California Lemon Law News + Info

Metal Shavings, Premature Wear Found in 8-Speed Transmissions

General Motors knew about the defects in their 8-speed transmissions, yet concealed the problems and sold the cars anyway, according to a class action lawsuit filed in Florida.

A close-up of a transmission interior.The transmissions are alleged to have metal shavings circulating throughout, forcing owners to seek out expensive repairs.

Repairs include flushing out systems and replacing the valve bodies, torque converters and, in some cases, entire transmissions.

The company issued several technical service bulletins (TSBs) on the 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions installed in some 2015–2019 Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC vehicle models. A preliminary information bulletin titled “Shake or Shudder on Acceleration Excessive Engine RPM Fluctuation,” which covered some 2015–2016 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC models, claimed that the shuddering in the 8L90 transmissions was caused by an internal torque issue.

A subsequent June 2016 TSB on 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions told technicians to replace parts of the transmission or pan.

Later TSBs reflect the consumers’ claims that General Motors knew the transmission would wear prematurely and cause metal shavings to build up. The lawsuit also alleges that General Motors told technicians to replace the torque converter or transmission for this condition. These replacements, the suit alleges, do not offer a long-term solution.

Source: CarComplaints.com


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2019–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.

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