California GM Truck Owners Filed Class Action Lawsuit
Owners of certain 2019 trucks report harsh shifting and jerking issues in a new legal filing.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Trucks
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Plaintiffs in California have filed a class action lawsuit alleging General Motors hid transmission defects in various 2019 truck models. The litigation targets specific eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Why it matters
The lawsuit suggests that mechanical issues with vehicle shifting were known to the automaker for years before these trucks were sold. This legal action addresses whether buyers were fully informed about the performance risks and costs associated with these transmissions.
The lawsuit focuses on 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon trucks equipped with 8L45 or 8L90 transmissions. These vehicles were manufactured after March 1, 2019.
The players
General Motors
A major automotive manufacturer known for producing Chevrolet and GMC truck lines.
Matthew Barba and Renzo Calvo-Saez
The plaintiffs who filed the class action lawsuit against General Motors in California.
The details
The complaint alleges that these eight-speed automatic transmissions can hesitate, jerk, or shift harshly during operation. It claims that General Motors continued to sell these vehicles even after approving a major transmission redesign and allegedly failing to disclose these known performance issues to consumers.
Timeline
The manufacturer reportedly identified potential transmission issues as early as 2013.
The lawsuit covers vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2019.
The Home Front
This case follows a documented trend of class action litigation concerning the performance of high-gear automatic transmissions in domestic trucks. It highlights the growing scrutiny on how automakers disclose mechanical redesigns that may affect long-term vehicle reliability.
Owners of 2019 Chevrolet or GMC trucks should monitor their vehicle for shifting inconsistencies or harsh jerking sensations during acceleration. If you notice persistent performance issues, consult with a licensed mechanic to document the behavior for your service records.
The takeaway
The legal filing underscores the importance of maintaining thorough records of any vehicle performance issues. If you own an affected 2019 model, keep all repair invoices and service notes organized, as these documents are essential for tracking transmission performance over the life of your truck.
Further reading
Learn more about common maintenance and performance concerns in Trucks.
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