If you own a 2020 or newer GMC, Chevrolet, or Cadillac and have experienced shuddering, harsh shifting, or transmission failure, you are not alone. Thousands of drivers across New York, New Jersey, and the nation are now part of a growing movement seeking answers and compensation from General Motors (GM) through the GM transmission lawsuit, one of the largest automotive class actions in recent years.

The Problem: Dangerous and Persistent Transmission Defects

Recent class action lawsuits allege that GM knowingly sold vehicles equipped with defective Hydra-Matic 8L90 and 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmissions. These transmissions, found in popular models like the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Silverado, and Cadillac Escalade, have been linked to a range of dangerous and frustrating problems:

• Shuddering and Jerking: Many owners report their vehicles shudder, jerk, or hesitate during acceleration or gear shifts, making driving unpredictable and sometimes unsafe.
• Delayed Acceleration and Lurching: Some vehicles experience delayed acceleration or sudden lurching, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Premature Transmission Failure: In severe cases, the transmission may fail entirely, leaving drivers stranded or facing costly repairs.
• Recurring Issues Despite Repairs: Even after fluid flushes or warranty repairs, many owners continue to experience the same transmission problems.

GM has issued at least 13 technical service bulletins to dealerships since 2015, instructing them how to handle these complaints. However, the lawsuits allege that GM has not implemented a permanent fix or offered a recall for affected vehicles, instead telling customers that harsh shifting is “normal or characteristic”.

The Legal Battle: Class Action Lawsuit GM Transmission

The GMC class action lawsuit spans 26 states and hundreds of thousands of vehicles manufactured from 2020 onward. Federal courts have repeatedly rejected GM's attempts to dismiss the case, stating there is strong evidence GM was aware of the defects and failed to warn consumers. The next major hearing is scheduled for March 2025, and the case continues to grow as more drivers come forward.

Key facts:

• Vehicles Affected: Hundreds of thousands of GM vehicles with 8-speed automatic transmissions from 2020 onward.
• GM's Missed Opportunity: GM engineers proposed a $305-per-vehicle fix, but GM declined, replacing transmissions in only 6,518 unsold vehicles.
• Scope: The class action covers drivers in 26 states, including New York and New Jersey.

Your Rights and How We Can Help

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act.

If you are experiencing similar transmission issues, you may be eligible to join the GMC transmission lawsuit or pursue an individual claim. Our law office has extensive experience helping consumers in NY and NJ obtain compensation for lemon vehicles. We can guide you through the process of how to join GM transmission class action lawsuit, evaluate your case, and fight for your rights.

Call us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Sources:

• NHTSA – Recalls and Safety Information
• NHTSA – Safety Recall Report 24V-797 (2024)
• NHTSA – Safety Recall Report 22V-036 (2022)
• Top Class Actions – GM Must Face Defective Transmission Class Action
• Deadline Detroit – Starkman: GM's Mounting and Massive Transmission Woes

You may also like:

•  GM Transmission Recall: Is Your Vehicle a Lemon?
• 2020-2022 GMC Sierra Transmission Recall
• 2021 GMC Yukon Transmission Recall
• GM 6.2 Engine Recall 2025: What Owners Need to Know and How to Get Compensation