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General Motors PCV System Class Action Lawsuit Overview:Â
- Who: A group of General Motors vehicle owners have filed a class action lawsuit against the car manufacturer.Â
- Why: Vehicle owners claim GM fails to disclose an alleged defect with the positive crank ventilation system in certain vehicles it manufactures and sells.Â
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Michigan federal court.
General Motors fails to disclose a defect with the positive crank ventilation system (PCV) in their vehicles’ internal combustion engines, a new class action lawsuit alleges.Â
A group of GM vehicle owners claim the PCV systems in certain vehicles manufactured by the company are prone to “plugging and clogging” during cold weather.Â
The vehicles affected by the alleged defect are GM’s 2010-2016 Buick Lacrosse, 2011-2017 Buick Regal, 2012-2017 Buick Verano, 2010-2015 Chevrolet Captiva, 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox, 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu and 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles, according to the class action lawsuit.Â
In the event a PCV system malfunctions, the owners argue the vehicle’s engine pressure can increase and lead to a rupture of its rear main seal, which they say can cause both catastrophic and permanent damage.Â
GM, vehicle owners claim, sent out a “Diagnostic Tip” bulletin to dealers, but not to customers, in 2019 on account of the alleged clogging issue.
GM Class Action Claims Automaker Neither Recalled Affected Vehicles Nor Extended Warranties
Vehicle owners argue, meanwhile, that GM neither recalled the vehicles nor extended their warranties, instead electing only to “advised technicians to use a drill bit to clean out the clogged orifice.”Â
Further, vehicle owners claim GM has known since “at least 1985” about the “PCV system’s vulnerability to cold weather and clogging” with owners arguing the company has repeatedly advised dealers on “how to fix” the issue.
“Despite this track record, GM continues to conceal this defect from consumers at the point of sale and continues to design, manufacture, distribute and sell hundreds of thousands of vehicles prone to this defect,” the class action lawsuit states.Â
Vehicle owners claim GM is guilty of unjust enrichment and fraudulent concealment, among other things, and in violation of a number of state consumer protection acts.Â
The vehicle owners want to represent a nationwide Class and Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin subclasses of all persons or entities who purchased or leased one or more of the affected GM vehicles.
Plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial and requesting injunctive relief along with costs, restitution and punitive, exemplary and treble damages for themselves and all class members.Â
In related news, GM recalled more than 740,000 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles last month over concerns the vehicles’ lower head lamps could present a glare issue due to a headlight housing defect.Â
Have you purchased a GM vehicle containing a defective PCV system? Let us know in the comments!Â
The plaintiffs are represented by E. Powell Miller, Sharon S. Almonrode and Dennis A. Lienhardt of The Miller Law Firm PC and Steve W. Berman, Jerrod C. Patterson and Anthea D. Grivas of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP.Â
The General Motors PCV System Class Action Lawsuit is Kiriacopoulos, et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. 2:22-cv-10785, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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186 thoughts onGM Class Action Alleges Automaker Fails To Disclose Engine-Related Defect
We bough a 2017 chevy equinox and just two weeks ago the main rear seal blew out and the engine froze up.
we had cold weather in Illinois and my 2017 equinox. blew out rear seal. insurance said they would not cover it do to extreme cold weather. Going to cost me about $2500 to replace the seal
We have a 2017 GMC Terrain with a 2.4 eco engine. On an extreme cold day when the temperature was way below zero, I was driving and the engine started making sound and losing power. Then I felt and heard a pop. Vehicle died. I had it towed to our mechanic and was told that the engine was seized do to a PCV valve failure. Estimate to repair vehicle is more than vehicle is worth.
We have a 2017 GMC Terrain with a 2.4 eco engine. On an extreme cold day when the temperature was way below zero, I was driving and the engine started making sound and losing power. Then I felt and heard a pop. Lights and warnings came on. Vehicle died. I took to our mechanic and was told that the engine was seized do to a PCV valve failure. Estimate to repair vehicle is more than vehicle is worth.
My 2017 Equinox 87000 miles had this issue 2 weeks ago. Already had the timing chain issue addressed in October . This time they said the pcv system clogged on blew out rear main seal. Quoted $9700 to replace. My daughter was driving on the highway when vehicle quit. She was able to get to the side of the road. Glad it was a Sunday am and not as much traffic. Also below zero temps so was stranded in extreme cold. Waiting for response from service manager was offered $250 to junk the vehicle which is spotless minus the engine.
2016 Equinox, rear main seal out, leaked enough oil for engine to almost seize up. Dealer wants $3,400 to repair (just replace seal and drill out manifold, forget that the engine bearings are more than likely going out very soon after the misrepresented repair). Dealer claims clogged PCV is cause. Temperature in Iowa reached -7 degrees Fahrenheit for the high when it occured, can you ice (was the cause)? Single mother with 3 yr old, college student, buys car with warranty up front for some “never to happen incident ” peace of mind. Neither GM or warranty will even cover half the total bill. She is required to pay about $2’000 for GM’s mistake? Absolute unethical business practice. Shame on you GM for not managing your business before the bailout, and absolutely uncalled for that you didn’t learn any lessons after. Zero accountability, no oversight, you and our government should not be allowed to waste anymore taxpayer dollars.
Disgusted consumer.
Had my 2016 Chevy Equinox give out last week. Over $5,000 demanded to repair, because the rear main seal gave out. The car is unusable, has not been owned a year, and I still owe over $10,000 on it.
We also just had the rear main seal fail in our 2017 Chevy Equinox as a result of the PCV tube.
Please include me as well. I have a 2015 GMC Terrain with a 2.4 eco. Mine is at the shop right now awaiting the parts to replace this system. $2500 was my quote for the fix plus I will have to rent a car for a week or longer awaiting the repairs to get done. I had my oil changed about 6 weeks ago and it was suddenly stalling out and was over 4 quarts low, no warning lights came on. Fumes were filling the cab at random times so badly I had to roll down the windows to make it home. I owe $14k for this truck yet. I’ve had it not even 2 years and it’s been in twice for recall repairs. I have 2 kids 10 and under Thanks.
Have exactly this problem with my 2017 Chevy Equinox. Costing me $3800 to fix.
I also own a 2017 Chevy Equinox and just paid $3400 to fix this exact issue!!