A class-action lawsuit filed against General Motors, LLC (“GM”) claims that certain 2015-2019 Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles are equipped with defective Hydra-Matic 8L90 and 8L45 eight-speed transmissions. Francis, et al. v. General Motors, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that the defective transmissions can cause the vehicles to shake and jolt violently. According to the lawsuit, the defective transmissions can cause the vehicles to experience loss of acceleration, failure to downshift, and delayed stopping even when brakes are applied. These problems can pose serious safety concerns to drivers. The lawsuit alleges that GM has been aware of the faulty transmissions for years but has failed to warn customers.
The class-action lawsuit includes the following vehicles:
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade
- 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS, ATS-V
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V
- 2015-2019 GMC Sierra
- 2015-2019 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
- 2017-2019 GMC Canyon
The class action lawsuit pins the transmission flaws on a range of “internal issues” stemming from defective torque converters. The problem is allegedly caused by excessive friction between the transmission component parts. This causes premature wear and results in metal shavings being circulated throughout the transmission. These metal shavings can allegedly then affect the transmissions’ hydraulic systems and gears, causing long term damage to the vehicle. The alleged defect creates both an unsafe and unpleasant driving experience for consumers and leaves buyers with future expensive repairs.
GM has allegedly known of the 8-speed transmission defect for years and has tried to convince customers that the symptoms of the defect (unintended vehicle acceleration and surging) are “normal.” This is evident in many consumer complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Despite numerous technical service bulletins and obvious safety hazards, GM continues to disregard customers’ concerns.
Does Your General Motors Vehicle Qualify Under the California Lemon Law?
GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles with transmission problems can be a financial burden and may pose serious safety concerns to drivers. Fortunately, the California Lemon Law offers consumer protection for buyers or lessees of defective vehicles. In California, the Lemon Law requires manufacturers to repair defective vehicles within a “reasonable” amount of time or within a “reasonable” number of repair attempts within warranty. The California Lemon Law does not specify the number of repair attempts necessary to satisfy this requirement. The “reasonable opportunity to repair” requirement is analyzed on a case-by-case basis according to the severity of the vehicle’s defect. This requirement may also be satisfied if the vehicle is in the repair facility for a cumulative total of over 30 days for repair (not necessarily all at one time). Vehicles with safety-related defects, such as transmission problems, may qualify for a repurchase or replacement vehicle after just two repair attempts within warranty.
Legal Protections Under the California Lemon Law
If the manufacturer has been unable to repair your 2015-2019 Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC vehicle after a “reasonable” number of repair attempts, the manufacturer has an obligation to either promptly repurchase or replace your vehicle. You may be afforded the following protection under the California Lemon Law:
- A refund of your down payment, monthly payments, and a full lease/loan payoff (less a statutory mileage offset for the miles driven from the time of purchase/lease until the first repair attempt); or
- A similar replacement vehicle; or
- A cash settlement.
Contact Young & Young APC to Speak with an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney
GMC, Cadillac, Chevrolet vehicles with transmission problems usually qualify under the California Lemon Law. If you have experienced transmission defects in your General Motors vehicle, an experienced California Lemon Law attorney will be able to help you understand your rights and explain what remedies are available to you. Our firm exclusively handles California Lemon Law cases. Our attorneys are well-versed in successfully handling cases against General Motors based on the known transmission issues in Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles. Our firm represents consumers in Lemon Law cases throughout all of California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Inland Empire, Pasadena, Burbank, Irvine, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Palm Desert, Riverside, and San Bernardino. If you believe your vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law, contact us for a free case evaluation at (833) 536-6600.
