A federal judge in Detroit, United States has approved a class-action lawsuit brought by drivers in 26 states against General Motors, claiming the auto giant made defective transmissions for around 800,000 vehicles produced between 2015 and 2019.
Reuters reported that the U.S. District Judge David Lawson’s decision on Monday involved different models, including Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs, Cadillac vehicles, and the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro, all of which were equipped with 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmissions.
A vehicle’s transmission adjusts the gear ratio according to factors such as the car’s speed and how much the accelerator pedal is pressed down.
According to the drivers involved in the class-action lawsuit against General Motors, the transmissions installed in the vehicles cause shaking and abrupt gear changes, described as “harsh shifts,” which include hesitations, lunges, and lurches, sometimes feeling like a rear-end collision.
The drivers further allege that GM was aware of the defect before selling the vehicles and that they would not have bought the cars had they known.
One of the drivers whose name was not disclosed stated, “I’m disappointed in GM. They should take responsibility for this and do right by the customers.”
It was reported that Judge Lawson in his 60-page ruling acknowledged the complaints from drivers, stating that “common issues predominated” among the plaintiffs from various states, and it would be more efficient to sue GM as a group.
The judge also found out key evidence indicating that GM had been aware of a widespread defect for years but refused to inform drivers.
The automaker had allegedly “rapidly accumulated irrefutable evidence” of the problem as a result of a lengthy investigation, which appears to be ongoing, yet it kept the information from customers.
On Wednesday, GM declined to comment on the matter, citing its policy of not discussing ongoing legal cases.
GM argued against the class-action lawsuit, stating that not all members of the class were harmed, and some of the vehicles did not exhibit any problems.
However, Judge Lawson rejected GM’s argument and stated that the automaker had waived its right to arbitration for some of the claims by seeking rulings from him.
The lawsuit filed by drivers against GM involves 26 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
