A major class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors (GM) Australia and New Zealand, alleging widespread transmission defects in Holden Commodore and Colorado vehicles.
The lawsuit, led by prominent law firm Maurice Blackburn, claims that “hundreds of thousands” of affected vehicles may entitle owners to compensation.
Holden Transmission Class Action Lawsuit, let's dive deeper.
The Allegations
At the heart of the lawsuit are claims of defects in three specific automatic transmissions: the GM 6L45, 6L50, and 6L80 units.
These transmissions were installed in popular Holden models, including the Commodore VE, Commodore VF, Colorado, and their derivatives, such as the Calais, Ute, Caprice, Colorado 7, and Trailblazer.
The affected vehicles were sold from January 1, 2011, through December 24, 2024. Importantly, the class action allows current and former owners, as well as those whose vehicles were written off or sold during this period, to register for participation.
Alleged Issues
Maurice Blackburn claims the transmissions suffer from a fundamental design flaw in the torque converter and torque converter clutch. Principal lawyer Kimi Nishimura elaborated:
“Because of the alleged defect, car owners have experienced problems with their vehicles including intermittent transmission shudders, excessive vibrations, and harsh gear shifts.”
Additionally, owners have reported:
- Leakage of automatic transmission fluid
- Accelerated wear of transmission components
- Increased servicing requirements
The lawsuit alleges that GM failed to comply with Australia’s consumer guarantee of acceptable quality and engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.
GM’s Response
A GM spokesperson provided a brief statement:
“GM does not comment on ongoing litigation. GM stands by its commitment to achieving the best outcomes for Holden customers.”
Historical Context
This isn’t the first time automakers have faced legal challenges over faulty transmissions.
- Ford Australia: In 2016, Ford was ordered to compensate customers over its defective PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. The Federal Court deemed the transmission “not of acceptable quality,” and Ford paid $17,248 to the lead applicant.
- Toyota: In 2019, Toyota faced a class action for defective Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) in HiLux, Fortuner, and Prado models. Toyota was required to compensate affected owners with payouts reflecting 17.5% of the vehicle’s average retail value.
Affected Holden Models
The full list of vehicles included in the lawsuit spans numerous models and years:
| Model | Model Year | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado 7 | MY12-MY16 | 6L50 |
| Colorado | MY17-MY20 | 6L50 |
| Trailblazer | MY17-MY20 | 6L50 |
| Commodore VE | MY11-MY12.5 | 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 |
| Commodore VF | MY13-MY17 | 6L45, 6L80 |
| Berlina VE | MY11-MY12.5 | 6L50 |
| Calais VE | MY11-MY12.5 | 6L45, 6L50 |
| Calais VF | MY13-MY17 | 6L45 |
| Holden Ute VE | MY11-MY13 | 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 |
| Holden Ute VF | MY13-MY17 | 6L45, 6L80 |
| Caprice WM Series II | MY11-MY12 | 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 |
| Caprice WN | MY13-MY15 | 6L45, 6L50, 6L80 |
| Caprice WN Series II | MY15-MY17 | 6L80 |
What’s Next?
Affected Holden owners can register for the class action through Maurice Blackburn, even if they haven’t experienced any issues with their vehicles.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it may set a precedent for automakers in Australia, ensuring greater accountability for vehicle defects and reinforcing consumer rights.
Stay tuned to CarExplore for updates on this case and other automotive news.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
