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More than one GM class action lawsuit has been filed against the giant automaker over allegations certain vehicles contain defective engines.
Why Have GM Class Action Lawsuits Been Filed?
Between 2010 and 2013, certain GM vehicles were equipped with GMC’s 5.3L V8 Vortec 5300 engine, which included newly designed piston rings intended to maximize horsepower. Unhappy consumers allege the new piston rings allow oil to enter parts of the engine it shouldn’t, resulting in overconsumption of oil.
GM 5.3 engine problems have spurred class action lawsuits because GM allegedly knew about the problems as far back as 2010. According to one class action lawsuit against GM for oil consumption, the company issued a technical service bulletin on Sept. 28, 2010 regarding engine oil consumption of certain 2007 and 2008 model vehicles. GM issued another bulletin on Jan. 3, 2013 regarding the same issue in 2007 through 2011 model vehicles.
That same lawsuit alleges GM issued no fewer than seven service bulletins regarding the overconsumption of oil between the years 2010 and 2013, but because a service bulletin is not identical to a recall, the company was not obligated to notify owners and lessees of the bulletins.
While the affected vehicles were equipped with an oil life monitoring system to alert drivers when an oil change is recommended, the system purportedly did not alert drivers when engine oil levels became dangerously low, potentially destroying engines, claimed the lawsuit.
What Is Causing the GM 5.3 Engine Problems?
The GM 5.3L V8 Vortec 5300 engines make use of an Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that is also called a cylinder deactivation system. This technological advance reportedly can improve fuel economy by 7.5 percent by letting the engine stop using half the engine’s cylinders when the vehicle is operating at lower RPMs with a light load.
According to one explanation on how the AFM system works, even the deactivated pistons continue to move up and down inside the cylinder. Before reaching a speed and load that activates the AFM system, all of the cylinders may be used in the first part of a drive, which means all of the pistons will become warm from use.
When the AFM system kicks in, a specially designed valve sprays oil onto the unused pistons to keep them cool and lubricated. If these pistons are still hot from being used moments earlier, the sprayed oil may virtually bake onto the pistons and the rings. Over time, this baked-on oil interferes with the functioning of the oil rings, which causes oil to seep past the rings. The engine won’t escape damage if the oil rings and cylinders become worn.
Some consumers complain these engines use more than one quart of oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Others say the overconsumption of oil causes valve damage, undue spark plug wear, poor running condition and premature wear on the entire engine.
Specifically, the engines may suffer lifter collapse, camshaft wear, rod breakage, bent pushrods, wristpin wear or breakage, crankshaft wear or main bearing wear, according to class action lawsuits.
One blogger reported some vehicle owners were buying after-market engine tuners to completely disable the AFM system. After plugging the engine tuner into the affected vehicle’s diagnostic port, the consumers said they followed instructions on how to stop the AFM system from deactivating the cylinders. Any misconfiguration in such an after-market product could result in damage to the vehicle, though.
Which Models are Affected?
The GM 5.3 engine problems may affect these vehicles:
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Tach
- 2011-2014 GMC Sierra
- 2011-2014 GMC Yukon
- 2011-2014 GMC Yukon XL
Can You Join a GM Class Action Lawsuit for Oil Consumption?
If you own or lease any of the 2011-2014 vehicles listed that were built with a GM 5.3 engine, you could be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit against GM for oil consumption issues.
In addition to overconsumption of oil, adverse effects may including spark plug fouling, engine power loss or other engine malfunctions. In order to join GM class action lawsuit investigations, your affected vehicle must not have received piston replacements (i.e. piston replacement in which the new pistons were not merely new versions of the same defective pistons).
A class action lawsuit against GM for oil consumption in Washington state alleges engine oil may be taken out of the valvetrain and deposited into the intake through the action of the engine’s positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV). This could inadvertently lead to more oil being burned than intended.
Which States Have Had a GM Class Action Lawsuit?
A GM class action lawsuit for oil consumption was filed in Minnesota, Oregon, California, Ohio, Washington and Florida, but this investigation is open to every state.
Particularly if you live in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota or Wisconsin, your case could be of special interest in this lawsuit investigation.
Last fall, GM agreed to a consolidated class action settlement regarding allegations its 2.4L LEA Ecotec four-cylinder engine caused certain vehicles to overconsume oil because of a similar piston ring issue. In that settlement, owners of 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs will be allowed to have their vehicles inspected and repaired by GM.
Any customer who has already paid out of their own pocket to fix the piston rings issue may qualify for reimbursement from GM for such expenses, explicitly stating the settlement allows for “reimbursement for repairs and/or replacement of engine components that are or were required and solely caused by excessive oil consumption due to piston ring wear.”
Class action settlements are often negotiated when a big company such as GM wishes to avoid the costs, uncertainties and bad press of a trial.
General Motors is run by chairman and CEO Mary Barra since January 2014. GM reportedly employed about 95,000 hourly employees and 69,000 salaried employees as of Dec. 31, 2019. The company reported revenue of $147.05 billion for 2019, which was up one percent from 2018.
Join a Free GM Engine Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit Investigation
You may have a legal claim if you purchased a new or used model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, or GMC Yukon XL with an LC9 engine.
This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.
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119 thoughts onCan You File a GM Class Action Lawsuit for Oil Consumption?
I bought a 2014 equinox and mine is burning oil just like all the other comments. Was told I needed a new motor months ago and my car has been sitting ever since …HELP! What route do I need to take in order to get something done about this? I am from Carrollton Georgia.
My dad bought a new 2013 GMC Sierra in October 2013. Shortly after he had a valve problem and the dealership repaired the problem. Between 15-20K the spark plugs were burnt up causing a check engine light. He quit driving in 2018 and I drove it when he wanted to go somewhere. This past October 2020 the truck had 35K on it and once again the check engine light came on, spark plugs burnt again. When it was inspected for license renewal the mechanic said these engines were junk causing the excessive oil burning and spark plugs burning up. I drove it a couple of weeks ago and the oil light came on, stopped and checked the oil and it was dangerously low. It had less than 2000 miles on the oil change. When dad bought the truck he said it was mine also. He passed away in November and I don’t know what to do with this truck. My sister in law had an Equinox with the same problem. The dealer wanted to monitor the oil use and she decided to get rid of it and bought a Honda.
I have a 2004 Dodge that I have always put AMZOIL in it It has 135K on it and uses a quart of oil every 8K-9K miles.
I purchased a 2011 gmc terrain in aug of this year & I’ve had the same issue. I almost blew the engine with no warning other than the nose I was familiar with from the oil being low. No warning light ever came on until the warning telling me that the engine power was being reduced. I’ve already had an oil change twice & I’ve had to add alot of oil in between. This is a major issue! I always thought gm’s were good vehicles but after this I will probably never own another one. Who do I contact to find out about filing a lawsuit or how to get gm to replace the piston rings?
Lori and I owned a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox and it had the exact same issue. We never knew the engine was bleeding to death internally. It wasn’t until I noticed the engine making noise and I took it in for early service, I was then informed of the engine defect and that Chevrolet (GM) wasn’t going to honor the problem. I at the same time was dealing with a 2004 Colorado with major issues and couldn’t get parts for it. I was forced to replace two vehicles at the same time. I am more than glad to sue GM for our loss on the Equinox.
I have tried to take good care of my 2012 GMC Terrain when it was consuming too much oil. Then my family tried to help fix it twice with another GMC engine. Unfortunately, going to anyone other place or person that GMC does not recognize means you will NOT get any money back. When I filed a claim they said I had provided no evidence. When I mailed it and email it to them. They even acknowledged the documentation that I sent them via email, which I have. Then they just kept telling me to provide evidence. All they are doing is acting like they are being held accountable, but do not specify what they want as evidence. So they can tell you are not qualified for a refund. They do NOT CARE. I have a $4,000 loan that still needs to get paid and can’t get another car. I am driving a car that I can only hope to God lasts me long enough to get by. Not mention I also owe my family money when they tried to help us fix it, because going to GMC was going to be TOO EXPENSIVE to fix when they KNEW it was their problem per the time line of the litigation. They want me to call them and wait for hours on end to speak to someone who will only tell me nothing that will help.
Who are you contacting? We have a 2013 terrain that is using quarts every 2 weeks and sounds like a loud diesel when started. We’re paying over $400 a month payment on this thing that we purchased in August this year. The Kia place where we got it wants us to only get the oil changed there so they can keep an eye on it but what’s that going to do? I need some places responsible to contact about the issue. I will hire a lawyer to do the arguing lol
My 2012 GMC Sierra 5300 Vortec burns oil baddd with only 140000 km
I had to replace the original motor at 105000mi push rod snapped and blew out the lifter out the side of block. Set me back $4000+. Always checking oil. Burns 2+qts on top of the 6 in-between changes.
I filed for the settlement. I had pistons replaced, oil consumption issue, receipts, etc. Still no money!!!
The same thing has happened to me.
Is it to let for me to file a law suit against gmc.my car burn lots of oil and makes noise
I pay a note on a 2012 chevy equinox since September 2019 and my husband noticed within a few months he was putting a lot of oil in it. Now my car reduces speed when it gets to the 2nd line for gas and the traction control comes on when it feel like it. I have 3 years to pay this off. I’m passed.
I’ve had the same exact problem with mine! It died on me last month and is sitting in my yard waiting on me to figure out what I can do with it!
I have a 2012 Equinox also. I just got my oil changed December 2020 and they checked my oil Jan 7 and my stick did not register any oil on the stick. It’s ridiculous!! Why isn’t there a recall on this problem??!! I just got a censor fixed on a recall I’m not sure if it’s the same thing but I don’t think so.
I own a 2011 equinox and have a extended warranty and also have too many miles for the current oil consumption class action lawsuit. I was never told about this issue when purchasing this vehicle or I would have never purchased it . Is there anything that can be done I don’t have money for a new motor and I feel like I was sold a lemon!!!!