General Motors is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) used in several Chevrolet and GMC models can develop serious problems, including slipping, shuddering, juddering, and delayed acceleration.

Filed earlier this month in Delaware, the lawsuit covers 2019-2025 Chevrolet Malibu models, 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazers, 2024-present Chevrolet Equinox models, and 2024-present GMC Terrain models. The complaint alleges defects involving the CVT’s clutch regulator, valve body, drive chain, pulleys, and bearings.

Owner reports CVT problems at about 7,000 miles

The named plaintiff, John Williams, bought a new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox from Epic Chevrolet in Sacramento, California, in October 2024. He says rough shifting and delayed acceleration began at approximately 7,000 miles.

According to the lawsuit, Williams notified his dealership after the vehicle had accumulated about 14,000 miles. The dealer reportedly attributed the issue to defective front axles and replaced them, but Williams says the CVT-related symptoms continued.

The complaint claims that a defective transmission could cause a “sudden and complete loss of motive power” while the vehicle is being driven. It seeks to represent applicable owners and lessees in California.

Lawsuit cites NHTSA complaints and service bulletins

The filing says 358 complaints involving CVT problems have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the Chevrolet Malibu, Trailblazer, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. It alleges that GM has not provided an adequate remedy for the reported concerns.

The lawsuit further claims GM knew about the possibility of premature CVT failures by 2021, or earlier, and attempted to conceal the alleged defect. It says dealers were instructed to tell some owners that their vehicles were “operating normally” or “operating as intended.”

Several technical service bulletins and preliminary information bulletins have reportedly been issued. However, the complaint alleges that those documents did not adequately resolve the claimed transmission faults.

Williams is requesting a jury trial and is seeking compensatory, exemplary, and statutory damages, along with interest and reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and costs. The allegations have not been established in court.