General Motors is facing a proposed class action lawsuit over alleged continuously variable transmission (CVT) problems in several GMC and Chevrolet models. The lawsuit claims defective transmission components can cause slipping, shuddering, hesitation, delayed acceleration, loss of forward gear and partial or complete loss of power during normal operation, including at highway speeds.
GM’s CVT Transmission Faces Proposed Class Action
The proposed lawsuit targets the CVT found in the 2024 to present GMC Terrain, 2019 to 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, 2021 to 2025 Trailblazer, and 2024 to present Equinox models.
The suit alleges that the transmission components are defective and create a risk of sudden power loss, collision and injury. The proposed lawsuit spans 51 pages and details a range of reported transmission problems.
According to the lawsuit, affected drivers have experienced sudden slipping, shuddering, juddering, hesitation, delayed acceleration, loss of forward gear, and partial or complete loss of power during normal vehicle operation.
Drivers Report Loss of Forward Gear
The lawsuit says some drivers have reported a reduced engine power warning followed by hesitation, slipping and eventually a total loss of forward gear. In those situations, the vehicle is allegedly unable to move.
The case contends that the warning light can appear when a system malfunction occurs, but that the malfunction should not immediately result in a complete transmission failure.
Lawsuit Alleges Defective Transmission Design
The suit contends that GM “improperly designed and/or manufactured the internal transmission architecture,” which may include components such as the clutch regulator valve, valve body, drive chain, pulleys and bearings.
The lawsuit also alleges that GM has known about premature transmission failures affecting the models since 2021 but “undertook affirmative measures to conceal transmission failures and other malfunctions.”
It cites multiple technical service bulletins and preliminary information bulletins involving CVT slipping, shuddering and loss of forward gear. The lawsuit uses those bulletins as part of its claim that GM knew the transmissions had problems.
Claims Over Repairs and Warranty Coverage
The suit alleges that even with the solutions described in the relevant bulletins, GM still does not have an effective repair addressing the reported problems.
It further claims that GM instructed dealers to tell drivers the issues were “normal.” The lawsuit also alleges that the automaker denied warranty coverage for affected vehicles and their defective transmissions.
Which GM Models Are Covered?
The proposed class action covers owners in the United States who bought or leased any of the affected models: the 2024 to present GMC Terrain, 2019 to 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, 2021 to 2025 Trailblazer, and 2024 to present Equinox.
The lawsuit comes as GM has faced other transmission-related complaints. The company has also received a massive complaint in California involving its 10-speed automatic transmission, while transmission shuddering issues have been documented in service bulletins.
The proposed class action focuses specifically on the alleged CVT defects and the transmission problems reported in the affected GMC and Chevrolet vehicles.
