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GM put a defective Vortec engine that burns through oil in seven popular GMC and Chevy vehicles made between 2011 and 2014, according to a nationwide class action lawsuit.
Lead plaintiffs Jared Hammond, Steven Newberry, Rey Cruz, and Lyndon Adamson lodged the vehicle safety defect class action lawsuit in Michigan federal court Thursday. They claim that General Motors Corporation (GM) knew from earlier experiences with the Vortec engine that it consumed an “abnormally and improperly high quantity of oil,” but put the defective part in later models anyway.
Each of the plaintiffs claim that they purchased a GMC or Chevy vehicle that came with a Generation IV Vortec 5300 Engine. They say that the piston rings in the Vortec engine do not keep oil in the crankcase.
In addition, the plaintiffs allege that the Active Fuel Management system in the Vortec engines contributes to the problem by spraying oil directly on the piston skirts.
“This oil spray overloads and fouls the defective piston rings, triggering oil migration past the rings,” explains the class action lawsuit. “The migrating oil either burns or accumulates as carbon buildup on the combustion chamber’s surfaces.”
A process meant to vacuum atomized oil from the valvetrain into the intake system further exacerbates the excessive oil consumption problem in the Vortec engines. In addition, GM’s “Oil Life Monitoring System” fails to warn drivers until oil levels are critically low.
The class action lawsuit alleges that 2011 through 2014 models of the following vehicles made by GM were equipped with the defective Vortec engine:
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Sierra
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL
The plaintiffs claim that excessive oil consumption by the Vortec engine results in low oil levels, insufficient lubrication, and internal engine damage.
This is far from the first Vortec engine defect class action lawsuit lodged by owners against GM over excessive oil consumption. Earlier this year, consumers from Ohio and West Virginia lodged similar complaints.
The plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit seek to represent those who purchased or leased a GMC or Chevy equipped with the allegedly defective Vortec engine. The class action lawsuit wants to hold GM responsible for damages as well as attorney and court fees.
Do you own a 2011 through 2014 GMC or Chevy vehicle with an allegedly defective Vortec engine? Have you experienced problems with your vehicle’s oil consumption? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
The plaintiffs are represented by Amy E. Keller, Adam J. Levitt, John E. Tangren, and Daniel R. Ferri of Dicello Levitt Gutzler LLC, and W. Daniel “Dee” Miles, III, H. Clay Barnett, III, J. Mitch Williams, and Tyner D. Helms of Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, PC.
The GM Vortec Engine Class Action Lawsuit is Hammond v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 2:21-cv-11240-RHC-EAS in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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87 thoughts onGM Vortec Engine in 2011-2014 GMC, Chevy Vehicles Defective, Alleges Class Action Lawsuit
I have a 2014 Chevy equinox LS engine blowup on me with myson in vehicle with me and now the dealer longo and sons in Berlin new jersey refuse to replace the engine or give me a different vehicle
My 2011 GMC Terrain uses excessive oil (2 – 3 qts between oil changes), loss of power, stalls, will cut off stopping at signs/lights, and will just cut off while driving. Some days are worse than others. It’s bad 98% of the time.
Bought a 2012 silverado LT brand new and a about 18000km started having oil comsumption issue. GM did some work on number 7 cylinder but problem got worse. Presently I have to add minimum 3 litres of oil between a 5000km cycle oil change.
I replaced lifters/valley, pushrods, cam, knock sensors and oil pump/tube, basically the entire inner engine parts.
2012 GMC Acadia is using one quart of oil a month for the last 5 years.
2-3 quarts of oil every oil change. Looking into a long block replacement today. Dropped a cylinder as of yesterday.
Reaching out because of the issues I’ve been having with my 2014 Silverado 1500 LTZ. I had too replace the oil pump in winter of 2021-2022. Have the receipt for it. It randomly when it out and I noticed oil leaking and excessive consumption since they take about 8liters of oil. Also have had issues with oil cooler line leak and transmission line leak. Recently my 6L80E transmission (torque converter) when out at only 155kmi. GM knew this and never did a recall. I’m the 3rd owner and the transmission was already slipping at 69kmi. Known for the clutch plates too be defective and the wrong type of tranny fluid being used. Been hearing the special Dexon6 fluid is bad and has can been causing component failure. Especially in the factory torque converter. Many guys suggest going a size up too handle the 6L80E tranny. I’m extremely frustrated with GM and have poured alot of unnecessary money into my Silverado. Hopefully I’m not the only one who wants GM too own up and take responsibility for this. I’ll drive Chevy until I die. ‘Chevy runs deep’ Thanks again.
Same here about a couple quarts or more between oil changes.
I have a 2011 suburban. plugs are oil fouled about every 20,000 miles. engine has 135,000 miles on it.
I have a 2012 Silverado with 125090 miles on it and go through 1 to 2 qts between every oil change.