Steven Cohen  |  November 20, 2019

Category: Auto News

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.

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2,106 thoughts on$42M GM Chevy Equinox Oil Guzzling Class Action Settlement Approved

  1. Laura says:

    Been having issues forever with my 2012 Equinox. Never can find an issue at the manufacturer or my regular mechanic except low on oil. Paid for possible assumptions of the problem suggested by the manufacturer but never resolved. Now my car needs to be replaced for engine trouble. What now?

  2. Dee says:

    Hey has anyone received any more for this?

  3. Charisse says:

    I had to replace three engines in my 2013 GMC Terrain. I submitted my paper work. Does anyone know when we will receive payment?

  4. Robert Faltisek says:

    this is me i had to replace a engine do to this…..

  5. Dawn L Murtha says:

    We have a 2013 Chevy Equinox that burns oil like water. Is our car eligible for the repairs? We got notified about the class action lawsuit. I sent our papers away but never got anything back. When we checked the oil today and it was low, even though it isn’t due for an oil change it reminded me that I never heard anything back about the results of the trial. Please advise me as to what action we need to take. Thanking you in advance.

  6. Cheryl Helms says:

    I own a 2013 Equinox & just started having this problem! Light not coming on when oil was almost out! Car wanting to move ahead even when I had my foot on the brake & a noise coming when I press on the gas!

    1. Cheryl Helms says:

      Please help & contact me! This is ridiculous! When someone buys a car we expect everything to be built right! Not our fault! Just took mine in today & found out the terrible news! Chevrolet you owe us! Fix my car! I really like my car but if nothing is done I will not buy another Chevrolet! I have 3 mionths & mine will be paid for but have to deal with this! Ugh!

  7. Valerie Gunn says:

    I have a 2011 chevy equinox that’s using oil. Will I be qualify for the settlement.

  8. Kimberly Fehrmann says:

    I had this exact issue with my 2.4 L engine 2013 GMC Terrain was constantly using excess oil until without a light On or warning literally ran out of oil. Cost me thousands to repair this piston ring whole engine issue. I sent the paperwork back, I sure hope I get my money back for this issue that should have been a recall from the start. :(

  9. Chris Manning says:

    I own a 2014 Equinox that uses a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Has there been anything done with any after the 2013? Same issues, just a year newer.

  10. Joe says:

    I own a 2013 GMC terrain am I eligible? I go through 1.5-2.5 quarts a week

    1. Shenitra Lawston says:

      I have a 2011 Terrain and now I need a new engine. Do I qualify?

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