What is the Chevy truck transmission lawsuit?
A growing wave of legal actions and regulatory efforts concerns automatic transmissions used in Chevrolet pickup trucks, particularly those paired with Silverado and Sierra models. Plaintiffs allege defects that can lead to slipping, hard shifting, or complete transmission failure, prompting lawsuits, recalls, and warranty programs. The legal landscape is evolving, with cases filed in federal and state courts and responses from General Motors (GM) ranging from recalls to service campaigns.
What the lawsuits claim
The complaints center on a pattern of transmission problems that plaintiffs say GM knew about or should have known about, but did not adequately fix or disclose. Allegations commonly focus on repeat failures or hazardous behavior that can occur during driving.
- Repeated transmission failure or hard shifting without warning
- Slipping out of gear, sudden loss of drive, or failure to engage
- Harsh or delayed shifting, shuddering, or grinding noises
- Premature wear of clutch packs or torque converter components
- Software or calibration issues that fail to resolve the defect and cause ongoing repairs
- Significant repair costs, vehicle downtime, and depreciation as a result of the defect
These allegations cover a range of GM trucks and transmissions, and plaintiffs seek damages, repairs, and sometimes broader remedies related to disclosure and warranty coverage.
Which models and years are involved
Most lawsuits focus on Chevrolet pickups that use GM automatic transmissions, and they are often paired with related GMC Sierra models due to shared platforms and components. The focus tends to be on trucks produced during certain mid-2010s to late-2010s years, when the 6L80/6L90 family and the heavier-duty 8L90 transmissions were commonly installed in some Silverado and Sierra configurations.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and, in some configurations, Silverado HD models equipped with 6L80/6L90 transmissions
- Chevrolet Silverado and related trucks with 8L90 transmissions in appropriate heavy-duty applications
- GMC Sierra counterparts with the same transmission families
The exact years and configurations vary by lawsuit and by vehicle build, with some suits addressing particular production windows or drivetrain options.
GM’s response and current status
GM has addressed the situation through a combination of recalls, service campaigns, and warranty actions, alongside ongoing litigation in courts around the country. The company has offered software updates, recalibration, and repair options in many cases, and some vehicles have been covered by extended warranties or goodwill repair programs. The status of individual lawsuits often depends on the specific model, year, transmission type, and the court handling the case, with cases moving through federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) or state courts in different jurisdictions.
- Recalls and service campaigns issued by GM or prompted by regulatory agencies to address transmission-related symptoms
- Warranty extensions or goodwill programs aimed at reducing repair costs for affected owners
- Ongoing litigation in federal and state courts, with some cases settled, dismissed, or awaiting trial
- Regulatory and consumer-protection inquiries that can influence how GM handles disclosures and repairs
Owners should monitor official recall notices and consult GM or their dealer for a diagnosis if they experience transmission symptoms. Legal outcomes can change, and affected owners may have options for pursuing remedies through class actions, settlements, or individual claims depending on eligibility and jurisdiction.
What owners should do if they own a Chevy truck with these transmissions
If you own a Chevrolet pickup that might be affected by these issues, here are practical steps to take while the legal landscape evolves.
- Check for active recalls or service campaigns for your vehicle by visiting the NHTSA recall database and entering your VIN.
- If a recall is found or you notice transmission symptoms, contact your authorized GM dealer to schedule a diagnostic inspection and potential repairs.
- Document symptoms, repair invoices, and maintenance history in case you pursue a legal or warranty-based remedy.
- Keep notes on when problems occur (speed, temperature, driving conditions) to help diagnose patterns and support any warranty or legal claim.
- Consider consulting with a consumer-law attorney if you believe you’ve been affected and want to understand your rights, including any potential class-action avenues.
Proactive monitoring and documentation can help you navigate recalls, warranty coverage, and any evolving legal options. Always rely on official GM communications, dealer assessments, and regulatory postings for the most current information.
Summary
The Chevy truck transmission lawsuits describe a suite of claims that certain GM automatic transmissions in Silverado and Sierra trucks can fail or behave unpredictably, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns. GM has responded with recalls, software updates, and warranty actions while litigation continues in various jurisdictions. For owners, the best course is to stay informed via official recall channels, seek prompt diagnostic service from a GM dealer if symptoms appear, and consult legal guidance if they believe they may be entitled to remedies. The legal picture remains fluid, with outcomes dependent on model-year configurations and court rulings.
