GM CVT Lawsuit Claims 4 Chevy and GMC Models Can Lose PowerAutoblogEarl LeeFri, September 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.CVT ProblemsBrands can't seem to catch a break with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). If that statement sounds familiar, it's because this isn't the first time this year GM has faced a class action lawsuit over a transmission. Conversely, it's not the first time that a brand has come under fire for a faulty CVT.In addition, GM has already received a massive complaint in California regarding its 10-speed automatic transmission. Plus, while it's not officially a lawsuit, GM's transmission shuddering issues are already logged in service bulletins, and it may be only a matter of time before it develops into a full-fledged suit.2025 GMC Terrain gear selector and displayMichael Simari, Car and DriverA Proposed Class Action Lawsuit (Again)Strike three? GM can't catch a break with these things, and the proposed class action now targets the brand's CVT found in the 2024 to present GMC Terrain, 2019 to 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, 2021 to 2025 Trailblazer, and 2024 to present Equinox models. The suit claims the transmission components are defective, posing a risk of sudden power loss, collision, and injury.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are 51 pages to show for it in the proposed lawsuit. Those pages detail transmission issues, including sudden slipping, shuddering, juddering, hesitation, delayed acceleration, loss of forward gear, and partial or complete loss of power during normal operation, including at highway speeds.According to the suit, drivers have also reported a reduced engine power warning, followed by hesitation, slipping, and then a total loss of the forward gear. In short, after the warning, the vehicle is unable to move. The case contends that the light often comes on when there is a system malfunction, but it should not immediately lead to a full-on failure.Chevrolet"Improperly designed and/or manufactured"The suit contends that GM "improperly designed and/or manufactured the internal transmission architecture, which may include components like the clutch regulator valve, valve body, drive chain, pulleys, and bearings.CVT failures aren't uncommon nowadays. Some units hold up better than others, but car buyers generally dislike the transmission because of its inherent durability issues. According to the lawsuit, GM has known about these models' premature transmission failures since 2021 but "undertook affirmative measures to conceal transmission failures and other malfunctions."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe suit also mentions GM's multiple technical service bulletins and preliminary information bulletins concerning CVT slipping, shuddering, and loss of forward gear. The suit assumes GM knows the CVT has issues because of these bulletins.Even with those solutions, GM still does not have an effective repair that addresses the issues, and the suit alleges that GM instructed its dealers to tell drivers the problems are "normal." The suit also claims that the automaker has denied warranty coverage for affected vehicles and their defective transmissions.ChevroletCover All Individuals in the United StatesSo, if you are an owner of a 2024 to present GMC Terrain, 2019 to 2025 Chevrolet Malibu, 2021 to 2025 Trailblazer, and 2024 to present Equinox model, then it might be best to keep tabs on this issue. The class-action suit covers all owners in the United States who bought or leased any of the above-mentioned models.I recommend that you also keep tabs on the other transmission issues that are plaguing GM right now in case you have the company's 10-speed or 8-speed transmissions. GM can't catch a break with these suits, and it's not just transmissions that are leaving consumers with the motivation to bring the issue to court. It's just that bad, I guess.ChevroletThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.