General Motors Faces Two Class Action Lawsuits Over Faulty Shifters
Do you own a General Motors vehicle with a faulty shifter? Turns out, you're not alone.
GM is facing mounting legal pressure as two class action lawsuits allege ongoing issues with shifter assemblies in several Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick models. The crux of the lawsuit is a malfunction where the vehicles fail to recognize the shifter has been moved into Park, preventing owners from shutting off the engine. This flaw has left many owners stranded and unable to turn off their vehicles.
The first lawsuit, originating in Memphis, Tennessee, focuses on GMC Acadia models and highlights owner frustration when encountering a persistent “Shift to Park” message on the dashboard, even when the shifter has been correctly positioned. Some owners have even resorted to jiggling the shifter to convince the vehicle it is in Park.
The suit alleges GM has been aware of the defect for years. A 2018 technical service bulletin to dealers acknowledged the issue, but no comprehensive fix ever emerged despite warranty coverage. As a result, a trial is scheduled for January 13, 2025, to address the claims.
A second, broader lawsuit includes additional models such as the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, 2016-2019 Malibu, 2018-2019 Traverse, 2016-2019 Volt, and 2020-2023 Buick Encore, which all presumably make use of the same hardware and software.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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This is not the first time GM has refused to do something about known problems until forced to do so.
I will never buy a GM car/truck.