Important GM Lemon Law Information for California Drivers

GM 8-Speed Transmission Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit filed against General Motors in January 2022 alleges that the American automaker knowingly sold Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models with defective transmissions.

GM vehicles equipped with Hydra-Matic 8L90 or 8L45 transmission systems include:

• 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
• 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
• 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
• 2015-2019 Cadillac Escalade
• 2015-2019 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 GMC Sierra
• 2015-2019 GMC Yukon
• 2015-2019 GMC Yukon XL
• 2015-2019 GMC Yukon Denali XL
• 2017-2019 GMC Canyon

The plaintiffs in the suit say that GM’s 8-speed transmission results in expensive repairs and ongoing safety hazards once it fails. GM has allegedly issued over 60 technical service bulletins and updates related to 8-speed transmission problems. The manufacturer, however, has yet to announce an official recall.

Signs of GM Transmission Problems

Jerking, shuddering, difficulty stopping, low transmission fluid, excessive wear, delayed acceleration, slipping gears, and aggressive gear changes are common symptoms associated with 8L45 and 8L90 transmission problems.

Allegedly, issues with the torque converter within 8-speed transmissions cause excess friction, resulting in excessive shaking and other transmission problems within the vehicle.

These conditions can be particularly dangerous for GM drivers because they directly impact the ability to control the vehicles’ acceleration and speed, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.

Repairing 2018 Silverado transmission problems or those of another GM vehicle can be costly. A complete replacement of the transmission can cost well above $3,000.

Some GM drivers have opted for transmission fluid changes to solve the problems in their vehicles, and these can cost over $300. According to official complaints from consumers, many GM owners have made multiple transmission fluid changes to their vehicles only to find that they continued to break down.

Like other auto manufacturers, GM does not seem to mind placing the burden of repair costs onto its consumers. GM consumers experiencing lemon issues are allegedly paying for them out of pocket while the Detroit automaker offers no official recall, fix, or reimbursement for 8-speed transmission-related concerns.

Other Common GM Vehicle Defects

In addition to transmission problems, many drivers have also complained about the following issues in their GM cars:

• Engine failure
• Issues getting into gear
• Loud clunking noises in engine
• Fuel tank overflow

Keep note as well that there have been several recalls on GM vehicle parts that do not involve the Michigan automaker has instituted recalls for other issues, including:

• Electronic power steering (NHTSA Recall No. 14v153)
• Key rotation (NHTSA Recall Nos. 14v355, 14v394, and 14v400)
• Side airbag (NHTSA Recall No. 14v118)

If you are experiencing transmission, engine, airbag, or any other problems with your vehicle, you may have a GM lemon and we highly advise that you speak with a California Lemon Law Expert as soon as you can.

Is my GM Car a Lemon?

If you own or lease a GM vehicle that has the Chevy Shake or some other serious concern, then you may be driving a lemon. Without speaking to an experienced lemon law attorney, however, it is difficult to know if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.

To do so, your GM car must have a substantial defect that cannot be repaired despite several service attempts to get it fixed. These defects affect a vehicle’s use, value, and or safety.

Typically, substantial defects:

• Diminish the value of the vehicle
• Prevent you from driving the vehicle as it was intended to be driven
• Place the driver and others in danger

The problem with your vehicle does not necessarily have to be safety-related to qualify under the California lemon laws.

If your car has been out of service for repairs for several cumulative days and the problem still has not been fixed, it may be lemon, regardless of the nature of the car’s issues. Lemon problems can range from engine shutdown to rear camera failure.

Also, keep in mind that your GM or any other vehicle does not have to be brand new when the problems first occur nor do its issues have to begin at low mileages to qualify.

If you have taken your vehicle in for repairs under a Chevy warranty, a GMC warranty, or a Cadillac warranty at any point, you could still be protected by state and federal lemon laws.

If you believe that you own a lemon, we recommend that you opt out of any class action suits for GM lemon law settlements involving your vehicle before the deadline(s).

Do not wait for a GM lawsuit settlement because GM settlement checks can be substantially less than what you could receive in recovery through an individual lemon law claim.

GM Lemon Law Expertise in California That You Can Rely on

If you are going up against a large auto company that is notorious for constantly being in and out of the courtroom, then you should consider securing the best lemon law representation you can get.

These large car manufacturers use attorneys who specialize in lemon law, and there is no reason why you should not do the same. If you own a GM car plagued with transmission or other problems, our team is more than happy to assist you.

The Lemon Law Experts focus exclusively on lemon law and consumer protection. Through a quick and confidential evaluation, one of our lemon law attorneys will quickly determine if you have a valid lemon claim, then we will handle the rest at no cost to you.

There are no hidden costs when you work with us, and we do not get paid unless you win your case. So, you have nothing to lose in maximizing your recovery. Do not hesitate to reach out to the Lemon Law Experts. We will do everything we can to get that lemon off your hands.