Judge Puts Class Action Oil Burn Lawsuit Against GM On Hold
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A judge overseeing a number of class action lawsuit cases against General Motors alleging the automaker’s 2.4-liter Ecotec engine burns oil has put the case on hold over settlement terms.
The three class-action suits, which have now been consolidated into a single case, allege the 2.4-liter LEA Ecotec four-cylinder engine found in the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 model-year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers burn a quart of oil for every 1,000 miles the vehicles are driven, Car Complaints reports. The suit is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
In addition, these naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines may be found to have faulty spark plugs, low oil pressure, damaged timing chains and produce a knocking sound, the suit says. In some cases, they may also fail completely, according to the filing. GM denies the engines have a defect, but the automaker has also agreed to settle the lawsuit in order to avoid dragging out the trial and incurring further legal expenses.
GM’s proposed settlement will entitle customers to piston assembly replacements within seven years and six months of the initial purchase date of the vehicle, or up to 10 years, depending on the vehicle model year and date of purchase. Claimants must take their vehicles to an authorized GM dealer for a free diagnosis and if it is found to be consuming “excessive oil,” they will receive “free piston assembly replacement.” If customers have already paid out of pocket for piston assembly/piston ring repairs, they are also entitled to reimbursement under certain terms.
However, at least 70 GM customers have objected to the proposed settlement, saying GM must say if it will provide entire engine replacements for vehicles where the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines failed completely. They also complained to the judge that since GM is inspecting the vehicles, it can simply reject legitimate claims and avoid having to pay for repairs.
According to Car Complaints, the judge overseeing the case, Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, notified GM’s lawyers and the attorneys pursuing the class action suit to agree to more “robust” settlement terms by October 25, 2019. The judge also wants GM to contact affected customers, including those who had previously opted out of the settlement after they were unhappy with its terms.
When GM and the attorneys pursuing the class action case can agree to different terms, the case will be allowed to continue.
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Source: Car Complaints
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Hard to believe that crap like this still continues after making engines for over 100 years! Hyundai is also having trouble with there 2.4 liter engines seizing up or knocking due to poorly machines blocks and shrapnel getting into the oil pickup delivery system. It has happened to 2 different friends of mine with 2013 and 2014 Sonata’s.
Instead of nipping this in the bud and just getting the problem fixed, GM again has chosen to take the expensive way out.
Expensive for all of us because oil burning engines can’t possible conform to EPA. How much damage has this caused the environment. VW is paying dearly for sidestepping emission issues – you’d think GM would have taken a smarter path.
Ultra low friction piston rings that never get properly seated because they are driven by users who would never push the throttle past 1/4. GMs fault for making a crap engine, the owners fault for never actually driving the thing, the EPAs fault for mandating ridiculous fleet requirement and forcing manufacturers to resort to tricks like low friction piston rings and zero weight oil.
The November 6 settlement is bogus because it excludes owners like me who’s were already past the 120,000 mile mark before the lawsuit was even made class action. The dealership has diagnosed my vehicle with this very malady, needing piston assembly replacement and timing chain rework, and they are wanting $4300 to do it, which is more than the car is even worth.
I have a 2014 Equinox with about 74k miles. I just realized this problem on Friday when my engine began ticking. I pulled the dipstick and it was dry. I needed an oil change anyway so I didn’t drive it. When I changed the oil it only had about 2.5 quarts in it out of 5q. How do I join this class action law suit? I’ve been searching but can’t see how to get compensated. People tell me to sell it while it’s still running fine. I can’t dump this on some poor unsuspecting person.
I currently have a 2013 Chevy equinox and 3 months ago my engine seized due to this oil consumption issue!!! I was getting oil changes way to often, and my car would start to shake and make noises before the oil change was even due. I was told I’m not eligible for the lawsuit because my car can’t pass an oil consumption test since the engine already blew. Thanks a lot! I still owe 8k on the car and can’t afford a new engine. I’ve been without a car ever since. I hope for a better news soon.
My daughter has 2010 Equinox. The engine just blew. It appears the rear main seal let go causing engine to overheat and throw a rod. Do we have any chance of recouping anything with this lawsuit?
I have a 2013 Equinox and the engine just failed because of that. It died on me two days ago Jan 20/2020 ended up towing it home with my truck. How do I get them to fix the engine. The car was bought brand new and only has 190km
I have a 2012 GMC Terrain and it only has 33,000 miles. Started having problems as soon as it hit 30,000. GMC won’t pay to have it fixed. Who can I call to help me!!! Please contact me at [email protected]
I have a 2011 Equinox and have had a few issue with excessive oil consumption but never received any sort of notice or recall. I’m the sole owner and it has 86,000 miles. I stopped taking it to the dealership mechanic after the warranty expired because it was too expensive. I guess I’ll contact a GM dealer and see what they say.
I filled out the paperwork and was told it would take maybe until August2020 to settle. So what is going on and how will I know if I will get reimbursed for the cost of the repairs I already paid out?
Wow, I like your blog!
Can someone please help with information, I recently noticed my 2013 GMC Terrain burns oil it was almost 3 quarts low when I brought it for a oil change. I contacted GMC and one of there people named Lexi was assigned to help me, in my opinion she is sarcastic and deters from actually helping. They said I have to put 2000 miles on the vehicle before January 18th 2021 and provide proof of all oil changes since ive owned the car. I explained that I’m in an area that is currently locked down not supposed to travel unless essential and that it was going to be hard to force 2,000 mi on it in less you’re a month.. representative said tuff too bad but there’s no leeway. And after January 18 they will not be required to repair.
You can do what I and many many Americans will do in response to being taken advantage of by GM….pledge to never buy a GM product ever again.