GM has always lead the way in technology with the development of their transmissions by adding additional gears. The increase of gears from the original 3 and 4 speed transmissions to the GM 8 speed transmissions was to benefit the emission standard and increase fuel efficiency. The introduction of the GM 8 speed transmissions has resulted in defects of shuddering or banging of the transmissions. Since the introduction of the GM 8 speed transmission millions of cars and trucks are on the road experiencing transmission defects which render them unsafe and may be deemed lemons under the lemon law and or federal warranty act.
What Is the GM 8 Speed Transmission
GM developed the 8 speed transmissions, GM 8L90 and 8L45, to replace the 6 speed transmissions and introduced them in the following:
- The 8L90 GM 8 Speed Transmission was used in 2014 to the Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra pickup trucks as well as the Corvette and Camaro cars. In addition, the 8 speed GM transmission was used in the Cadillac models.
- The 8L45 was introduced in 2016 and was a lighter transmission for a V6 engine such as the Chevy Colorado truck, Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CT6.
The benefit of having a GM 8 speed transmission resulted in a 10 percent better gas mileage due to the transmission staying in the better RPM power band and not shifting into a more gas consuming gear compared to the older six speed transmission which was replaced.
Causes of Transmission Problems In the GM 8 Speed Transmission
The GM 8L90 and its lighter transmission the GM 8L45, have resulted in the following complaints by Chevy and GM owners:
- Shudder
- Slow or no response
- Leaks and puddles under your car
- Warning lights on your dash
- Grinding or clunking noises
GM is aware of the problems with the 8 speed GM transmission and has issued several bulletins to address the complaints. A copy the GM service bulletin 18-NA-355 can be seen online. GM has attempted to correct the shudder on the 8 speed GM transmission by doing a transmission fluid service by replacing the original transmission fluid with a lower viscosity fluid. Some owners have found that replacement of transmission fluid has helped the shudder however many owners still experience the defect with the 8 speed GM transmission and have not been corrected or repaired.
GM 8 Transmission Problems and List Cars Affected
The full list of affected 8 Speed GM Transmission vehicles are below:
- 2015-2019 Cadillac Escalade/Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS
- 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS-V
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V
- 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2017-2019 GMC Canyon
- 2015-2019 GMC Sierra
- 2015-2019 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
Lemon Law Information for your 8 Speed GM Transmission
If your Chevy or GM truck or car is experiencing defects due to the GM 8 Speed Transmission make sure you understand your lemon law rights and what you should do if you have a lemon.
If you’re driving a lemon, let David J. Gorberg & Associates help you. We’re PA Lemon Law, NJ Lemon Law, and NY Lemon Law experts. You don’t need to take GM on by yourself, let us do it for you!
Contact us today and tell us about your lemon!
