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.
A judge in Florida federal court has put her stamp of approval on a $42 million settlement agreement which resolves three lawsuits claiming that General Motors sold vehicles with an oil consumption defect.
Plaintiffs Ellen Berman and Dayana Guach allege that General Motors model year 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain cars that have 2.4-liter Ecotec engines suffer from the defect that consumes oil at a very high rate.
The primary cause of the defect is malfunctioning piston rings, which are prone to premature wear, the judge’s order states. The defect necessitates the need for the car owner to replenish the car’s oil more frequently.
The plaintiffs filed suit in September 2018, claiming that General Motors breached their written warranties under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and violated the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Two other class action lawsuits were subsequently filed, based on similar allegations. The judge’s approval of the settlement resolves the claims in these three cases.
Starting in 2014, General Motors issued Special Coverage Adjustments (SCAs) for the model years 2010-2012 of the class vehicles, the judge’s order reads.
The SCAs were put into effect to extend the class vehicles’ warranty for piston replacement beyond the normal warranty expiration period, which was five years or 100,000 miles.
“The SCAs provided that owners of Class Vehicles could take their vehicles to a dealership and undergo an oil consumption diagnosis. If the diagnosis indicated excessive oil consumption, GM would replace the piston rings for free, if the vehicle was within certain time and mileage limitations,” the judge states in her order.
The Settlement Class is defined as: “All persons within the United States who purchased or leased, at any time before the Preliminary Approval Date, a new retail or used model year 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain vehicle equipped with 2.4 liter Ecotec engines, manufactured prior to the Production Change, and who have not executed a prior release of claims related to Class Vehicle oil consumption or resulting piston or engine damage in favor of GM.”
In addition, the judge’s order states that, for model year 2010-2012 class vehicles, owners will be able to get a free replacement of piston assemblies at authorized dealerships.
Also, Class Members who already paid for covered repairs but who did not already submit a claim under the Special Coverage Adjustments will have 120 days to submit a claim.
For model year 2013 class vehicles, Class Members will receive free piston assembly replacement. Also, those who previously paid out-of-pocket for repairs can file claims for reimbursement of expenses.
Each Class representative will receive $4,500 as a service payment, which the judge determined to be “appropriate, fair, and reasonable.” This award is being paid by General Motors separately from the funds being made available via the settlement agreement.
Also, the attorneys for the plaintiffs will receive fees of $3,390,351, which is eight percent of the settlement value. Class Counsel will also receive reimbursement of $109,649 for litigation expenses.
Do you own one of the class vehicles mentioned as part of the settlement? Leave a message in the comments section below.
Top Class Actions will post updates to this class action settlement as they become available. For the latest updates, keep checking TopClassActions.com or sign up for our free newsletter. You can also receive notifications when this article is updated by using your free Top Class Actions account and clicking the “Follow Article” button at the top of the post.
The plaintiffs are represented by Rachel Soffin, Gregory F. Coleman, Adam A. Edwards and Mark E. Silvey of Greg Coleman Law PC, Robert Ahdoot of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC, and Daniel K. Bryson and J. Hunter Bryson of Whitfield Bryson & Mason LLP.
The GM Chevrolet Equinox SUV Oil Consumption Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Ellen Berman, et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 2:18-cv-14371, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida; Hindsman, et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 3:17-cv-05337, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California; and Sanchez, et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 1:18-cv-02536, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
2,085 thoughts on$42M GM Chevy Equinox Oil Guzzling Class Action Settlement Approved
I have a equinox and when I finally got ahold of the lawyer and I received the notice in mail they said time was too late
I bought my 2014 equinox brand new in 2014. I have had nothing but issues with thus same exact problem. Burns through oil like no other. No oil pressure Guage at all. Driving gone from work one dsy and car just shut off going down highway. Cone to find out the oil pan gasket blew. No oil light, warning ights of any sorts even after car died. That was a very expensive fix for a single mother of 4!!!!
My 2013 Equinox has several issues because of the oil burning too quickly. I am having to put oil in it every week. My car is paid off and I cannot afford to buy another car because of low income and trying to raise a family. I have never heard of this lawsuit until I was searching online trying to find a solution and or recalls to my car problems.
I have a 2011 GMC Terrain that has cost me THOUSANDS in repair due to oil consumption. This vehicle has never operated correctly and no mechanic has ever been able to solve this unrelenting problem. I also have had stabilitrak issues that have caused safety concerns. Any class actions available??
Looking for compensation on my 2012 Chevy equinox that burns and leaks oil. And my 2016 gmc 2500 white truck with paint peeling issues
2011 Chevy Equinox has been a total LEMON. It leaked oil like crazy, would stall in traffic and even worse when trying to accelerate onto a highway which was very scary and dangerous! We went back to the dealership numerous times and I sent in all the paperwork but never received anything about a settlement. Can you please check the records to see if it went to my Brother In Law? John Adrian Elson worked for GM and helped us get a family discount, then transferred the title to me Sharon J. Fisher and my Husband Curtis C. Fisher. We spent so much money on this LEMON that I could cry everytime I think of it! Please help?
Sharon & Curtis Fisher previous address: 8027 Widmer Lenexa, KS 66215 913-599-6678 or 816-810-2691 previous #s. NEW #913-291-3811
Dealership was Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission 8300 Shawnee Mission Parkway Merriam, KS 66202 833-876-0720
Yo acabo de comprar una chevy equinox 2012 y me di cuenta que gasta mucho aceite ayer lo lleve al mecanico y se sorprendio cuando reviso el aceite que no traia nada y es que apenas hace un mes le hice el cambio de aceite…y me dijo que tengo que estar revisando el aceite si no se va a dañar el motor…quisiera saber màs hacerca de la demanda que han echo por lo menos que den dinero para arreglar el problema..màs informacion por favor…
My 2012 Equinox has had several issues because of the oil burning too quickly. I have replaced camshaft sensors 4 times. I will run out of oil within just a few weeks after an oil change. I would trade it in but a paid it off.
My 2011 Equinox has been nothing but trouble due to the faulty engine and oil consumption.
PLEASE CONTACT ME. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE MY IWN CLASS ACTION IN STATE OF MARYLAND FOR ORIGINAL OWNER & BUYER/CURRENT OWNER NOT BEING NOTIFIED, IF UNABLE TO RECEIVE SETTLEMENT PAYOUT ON THIS LAWSUIT. Own 2010 Chevy Equinox that we purchased from my father-in-law. Neither has never received any notification or information regarding this lawsuit. Have auto shop receipts showing repair due to major oil consumption & check engine on/off. Shop replaced rings, etc. SUV broke down 2021 out of state (New York) due to blown piston. Told engine needed to be replaced. We still have vehicle but have not replaced engine, because we cannot afford.