Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
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.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
87 thoughts onGM Vortec Engine in 2011-2014 GMC, Chevy Vehicles Defective, Alleges Class Action Lawsuit
I own a 2013 gmc yukon denali and had an oil consumption issue that was so bad it resulted in ruining my cylinders and me having to possibly by another engine
Bought a 2012 Chevy silverado with only 30k miles on it. Rebuilt the engine before it hit 90k miles. Had to rebuild the engine once more at around 150k and engines in the shop right now at 220k with the same exact problem
2012 Chevy Silverado engine had misfire in cylinder 7, got it fixed was told by the mechanic that it was mixing oil and coolant
2013 GMC Yukon XL Replaced engine in Feb 2021 with rebuilt one. Currently in the shop awaiting repairs for another blown cylinder. Had the same issue with engine in 2007 Chevy Suburban. POS engine that GM should stop using.
Already have had to replace motor in 2012 Silverado. Only at 140k miles too. Constantly fouling plugs and coil packs due to the oil issue I assume. Second motor, which is a GM reman installed by a GM dealer is already experiencing fouling again. Would be nice to have them have to deal with the problem they made. This has cost me a pretty penny and I still have a lemon
I have 2011 Avalanche and it burns a lot of oil.
I have a 2011 Avalanche it burns oil and I have to replace the number 1 spark plug about every 10,000 miles due to it being fouled
Out.
I have a 2011 chevy suburban. It burns through oil since I purchased it. And now started making I tic noise, which I believe was a lifter at the time. I took it in to chevy to get serviced. They told be The lifters were collapsed and re offended to replace motor. They quoted $9,900 for replacement.
Add me as well I have a 2011 Silverado it did burns oil like crazy and I had alway change spark plugs it in the shop as I speak an the mechanic said my motor is gone now
I have a 2011 Suburban that has always used oil, usually when the 4 cylinder option activates. It is bad on long trips. I put oil in every 1500 miles or so. It has caused fouled plugs usually the number 1 cylinder. I have have to change the plugs and wires every 75,000 miles to avoid issues. I change my oil every 5,000 miles so it’s not a maintenance issue.
2014 suburban
High oil use had to install a adm delete which helped but now I get poor fuel meage went from 18 to 15 mpg