Skip to main content

AVAILABLE 24/7. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL DISPONIBLE 24/7. ¡EMPIEZA AHORA!

Cali Lemon Lawyers Logo

We Get You Paid Nosotros te pagamos

Fast & Easy 🍋 Rápido y fácil 🍋


Chevy Shake recalls and lemon law

“Chevy Shake” Recalls and Lemon Law

| by Michelle Yang, Esq.

Are you a Chevrolet owner or thinking about buying one? If so, there’s a common issue known as the “Chevy Shake” you need to know about. In this guide, we’ll explain what the “Chevy Shake” is, show which models have this problem most often, and give you the latest news and information as of July 2023.

There are plenty of videos online showing Chevy cars and trucks shaking while they’re being driven. This shaking usually happens around 35 mph. But what’s really worrying is that some of these vehicles have less than 1,000 miles on them. Some people even say their vehicle shakes when they’re driving as slow as 25 mph.

The Chevy Silverado seems to have the most trouble with this shaking problem. In fact, people have started calling it the “Shake-arado.”

Several court cases have said that some GM vehicles, including certain GMC models, have problems that make them unreliable and hard to handle because of the “Chevy Shake.” At first, nobody knew what was causing the issue. But after looking into it more, court cases have pointed to two likely causes – the eight-speed transmission and the aluminum driveshaft. We’ll talk more about these two things in the sections below.

Stick with us as we take a closer look at this problem, how it affects drivers, and what you can do if your vehicle has the “Chevy Shake.”

If you leased or purchased a defective Chevy in California it is very likely that you are entitled to compensation.  Contact Cali Lemon Lawyers for a free Chevy Lemon Law case evaluation. ¿Hablas Español? Contáctenos ahora para recibir más información.

Defining the Chevy Shake: Signs and Symptoms

The “Chevy Shake” is a term coined by drivers and car owners to describe a troubling issue where Chevrolet vehicles, particularly certain models like the Silverado (nicknamed the “Shake-arado”), exhibit an intense shudder or shake. This isn’t a normal shake that you might experience on a rough road; it’s a severe trembling that makes driving uncomfortable and could potentially affect the vehicle’s control.

This problem predominantly manifests at higher speeds, typically between 65 and 80 mph, although some drivers have reported experiencing it as low as 25 mph. It’s also worth noting that the issue has been seen in vehicles with surprisingly low mileage, even less than 1,000 miles.chevy steering wheel tremors on highway

So, how do you know if your car might be suffering from the Chevy Shake? Here are some tell-tale signs:

  1. Steering Wheel and Vehicle Shudder: The most noticeable sign is a significant shaking or shuddering in the steering wheel when the vehicle reaches certain speeds. This shaking can often extend to other parts of the vehicle, causing an overall sensation of instability.
  2. Suspension Issues: You might notice problems with your vehicle’s suspension. These could include unusual sounds or feelings when driving, especially at higher speeds.
  3. Repeated Unresolved Issues: If you’ve taken your vehicle to a GM dealership or a mechanic multiple times for the same shaking issue, and they haven’t been able to fix it, this could be a sign of the Chevy Shake.
  4. Transmission-related Problems: Some drivers have reported issues that seem to be related to the vehicle’s transmission. This could include the vehicle jerking or lurching during gear changes.

What Causes the Chevy Shake?

Two main causes of the Chevy Shake have been pinpointed through various class-action lawsuits: the eight-speed transmission and the aluminum driveshaft.

Eight-speed Transmission Trouble

Eight-speed Transmission

One lawsuit, Francis versus General Motors, argued that less-than-ideal 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions were used in several SUVs and trucks. This lawsuit was filed for customers who experienced issues with faulty transmissions in Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles.

The problem seems to be with the hydraulic system in the eight-speed transmission. This faulty system puts extra stress on the gears, causing them to wear out. As they do, bits of metal can break off and get stuck in the transmission, leading to transmission failure.

When a driver speeds up, slows down, or changes gears, the vehicle might shake violently. Many customers have also complained about their cars not shifting smoothly and accelerating slowly.

How Did GMC Respond to Transmission Issues?

It appears that General Motors knew about this problem as early as 2015 when they started issuing Technical Service Bulletins about the eight-speed transmission. But these bulletins only offered temporary fixes, not addressing the root of the problem, the faulty part. To date, General Motors has not issued any recalls related to transmission issues.

Issues with the Aluminum Driveshaft

In the lawsuit, Kim Bostick versus General Motors, it was claimed that the aluminum driveshaft (or “prop shaft”) in the affected vehicles was another cause of the shaking.

The aluminum driveshaft’s job is to send power from the engine to the wheels. It’s been identified as one of the main reasons behind the shaking and driveshaft deterioration.

After enough wear and tear, the vehicles may become impossible to drive. Many customers have reported that this problem is most common at highway speeds and could ultimately result in the driveshaft falling off the vehicle.

How Did GMC Address Aluminum Driveshaft Problems?

Unfortunately, the company’s response was the same as with the transmission issues: issuing Technical Service Bulletins instead of recalls. This response has been criticized as inadequate, as it doesn’t provide a lasting solution for affected vehicle owners and appears to hide the driveshaft problem.

The lawsuit states that the manufacturer could have easily solved this problem by using steel driveshafts instead of the problematic aluminum ones. The Chevy Shake, linked to this component, has been reported in various Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet models.

Following several class-action lawsuits, two possible causes of this occurrence have been identified. These are the eight-speed transmission and the aluminum driveshaft.

Is the Chevy Shake covered under warranty?

The “Chevy Shake” may or may covered under warranty, depending on its cause. If the shake results from material or manufacturing defects, it could fall under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. On the other hand, issues arising from misuse or damage from accidents are typically not covered.

Here are some common Chevy Shake causes and their warranty status:

Defective Transmission: If a faulty transmission is behind the shake, it could be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. But remember, the transmission is usually only covered for the initial 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever arrives first.

Weak Aluminum Driveshaft: If a weak aluminum driveshaft is the culprit, it may also be included under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. However, driveshafts are typically covered for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever is reached first.

Misuse or Accident Damage: If the shake is due to misuse or accident damage, it won’t be covered. Misuse might include overloading the vehicle or extreme driving conditions. Accident damage includes any harm from collisions.

If you’re dealing with the Chevy Shake, we advise getting your vehicle diagnosed at a Chevrolet dealership. Iit’s essential to understand your rights and the potential legal remedies available. Our team is ready to help you navigate this challenging situation. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

What Are the Common Complaints that Users Reported?

chevy shake complaints

Shaking and shuddering aren’t the only things that the drivers of Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GM vehicles experience. Here are some of the other things drivers have complained about:

  • Transmission failure
  • Stalling while in motion
  • Slowing down unexpectedly
  • Sudden jerking
  • Excess oil consumption
  • Transmission fluid leaks
  • Difficulty shifting gears
  • Warped brake rotors

What Cadillac, Chevy, and GMC Vehicles Have Been Affected by the Chevy Shake?

According to several Chevy shake class-action lawsuits, the following vehicles have been found to be affected by the Chevy shake:

  • 2014 to 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2015 to 2017 GMC Yukon Denali
  • 2015 to 2020 GMC Yukon XL
  • 2015 to 2020 GMC Yukon
  • 2015 to 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2017 to 2019 Chevy Colorado
  • 2017 to 2019 GMC Canyon
  • 2014 to 2019 GMC Sierra
  • 2016 to 2019 Cadillac ATS-V
  • 2016 to 2019 Cadillac ATS
  • 2016 to 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
  • 2015 to 2017 GMC Denali XL
  • 2015 to 2017 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2015 to 2020 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2016 to 2019 Cadillac CTS-V
  • 2016 to 2019 Cadillac CTS
  • 2016 to 2019 Cadillac CT6
  • 2015 to 2020 Chevy Suburban
  • 2015 to 2019 Chevrolet Corvette

GMC Has Done Little to Address the Chevy Shake

While General Motors has taken little action to address this issue, drivers of cars that experience the Chevy shake still have options! If you’re one of the many people who drive an affected vehicle that is the subject of a class-action lawsuit, we advise opting out of the lawsuit and contacting an experienced law firm that can protect your California Lemon Law rights.

Vehicle owners have the option of being represented independently and maximizing their personal compensation instead of settling with the multitude of Chevy owners in a class-action lawsuit.

Cali Lemon Lawyers can help you recover the possible maximum settlement and ensure that your rights are protected. We have helped many drivers recover compensation for the unfair treatment they received from manufacturers.

What a Class-action Lawsuit Could Mean for You

Anyone whose Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC vehicle has been affected by the Chevy shake could be a part of a lawsuit. When a lawsuit is registered, it signifies that a judge has given his or her approval for the case to proceed.

Participants who remain in class action cases receive a percentage of the final payment, but they forfeit their opportunity to sue individually. To keep your personal lemon law rights, you’ll have to first opt-out of these lawsuits.

How to Opt-out of a Chevy Shake Class-action Lawsuit

If you wish to keep your legal right to sue on your own, you must opt-out of the class-action lawsuit. You forfeit your right to pursue cash compensation independently should you choose to continue in the class action.

In addition, class action lawsuits frequently contain thousands of participants. Should you continue to participate, you could only receive a small portion of the final settlement.

Those who may be affected will receive a notice informing them of the allegations made. They also contain instructions on how to opt-out of the lawsuit should you choose to. Contact your lawyer if you need help with this.

Do You Have a Lemon? Contact Us Today!

Opting out of a lawsuit is often the best way to secure a larger settlement. If you have a GM vehicle affected by the Chevy shake, you likely have a lemon! No one should be endangered by a poorly manufactured vehicle. Give us a call today to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Cali Lemon Lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of its consumers when manufacturers refuse to recall vehicles that have manufacturing defects. Contact Cali Lemon Lawyers by Prestige Legal Solutions, P.C. to book a free consultation and discuss your case!

More Chevy Recalls & Lemon Law Info

Interested in learning more about other recent Chevy Recalls? Click on any of the links below:

Comments (5)

Leave a Reply to scott christinasen Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

See If Your Car Qualifies for Compensation!

Start Your FREE Case Review

or give us a call at:

(310) 627-2665

5 Stars
See If You Qualify for Compensation!

Start Your FREE Case Review

5 Stars
Skip to content