue and they won’t do a recall I don’t know how this is even legal.
I have a 2018 Chevy Traverse. I had the issue replaced in Jan 22 and had to pay out of pocket a little over $400. Now we are into August 2024 and the same “shift to park” is happening again. getting really tired of this. Why should I have to pay again. This is not my fault.
I bought a 2022 Chevy Malibu less than two-months ago. The “Shift to Park” warning began showing on dash. A few other dash warnings popped up and went off, too, such as tire pressure and check engine. I took my car to a large Chevrolet dealership for repair. Of course, they said the whole shifter component needs to be replaced. The mileage is at 37,600, and warranty covers up to 38K. My deductible is $1000. WTF???
Sept 2021 my 2019 Chevy Malibu was 2 weeks out of 2 year warranty. Paid to get shift to park problem fixed. Now Mar 2025 “shift to park” message is haunting me again. Dealer wants $472 to fix again. What can I do?