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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
My 2011 Chevy Silverado goes thru a ton of oil and is always ticking
My 2011 Silverado 1/2 ton uses oil like crazy. And we change the spark plugs as they are covered in oil. Vickars said I should replace the motor. The machanic said they were having lots of problems with the 2011 motors using oil.
My 2011 Chevrolet truck started acting up and engine light came on took it in and they said it has to have a new engine that the engine is no good and that oil leaked into something . I had to get rid of it for nothing because I wasn’t putting that kind of money into it .
I just picked $10,000 for an engine my 2011 Chevy Silverado you said the engine was gone I had three months from a dealership and nobody’s helping me
My 2011 chevy silverado uses a lot of oil I keep up on oil changes has 165000 on it now it’s starting to make a ticking sound hope I can get a few more years out of it
I own a 2014 Chevy Silverado, burns oil faster than I can keep up with!
Owner of a 2011 suburban LT w/ 130k on it. Full synthetic oil change always. Use about 1/2 quart a week. Usually drive in manual 5th to keep it out of deactivation. 🤬
2014 Tahoe oil loss 60,000 miles is all that’s on it. A quart every 2,000 miles. Frustrating hope it gets replacement fixed under the lawsuit? Almost a $70k vehicle. Probably be the last Checy I ever buy of they don’t step up.
My afm failed, did a top engine rebuild, cost a lot and still have issues.
Mine’s burning a quart a week Just in last 6 months and my AFM ISNT ENGAGING
2011 chevy silverado 1500 5.3L. Just had to add two quarts 3000 miles after mt last oil change. Please add me.