Key Takeaways

1. General Motors faces multiple class action lawsuits over alleged defects in its Hydra-Matic 8L45E and 8L90 eight-speed transmissions, affecting Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles from 2015 to 2019.
2. Federal courts have allowed these lawsuits to proceed as class actions, with the Sixth Circuit affirming class certification and rejecting GM’s attempts to dismiss the cases.
3. Vehicle owners who experienced transmission issues may qualify to join the class action, but should consult with a qualified attorney to understand their rights and options.

Overview of the GM Transmission Lawsuit

General Motors (GM) is currently involved in a major legal dispute concerning the transmissions in several of its vehicles. The lawsuits focus on the Hydra-Matic 8L45E and 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions were installed in a range of Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models produced between 2015 and 2019. Plaintiffs allege that these transmissions are defective, causing vehicles to shake, shudder, and experience harsh or erratic shifting.

The lawsuits claim that GM was aware of these defects but failed to disclose them to consumers or adequately address the problem. Instead, GM allegedly told dealers and customers that the symptoms were “normal” for the vehicles. The legal actions have been filed in at least 26 U.S. states, with plaintiffs arguing that GM violated various state consumer protection statutes by not disclosing the defects and by misrepresenting the safety and reliability of the affected vehicles.

Alleged Transmission Defects

Nature of the Defects

The core of the lawsuits centers on the performance problems associated with the 8L45E and 8L90 transmissions. Owners report that their vehicles:

• Shake or shudder during acceleration or deceleration
• Experience hard or delayed shifting between gears
• Exhibit jerking or hesitation, especially at low speeds

These symptoms can affect the drivability of the vehicle and, according to the lawsuits, may pose safety risks to drivers and passengers.

Technical Cause

The lawsuits allege that the root cause of these issues is related to the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) used in the affected vehicles. The original ATF was found to be hygroscopic, meaning it absorbed moisture from the environment. This absorption reportedly led to the breakdown of the fluid’s properties, causing internal transmission components to malfunction.

In response, GM issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) recommending that dealers replace the original ATF with a new Mobil 1 blue label ATF. According to GM, this new fluid corrected the issue for most vehicles by 2019. However, plaintiffs argue that this fix was not always effective and that GM should have done more to address the underlying defect.

For more information on the technical aspects, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and GM’s official recalls and bulletins.

Legal Proceedings and Developments

Class Action Status

The lawsuits against GM have been consolidated into a class action. This means that a group of plaintiffs, representing all affected vehicle owners, can pursue their claims together. The main case, Shelton v. General Motors LLC, is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

In March 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the class certification, allowing the lawsuit to proceed on behalf of vehicle owners in multiple states. This decision was a significant setback for GM, which had sought to have the lawsuits dismissed. The court’s ruling highlights the widespread nature of the alleged defects and the potential impact on a large number of consumers.

You can read the Sixth Circuit’s opinion and related filings on the U.S. Courts PACER system or review summaries from official court news sources.

Allegations and GM’s Response

The plaintiffs allege that GM:

• Knew about the transmission defects before selling the vehicles
• Failed to disclose the defects to consumers
• Misrepresented the severity of the issues to dealers and customers
• Violated state consumer protection and warranty laws

GM has denied these allegations, arguing that the transmissions are safe and that any issues were addressed through service bulletins and warranty repairs. The company maintains that the symptoms described by plaintiffs do not constitute a defect under the law.

The court has not yet made a final determination on the merits of these claims. As of now, the case is ongoing, and all allegations are based on the plaintiffs’ filings.

Impact of the Lawsuit

If the plaintiffs are successful, GM could be required to:

• Compensate affected vehicle owners for repairs, diminished value, or other damages
• Extend warranties or offer buybacks for defective vehicles
• Change its disclosure and repair practices for future vehicles

The outcome could also set a precedent for how automakers handle widespread product defects and consumer complaints.

Who Is Affected?

Eligible Vehicles

The lawsuits cover a range of GM vehicles equipped with the 8L45E or 8L90 transmissions, including but not limited to:

• Chevrolet Silverado, Colorado, Camaro, and Corvette (2015–2019)
• GMC Sierra and Canyon (2015–2019)
• Cadillac CTS, ATS, and Escalade (2015–2019)

Owners of these vehicles who have experienced transmission problems may be eligible to join the class action. For a full list of affected models, consult the official case filings or check with the NHTSA.

How to Join the Lawsuit

Vehicle owners who believe they are affected can:

1. Check if their vehicle is included in the class action by reviewing the VIN and model year.
2. Gather documentation of transmission problems, including repair records, service bulletins, and correspondence with GM or dealers.
3. Consult a qualified attorney who specializes in lemon law or class action litigation.

Several legal resources and consumer advocacy groups provide guidance on joining the lawsuit. For step-by-step instructions, see Lemon Law Assist’s official guide.

Broader Implications

Consumer Protection and Industry Impact

The GM transmission lawsuits have sparked significant public interest and debate about automaker accountability. Many vehicle owners have shared their experiences online, expressing frustration with the handling of their complaints. The litigation has prompted discussions about the need for greater transparency and stronger consumer protection laws in the automotive industry.

If the plaintiffs prevail, the outcome could lead to:

• Stricter requirements for automakers to disclose known defects
• Enhanced regulatory oversight of vehicle safety and reliability
• Increased awareness among consumers about their legal rights

Ongoing Legal Developments

The lawsuits are still pending, and the legal landscape may change as new evidence emerges or as courts issue additional rulings. Interested parties should monitor official court dockets and reputable news sources for updates. For the latest developments, refer to CBT News and GM Authority.

Resources for Affected Owners

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
• PACER: Public Access to Court Electronic Records
• KR Complex Litigation: Faulty GM Transmission Litigation

Conclusion

The GM transmission lawsuits represent a significant legal challenge for one of the world’s largest automakers. The outcome of these cases could have major consequences for GM, affected vehicle owners, and the broader automotive industry. Vehicle owners who believe they are affected should stay informed, keep thorough records, and consult with a qualified attorney to understand their rights and options.

Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview of the GM transmission lawsuits based on publicly available information as of June 2024. The litigation is ongoing, and the facts, allegations, and legal outcomes may change. This is not legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a qualified attorney.