22:16 12-10-2025

GM settles class action over 'Shift to Park' defect in Ohio and Tennessee

General Motors has settled a class action brought by vehicle owners in Ohio and Tennessee over the “Shift to Park” issue. Because of a faulty gear selector, cars did not always remain secured in Park, leaving drivers unable to shut off the engine or lock the doors.

A court approved the agreement under which GM will compensate owners and lessees of the affected models: the 2017–2019 GMC Acadia, 2019 Chevrolet Blazer, 2016–2019 Chevrolet Malibu, 2018–2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016–2019 Chevrolet Volt. Ohio and Tennessee residents who sought warranty service can receive up to $500, plus reimbursement of repair expenses up to $375.

Payments will be divided among co-owners when a vehicle has more than one. The two lead plaintiffs, Rilla Jefferson and Mark Riley, will receive $10,000 each for representing the class. Attorneys for the plaintiffs will be awarded more than $2 million.

GM did not admit fault but chose to avoid further litigation. The company says most cases were already addressed through warranty repairs and indicates it remains ready to work with owners.

The episode is a reminder that even industry heavyweights can stumble over a small but widespread defect. In the long run, preserving customer trust often costs more than any multimillion-dollar payout—and that balance tends to shape how quickly automakers move to close the loop on problems like this.