Now with more than 60 technical service bulletins (TSBs) filed related to GM’s Hydra-Matic 8-speed transmission, a class action lawsuit has been filed against the automaker.
Harper, et al., v. General Motors, LLC. was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, according to CarComplaints.com.
We covered this issue last year, but now it seems like this will proceed to some kind of court resolution. GM seemed to acknowledge this issue when it replaced some 8-speed transmissions in some GMC Sierras and Silverados, but that’s as far as the automaker has gone at this point.
When the words “slip, buck, kick and jerk” appear as it relates to a transmission shifting, that’s never a good thing. The full legal wording related to the GM 8-speed transmission says: ” (the transmission will) slip, buck, kick, jerk, harshly engage, suffer abnormal internal wear, sudden acceleration, delay in downshifts, delayed acceleration, difficulty stopping the vehicle, and eventually require replacement of the transmission or its components.”
The plaintiffs claim the transmissions cause safety hazards and expensive repairs once the 8-speed transmissions fail.
According to the lawsuit, the shuddering, shaking, jerking and hesitation comes from internal problems within the transmission and torque converter. And a judge who refused to dismiss the lawsuit said: “plausible inferences may be drawn that GM had substantial knowledge of this issue.”
The 8-speed transmission lawsuit includes these models.
The good news is newer vehicles don’t seem to be impacted, but this lawsuit, which has been ongoing for three years, is not going away. Additionally, there hasn’t been a full-fledged recall from GM.
Details from the lawsuit filing alleges “a GM insider said the automaker was aware some transmissions are defective and is working on a kit to fix the fluid starvation problem internally but has done nothing to inform owners of the potential dangers of erratic shifting.”
Further, the filing asks General Motors to “stop selling all the vehicles and replace all the 8-speed transmissions with new non-defective transmissions.”
Additionally, the plaintiffs argue owners should be awarded “actual, compensatory, exemplary, and statutory damages, including interest, including damages for economic loss including loss of the benefit of the bargain, overpayment damages, diminished value and out-of-pocket losses.”
Here are the law firms handling the case: Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Gordon & Partners, P.A., Berger Montague PC, Capstone Law APC, The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, LLP, Keller Rohrback L.L.P., and Pitt, McGehee, Palmer & Rivers, P.C.
We wrote about this time last year that the saga continues. And now, 12 months later, the sage still continues. It’s understandable GM is holding its ground on this, as what’s being alleged and asked would prove to be incredibly costly. However, the fact this suit has not been dismissed by a judge shows there is some merit to it. Surely, things will play in court in some regard.
Without a last-minute dismissal, I’d expect some kind of settlement as things like this generally don’t go well if they make it to a trial. GM would be wise to get this entire situation dealt with and put to bed once and for all.
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I have a 2017 Colorado Diesel that has been in the shop for a transfer case issue 4 times. Just recently the seals blew when the transmission started shaking & slipping.
There are other major issues under the carriage as well.
Is there anywhere I can turn now as I am being asked to pay $7k for new transmission and seriously thinking about selling th vehicle. However, if I sell it then I do not get to participate in the legal case. (I think)
Any insight into what I should consider doing?
i have an 8 speed transmission in my 2017 Chevy Silverado. they tried the torque converter fix with flushing lines and filters but after spending that money it was still not a fix due to the faulty transmission. Now I am out even more. Does the lawsuit include just anyone and how can you file a claim on this for maybe compensation?
Tammy- I am in the same boat. Now I am fighting Statute of Limitation Laws. I spoke to attorneys that filed class action, they cannot take on any more plaintiffs per the judge’s ruling. At this point I am not sure if a group can start another class action case. T
Is there a way to get involved with this lawsuit a the present time. My friends truck has been a dealer shop for several weeks waiting on repairs.
You’ll need to reach out to the law firm handling the case.
I am very interedte in participating in a law suit. I had a 2016 Silverado for 4 months, had many problems with trans. I traded it for a new canyon…same issues. No luck with dealer. Was screwed over bid time. They are liers. My brother just had to put out over $5,000.00 for a new trans in 2015 sierra. Dealers need to be stop being crooks.
2015 chevrolet 3500 34000 miles new transmission radiator and trans cooler plus labor the fluid looked like a grinder was used to mesh the gears there goes my trust chevy, cheap is not better
I just had to have my Transmission rebuilt for over $4,800.00 and of course had to have the Torque Converter replaced , Computer with all the silenoids , plus several other parts internally. My truck is a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 4X4 . I’m PRETTY PISSED!!!!!!!!
My 2017 Chevy Silverado is in the shop for the transmission.
I have a 2017 Silverado which has been in the shop several times over the last year. Replacement of the touch screen on the radio, replacement of the hood latch which did not allow me to use the remote start, replacement of the battery and a muffler leak. All these taken care of while waiting for a new transmission through my extended warranty. The original transmission was putting out delayed acceleration. After fluid change and being told that the truck had to learn my driving habits, I finally convinced them to take a look at the torque converter. Low and behold, they came back and told me the torque converter, torque converter pump, and the TCM were all bad. So a replacement of the tranny was scheduled. This replacement was a reman. from a third party. This tranny lasted 2 weeks before I started experiencing the “chevy shake”. This tranny was far worse than the one they took out. Went back to dealer and told them. It has now been 3 weeks and the dealer hasn’t heard a thing from the third party which supplied the 2nd tranny. This is getting real old!!!!!
I own a 2016 Sierra LT bought new for over $48k in 2016 just had to replace entire transmission after it was in the shop at 80k and came apart at 98k miles. Only used as highway driver. GM offered me $609 for the $5500 replacement saying the amount offered was based on the mileage of the truck. Mine is a 6L80 and there needs to be a class action suit on this issue. GM knows these 6 and 8 speeds are a problem.
My 2017 Silverado is in the shop now 81k miles. I also have the 6L80 and I agree GM knows there are issues and they should take care of this. I would love to join a class action over the 6 speed
How do we join the lawsuit? I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado and had to pay 4k to replace the transmission out of pocket because my warranty only covered up to 75k and I was at 77k miles. Please let me know Thanks!
Find the lawyer firm and contact them.
I have a 2015 Yukon Denali XL that I just purchased in September and then November was already in the shop for transmission issues amongst other issues I bought this vehicle to make sure my grandbabies four and one year would be safe traveling with Grammy I also bought it to pull my camper and start living my retired life now I can’t go anywhere! is there anyway I can help by submitting records of all the things my mechanic has done to try to fix this transmission issue ?
If you took it to your dealer, then GM engineers have a copy of all your records and are using them to find the issue.
How do I get myself involved with this Class Action!!!??
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade and my transmission is failing. Just found out today starts at $4,,700 ! I can’t afford to get that done …. Or trade in! This is wrong! Faulty equipment is their responsibility. Please include me in this law suit please!!!
You’ll need to reach out to the law firm. Just have to take their names, as listed in the article, and Google them. I don’t have contact information for them.
I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 3/4 Ton Pick up that has been shifting erratically,I understand there is an ongoing problem with the 6&8 speed transmissions.i also found out there has been a Class Action Suit against GMC, how do I get my name added to the list?
i have issues with my 2017 sierra with delay acceleration and aggressive shifting into gear. i went today on the dealer and they said operates as it should at this time. but is not working property my transmission
My son bought 2017 Tahoe in 2018 it has . 83000 miles on it now .the transmission is junk has anyone filed a law suit on GM over this transmission. It is a 6L80 it will cost around 4800.00 to fix it. I called gm they said nothing to help. Tuff sh— more less. We would appreciate any help you could give us with this matter. Thanks
Here are the law firms representing the case: The plaintiffs are represented by Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Gordon & Partners, P.A., Berger Montague PC, Capstone Law APC, The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, LLP, Keller Rohrback L.L.P., and Pitt, McGehee, Palmer & Rivers, P.C.
My 2019 trail boss just quit on me and won’t pull they are saying at dealer that it’s out of warranty by 10,000 milles. Do you know what firm is handling to he suit.
Here are the law firms: The plaintiffs are represented by Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, Gordon & Partners, P.A., Berger Montague PC, Capstone Law APC, The Miller Law Firm, P.C., Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, LLP, Keller Rohrback L.L.P., and Pitt, McGehee, Palmer & Rivers, P.C.
I just purchased a 2022 Chevy Silverado trail boss with the eight speed transmission and I have had it in the shop 4 times-shuttering vibration and clunking noises as well as erratic behavior while accelerating and stopping.. The dealer simply calls me the next day and says they cannot replicate the issue come pick it up. It happens every morning there is something definitely definitely definitely going on with his vehicle and it only has 3000 miles. I live in Florida can you recommend an attorney for me to call. This issue clearly has not been fixed and this is a 2022 model brand new
That’s frustrating. Sorry, I don’t of any lawyers who I’d recommend.
How do I get myself involved with this Class Action!!!??
I have a 2015 Cadillac Escalade and my transmission is failing. Just found out today starts at $4,,700 ! I can’t afford to get that done …. Or trade in! This is wrong! Faulty equipment is their responsibility. Please include me in this law suit please!!!
I have a 2015 GMC Sierra , the transmission went out the other day at 126000 miles so I had it replaced with what they say is a new Gmail transmission. I left with it And 521 miles later I sitting on the the side of the road with another a new transmission gone . This is bull and Gmail needs to step up to the fact they have a problem. How do I get involved with the law suit ? I have several friends that are having the same problem.
GM has a real problem with six speed and eight speed transmission for 2016 forward as well and condesors for AC units. Shame on them that is not the GM that put them out front. GM best look back to there customers and the Dealers that made em Great. Scap the EM 100% by 2035 or y’a;ll will all unemploys. You transmission are far from being up to the General Motors standards. I have drove GM since 1960 and a GM family dealership since 1944. Best get in gear and back off EV dam quick
I have a 2018 chevrolet Silverado and the transmission is not working ..I have already spent money on it and it still is not fixed now they are telling me it will be 3500 to get it fix.
GMC/Chevy should just do a recall on these vehicles they are dangerous the hard shift and bucking is mentally, physically and even emotionally hard to deal with. So many times we complained to no avail. Had transmission fluid changed, sensors changed looked for any service bulletins that our dealership wouldn’t even tell us about. Our dealership told us recently sorry your now out of warranty have someone else do the transmission repair. Really no more GMCs for us.
Help, I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado pickup. Transmission as go bad. How do I get the new Transmission recorded on my VIN, and how can I get apart of a class action suit?
I have a 2017 colorado have had it two years
35k on it. It’s been in the shop 3 times for jerk shifting. Slow acceleration. Jerk shifting deceleration, loud shifting from dr to rev etc etc. Dealer won’t do anything bout it says its normal, I’m sure everyone else gets this bs response till they don’t cover it anymore than there’s a problem.
2016 Silverado when slowing down and then accelerating it jerks . Driving from 60-80 center console stats shaking bad
WELL, GM MAY NOT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WHEN SOMEONE DIES FROM CAUSES WITH TRANSMISSION IT MAY COST THEM MORE. THE MORE PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT GM’S PRODUCT THE LESS MONEY THEY MAKE.
Any way to jump in on the law suit? I have a 2019 Chevy Silverado. Transmission went out.
2015 Chevy Silverado transmission went out. Had to hive it rebuilt. Transmission mechanic stated it was a faulty transmission.
2018 GMC Sierra, 8 speed transmission. 72k miles, dead. This after bringing it to the dealer a dozen times under warranty. Had the, “special” flush done for 600.00 bucks, temp fix a few thousand miles. Now it has gone out. No choice but to have fixed and stuck up the 6k bill. I’m done with GM. NEVER AGAIN! Been diving GM for 40 years, the hell with Barra and their screwing up with this pathetic transmission. If the courts don’t do justice someone will!
Yukon XL that just turned 6 years old with its 2nd complete transmission failure. Failure occurred in mid rush hour traffic.