GM Fuel Pump Class Action Survives Dismissal

A GM fuel pump class action lawsuit is still alive in a California federal court, despite General Motors’ insistence the company did not knowingly install incompatible parts.

U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar wasn’t convinced of GM’s claim of innocence, saying, “Let’s talk about whether GM knew about this.”

Lead plaintiff Christopher Moonan alleges he bought a used 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD in January 2018. One day when he was driving through the desert, the Bosch CP4 fuel pump allegedly failed. He said he was stuck in 127-degree weather that caused him to become ill with heat stroke for several days.

Upon inspection at a Chevrolet dealership where the truck was towed, mechanics said the fuel pump had “exploded,” Moonan claims.

In ruling on GM’s motion for dismissal, Judge Tigar gave a hypothetical example that studies show seat belts save lives, but a vehicle manufacturer doesn’t include seat belts in its cars for years after being privy to the studies’ results.

“Isn’t it your responsibility to stay up to date on safety?” asked the judge, as he allowed the GM lawsuit to go forward.

GM said that the fuel pump issue is not safety-related, which the company said provides it with a loophole because California law only insists defects be disclosed if they are safety-related.

The lawsuit, however, contends California law also mandates any defect that is integral to the product’s performance must be disclosed as well.

GM Fuel Pump Class Action Lawsuit’s Big Question

The big question is, did General Motors knowingly create a defective system by installing a fuel pump that is not compatible with its engine?

Plaintiffs in the GM fuel pump class action lawsuit contend there is ample evidence to suggest GM knew the European-made Bosch CP4 fuel injection pumps were not compatible with GM’s Duramax diesel engines placed in American vehicles.

Diesel fuel sold throughout the U.S. has a lower sulfur content than that sold in Europe. As a result, the Bosch CP4 fuel pumps are not provided with adequate lubrication. Over time, the lack of lubrication causes friction, resulting in metal shavings to be shed into the engine. Damaged engines have cost consumers as much as $20,000 to repair or replace.

Back in the 1990s, cleaner fuel standards went into effect in the U.S., which resulted in many reports of fuel pump failures at that time. GM allegedly continued using the Bosch CP4 fuel pumps, anyway.

According to carcomplaints.com, some GM vehicles equipped with the CP4 fuel pumps have failed within their first mile on the road, allegedly because American-grade diesel fuel ruins the pumps immediately.

When the defective fuel pump fails, the fuel injection lines, rails and fuel injectors must be replaced as well because of the metal slivers running throughout the system. GM, being a car manufacturer, knows the risks a failed fuel pump can cause.

The lawsuit says the CP4 pumps affect certain GM models from model years 2010 to 2016, and that GM began using Denso HP4 fuel injection pumps beginning with 2017 models.

The GM Diesel Engine Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Christopher Moonan, et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 3:18-cv-07054-KAW, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Join a Free GM Fuel Pump Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

You may be eligible to join this GM fuel pump class action lawsuit investigation if you bought one of these GM vehicles:

• 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (6.6L V8 Duramax LML engine)
• 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (6.6L V8 Duramax LML)
• 2011-2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD (6.6L V8 Duramax LML)
• 2011-2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD (6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel Trucks LML)
• 2010-2011 Chevrolet Express (6.6L Duramax LGH engine)
• 2010-2011 GMC Savana (6.6L Duramax LGH engine)
• 2010-2011 GMC Sierra Chassis Cabs/Pickup Box Delete (6.6L Duramax LGH engine)
• 2011-2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500 (6.6L V8 Duramax LGH engine)
• 2011-2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500 (6.6L V8 Duramax LGH engine)

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