GM drivers have until August 19 to claim an $875 payout in a cash settlement against the company.
Several of the company’s cars has been targeted in this class action case, giving more Americans the chance to make some money.
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GM sells vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick brands.
General Motors has agreed to settle a class action to resolve claims that some of its vehicles were equipped with a defective gear shift.
It is said that this caused a “Shift to Park” issue that prevented drivers from turning off their cars, among other problems.
The suit was filed by a Tennessee driver, saying that their car was not registering that the shift lever has been moved to park.
This reportedly made it difficult for them to successfully park the vehicle, and even to turn on again.
This settlement benefits those in Ohio who purchased or leased a:
- 2017-2019 GMC Acadia
- 2019 Chevrolet Blazer
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt
The other state involved in this case is Tennessee, specifically those who purchased or leased a 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicle.
HOW MUCH WILL YOU BE PAID?
Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive a payment of $500.
The overall payout from GM will be divided equally among any class members who co-own or co-lease a vehicle covered by the settlement.
An additional $375 will be paid to anyone who paid for repairs related to the “Shift to Park” issue, taking the maximum possible payment up to $875.
Class members who appear in GM’s warranty and customer pay data will automatically receive this reimbursement.
If you do not appear in this data, you will need to submit a claim form for this $375 payment.
This will require you to provide proof that you did pay for repairs, which could be something like an invoice or any documentation you received upon repair.
If you submit a form without proof of purchase, you will not be considered for the $375 payment.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
There are a few technicalities to be aware of before you submit a claim.
For both the Ohio and Tennessee claimants, you needed to have sought repair for the issue during the warranty period on the vehicle.
You also cannot of received a silicon-free replacement part from GM as a result of the issue.
WHEN IS THE CLAIM DEADLINE?
You must submit a claim form by the deadline for this class action.
The deadline for exclusion and objection has already passed on July 21, and the final approval hearing is set for August 22.
Class members must submit a claim by August 19, and you can do so by clicking the link here.
If you submit a fraudulent claim, you are harming other eligible class members.
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