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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 gmc terrain and the engine went up. Is this a part of the class action lawsuit?
How do I join the class action suit, I went in for an oil change and they said there wasn’t much oil in the engine. I have my oil changed regularly at the prescribed intervals.
2014 Chevy Silverado 53 engine only 133000 on it bought it new the dealer said I new a new motor cam went and baring gone $8000 later Southtowne in Georgia is working with me on this good people
I have a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado with the 5.3L engine. It’s had issues and been burning ALOT of oil since around 20k miles. It’s at 130k now and burns about 4 quarts between oil changes. The Chevrolet service department says this is “normal” and to just keep checking it often ?. Chevrolet should be ashamed.
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra pickup and it has the 4.3 liter engine in it and it has been going though about a quart of oil in a few month. Now it has been going through antifreeze also it must be burning it cause it isn’t in the oil and oil is not in the antifreeze. This truck also has had the check engine light on since about a month after I bought it. They say it is something to do with the fuel system. Cause it takes about 15 minutes to fill it with a tank of gas. I also have a 2014 GMC Sierra pickup it has had the check engine light and the air bag light on since a week after I bought it. And the dealership I bought it from said it was not on when I bought it. It isn’t covered. Now the truck has been at the dealers to have a rack and piñon put in cause the power steering assist went out and it has been there for 2 months and now still is not fix and now there saying it needs a steering column. And it will be another few weeks till I get it back. And it also has the 4.3 liter engine in it to. And going to cost me around 5000 dollars and they say my truck needs 6000 dollars more work done to it. What do I do?
Continual excessive Oil use – yes since 2011, every month
I purchased a 2014 GMC Yukon in January 2021 with about 80k miles. I didn’t know anything about the oil consumption problem at the time. I ended up adding 3 quarts of oil before my first oil change. Ughhh, this is so frustrating and the warranty I purchased said they Will Not cover the $3300 to get the rings replaced! How can I join one of the lawsuits? I am in Oregon. I would appreciate any advice on what to do.
Ii haavvee. Aaa. 22201111 cchhvyy vvoollt
2011 gmc yukon. Always 2-3 qts low. Now have to replace lifters.
I have a 2012 Silverado my lifters collapsed once already then 2 years later same thing i just replaced my motor this time i need my money back they knew is was something up with this situation when I call GM they act like it was my fault i hate liers I’m so done with chevys now please help me
I have a 2011 GMC Terrain which is covered in this oil consumption recall. I have been keeping all records of my oild usage. A month ago. My car was making grinding weird noises and then the oil light came on. I rushed to oil can henrys to get it checked. I was 3 1/2 guarts low. Now I am using a quart every other week. My vechile has only 112 miles on it. I went to the dealership and told them my vehicle is part of a recall and they treated me rudely and said that the recall is no longer in effect. I said well I was just notified of it and I know you are wrong. SO the dept manager went under my vehicle and took pictures. He said noo you have a leak because the oil is sprayed all over the undercarriage. Well my car has absolutely no leaks, that spray is the back spray from the problem with the recall. They treated me like I was a stupid woman. The manager said I can pay $250 dollars and they would change my oil and “trouble shoot” where the leak was coming from. I am soo frustrated and honestly I don’t know how long my vehicle will continue to last at this rate. I am still paying the bank loan on this vehicle. Please Please help.