General Motors (GM) finds itself embroiled in two major class action lawsuits in the United States, with plaintiffs alleging a dangerous defect in various Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick models. The lawsuits claim that a shifter assembly issue prevents affected vehicles from properly shifting into Park, making it impossible for owners to turn off their cars. This issue not only creates an inconvenience but could also pose a potential safety risk for owners and passengers.
Persistent “Shift to Park” Error Leaves Drivers Stranded
One of the primary complaints across both lawsuits is the persistent “Shift to Park” message that appears on the dashboard, even when the vehicle is seemingly in Park. This error can leave drivers unable to turn off their cars, which in turn, leaves the engine running unnecessarily and can quickly drain the battery. Owners report that this issue has caused them to rely on makeshift solutions, such as jiggling the shifter multiple times to get the car to recognize that it’s in Park. However, even this workaround does not guarantee a successful shut-off, and drivers have found themselves stranded with no option but to call for roadside assistance.
GM’s Awareness of the Fault: A 2018 Service Bulletin
According to court filings, GM has known about the problem since at least June 2018. At that time, the automaker issued a technical service bulletin to GMC dealers, informing them of the issue and advising that certain models may not shut off when shifted to Park. Despite this acknowledgment, GM has yet to release an effective and permanent fix, leaving thousands of owners in a difficult position. The lack of a solution over the past six years has only intensified frustrations and, ultimately, led to legal action against the automaker.
Class Action Lawsuits Gain Momentum
The first lawsuit was filed in Memphis, Tennessee, by plaintiff Rilla Jefferson, who claims her 2017 GMC Acadia was affected by the shifter defect. Jefferson alleges that GM breached her vehicle’s warranty and that her dealership made no efforts to address or repair the fault. The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee granted class certification for the lawsuit last year, allowing all purchasers and lessees of eligible Acadia models to join the case.
While Jefferson’s lawsuit focuses solely on GMC Acadia vehicles, another class action lawsuit, filed by Mark Riley, takes aim at a broader range of GM models. This expanded lawsuit covers the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt. Buick Encore models manufactured between 2020 and 2023 are also included in the suit, extending the reach of potential plaintiffs significantly.
Potential Consequences for Drivers
At first glance, the “Shift to Park” defect may seem like a minor issue. However, when vehicles are unable to shut down as intended, the impact on drivers can be considerable. For instance, prolonged idling caused by the failure to shift into Park can drain the vehicle’s battery, potentially leaving drivers in unsafe or inconvenient situations. Moreover, if the vehicle cannot shift properly, the driver may not be able to remove the key, further complicating matters. These issues, plaintiffs argue, could expose owners to safety risks and financial burdens.
GM’s Day in Court: Trial Set for January 2025
With no resolution in sight, GM is now set to face the consequences of these alleged design flaws in court. A trial date has been set for January 13, 2025, at which point GM will need to address the claims and evidence presented by both sets of plaintiffs. The stakes are high for GM, as a ruling against the automaker could lead to substantial financial compensation for affected vehicle owners and may require GM to implement a full recall or retrofitting program to fix the issue once and for all.
Looking Ahead
As the lawsuits progress, GM’s legal and public relations teams are likely working to mitigate the potential fallout from these claims. If the plaintiffs are successful, the case could pave the way for similar actions and create lasting repercussions for GM’s reputation and bottom line. In the meantime, affected vehicle owners are left hoping for a solution that could spare them from the ongoing inconvenience and safety risks posed by the persistent “Shift to Park” defect.
While GM has been a significant player in the automotive market for decades, issues like this serve as reminders of the complexities and potential hazards of automotive design, particularly as technology becomes more integrated into vehicle systems. The final outcome of these lawsuits may influence not only GM but the automotive industry as a whole, especially in terms of accountability and responsiveness to customer safety complaints.
