GM Faces Class Action Over Faulty Transmissions: What It Means for You
If you've been driving a GM vehicle with a shaky or unresponsive transmission, you’re not alone. A recent ruling from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has put General Motors in the hot seat, requiring them to face a class action lawsuit. This legal battle stems from allegations that GM knowingly sold hundreds of thousands of vehicles across 26 states with defective transmissions.
What’s the Issue?
The vehicles in question—spanning model years 2015 through 2019—include popular Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models equipped with 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmissions. Drivers have reported a range of troubling issues, such as their vehicles shuddering, shaking, hesitating, and lurching during gear shifts. Even more concerning, these problems often persist despite repair attempts.
To make matters worse, drivers claim that GM instructed dealers to assure customers that these harsh shifts were "normal."
Why This Case Matters
The class action involves approximately 800,000 vehicles, with 514,000 included in the certified classes. The affected models include the Cadillac CTS, CT6, and Escalade; Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, and Silverado; as well as the GMC Canyon, Sierra, and Yukon, among others.
The court’s decision to allow drivers to sue as a group is significant because it could lead to more substantial recoveries at a lower cost than individual lawsuits. GM argued that most class members never experienced any problems, but the court ruled that overpaying for vehicles with alleged defects is enough to establish standing.
Additionally, GM’s attempt to push many claims into arbitration was rejected, clearing the way for the class action to proceed.
What’s Next?
The case has been sent back to U.S. District Judge David Lawson in Detroit, who previously certified the classes in March 2023. The plaintiffs’ legal team is eager to bring GM before a Michigan jury, where they hope to hold the automaker accountable for the alleged defects.
If you own one of the affected vehicles and have experienced similar issues, this case could be particularly relevant to you. Keep an eye on the developments, as they may impact your rights as a consumer.
The case is Speerly et al v. General Motors LLC, 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 23-1940.
Experiencing transmission issues in your 2017-2023 General Motors vehicle can be frustrating and concerning. Understanding your rights under lemon laws can help you take the necessary steps to address the problem and seek a fair resolution. By documenting the issue, following proper procedures, and consulting with Valero Law, APC you can better navigate the process and ensure that your vehicle lives up to the reliability you expect.
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