GM sued over shift failures in popular Chevy, GMC and Buick models

The original class action alleges that GM breached new vehicle warranties by failing to fix the problem

Through Brad Anderson

November 10, 2024 at 7:22 PM

• GM is facing two class action lawsuits after owners reported persistent problems with shifting systems.
• If the shifter fails to register Park, the engine cannot be turned off, leaving the owners stranded.
• A trial date has been set for January 13, 2025, to address the ongoing legal battle.

A number of Chevrolet, GMC and Buick models are currently the subject of two class action lawsuits in the United States, alleging a significant switchgear problem that is preventing vehicle owners from turning off their cars. The lawsuits allege that this problem, which affects several GM models, could put drivers in a dangerous position if their vehicles fail to properly shift into Park and refuse to exit.

The first lawsuit, filed in Memphis, Tennessee, certainly alleges as much General engines On vehicles, a persistent ‘Shift to Park’ message appears on the dashboard even after the shifter is placed in Park. Some owners report resorting to the time-honored tradition of shaking the shifter – often several times – just to get the car to recognize that it is indeed in Park.

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At first glance, this may not seem like a serious mistake. However, if the vehicle stubbornly refuses to acknowledge that it is in Park, owners may be left with an engine that will not turn off. Failure to turn off the vehicle can lead to a host of problems, including battery drain if the vehicle is left idling for too long, potentially leaving owners stranded or forced to call for roadside assistance.

GM has reportedly been aware of the error for some time. In June 2018, the company even sent a technical service bulletin to GMC dealers stating that vehicles should not be turned off while in Park. More than six years later, no solution appears to have been developed to solve the problem. GM will now have to appear in court, as a trial is scheduled for January 13, 2025.

The original lawsuit was brought by plaintiff Rilla Jefferson, who claims she started experiencing these shifter headaches in 2017. GMC Acadia. The owner claims that GM breached the vehicle’s warranty and that her dealer never attempted to repair the defect. The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee last year granted class certification of the lawsuit to purchasers and lessees of eligible Acadia models.

While this lawsuit only covers GMC Acadia models, a separate class action filed by Mark Riley alleges the same issues and has been certified as a class for purchasers and renters of the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, 2016 -2019. Chevrolet Malibu2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse and 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt. Additionally, Buick Encore models produced between 2020 and 2023 are included in this comprehensive pack.