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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
Add me !! I have 2 a Tahoe and a Silverado !! Tahoe no peoblems yet !!! Silverado being fixed as we speak !! Costly repair
Please add me! We are having to get a new motor on our 2013 Tahoe for THIS EXACT REASON! $5000!!!
I had to replace my 2011 Yukon XL Denali engine at 108,000 miles !! Not to mention the rust that started at 6 years old, purchased the vehicle brand new.
I have 2011 sierra. High oil consumption, loss of power, check engine light, and a ton of smoke on start up. Please add me to the lawsuit
Having my tahoe repaired now for the same thing. Please add me.
Does this include 2010 Silverado? Soon before my engine failed due to camshaft failure at 136K miles I was going through 1 quart of oil a week. Also, possible root cause is the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system that should be included.
How can this be good for the environment and be allowed by the EPA?
Please add me
I had a 2014 Chevy Silverado but had to get rid of it due to this issue lost thousands of dollars
Purchased a 2011 equinox unaware of issue with oil consumption. I called gm. I’ve got an estimate of $3,300. I can’t afford that. I carry a 5 quart jug of oil in my car and check the oil everytime I’m about to start it. It’s still causing damage slowly but I’m not letting it run out of oil. WHEN my engine does blow I’m completely screwed and will have no vehicle or money towards a vehicle from selling this piece of shit
I bought a 2010 GMC Sierra Hybrid and discovered there was an oil consumption issue when I cracked the heads on the motor and spent $4500 to have my mechanic rebuild the motor.. Initially I contacted GM and opened a claim but they told me because the vehicle was past warrant that they were not liable to cover cost of repair even though there was a Service Bulletin (0-06-01-008F) from GM corporate sent to GM service techs acknowledging the issue. This occurred in Nov or Dec 2018.
I have bought a 2012 chevy silverado with the 5.3 liter vortec it has caused lots of problems for me it went into limp mode started misfiring on cylinder 7 no compression and now starting to misfire on all cylinders not driveable at all. It’s at the nearest GM dealership to me they are asking $7,000 to replace it or find a junk yard motor . I’m lost at a @ $ 24,000 yard ornament and throwing money at it. I got a 99 with the same motor and have over 400 000 miles on it but a 2012 with less than 180,00 on it . I’ve keep up with tune up oil change and all that and now I can’t even drive it. That just a kick in the pockets for something GM did know about and maybe they should pay the bill and at least either delete the new motor and upgrade it or replace it with a 6.0 liter and full ecu. It’s sad I’ve always been a bowtie man and I own nothing but bowtie. So GM I think you should replace all the motors in these truck’s.
Does this include the GMC Terrain and Equinox? I have a 2011 GMC Terrain that had oil consumption issues. My vehicle was in the shop for repairs several times. I was eventually told that the engine would have to be replaced. Prior to this visit and my complaint about the oil, they performed an oil consumption test and it was determined that the oil consumption was excessive. As stated on my repair slip: It was necessary to perform special policy 15285. Replaced pistons and rings, installed new water pump [pump and balance shift chain, tensioner and guide, new camshaft timing chain, cleaned PVC orifice in intake manifold. Changed engine oil and filter and filled coolant. Tested vehicle operation, no further problems found at this time. When I was told that a new engine would cost over $7,000, I called GMC customer service and went up the ladder. I refused to pay to have an engine replaced in a vehicle that was just over 5 years at that time. I also found that several co-workers that drove Terrains were having or had the same issue. A relative driving an Equinox had to have the engine replaced for the same reasons. I finally ended up paying approximately $1800 and GM picked up the rest.
I agree! Had the same thing happen to me at 136K miles.