Yet another class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors over alleged oil consumption issues with the Generation IV 5.3L Vortec V8 engine that was offered in a variety of its full-size truck and SUV models.
This latest lawsuit, which is one in a number of class action proceedings filed against GM over the exact same issue, was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. As Car Complaints reports, plaintiffs in this class action suit claim that affected Vortec V8 engines have faulty piston rings that fail to keep oil in the crankcase. This can lead to low oil levels, which can cause unacceptable heat and friction levels in the engine and potentially damage the engine internals. The oil leakage can also foul the spark plugs, causing the engine to misfire and/or shut down completely.
Just as in previous lawsuits over the alleged Vortec V8 oil consumption issues, this filing also claims the engine’s oil pressure relief valve sprays oil directly at the piston skirts, which can overload the rings and allow oil to sneak past into the combustion chamber, where it is then burned off.
Additionally, plaintiffs claim that the vehicle’s built-in oil level monitoring system can mislead the driver, as it does not indicate when the engine oil level has reached a critically low point. While the vehicle will produce a warning on the dash and an accompanying illuminated oil canister icon to warn the driver, these warnings are apparently not adequate enough to properly inform the driver of the current oil level.
This class-action lawsuit involves original owners or lessees of the following vehicles located in the state of Missouri:
- 2010-2014 GMC Sierra
- 2010-2014 GMC Yukon
- 2010-2014 GMC Yukon XL
- 2010-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2010-2014 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2010-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
Numerous other class-action lawsuits have been filed against GM over this issue in the United States, including in Ohio and Washington. A judge tossed out the Ohio suit last November after it was found that GM did not breach the terms of its warranty with the issue due to this being an inherent design defect and not a flaw related to manufacturing or materials.
GM Authority will provide an update on this latest Missouri oil burn lawsuit against GM when more information becomes available.
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Comments
I use 5 qts between oil changes about 1Q every thousand miles… religious oil changes with synthetic dexos oil since new… #1 cylinder I get about 17k miles before spark plugs grenades… I have 155k on the clock 2011 Silverado 5.3
Alex, you should never, ever put a full synthetic is a brand new engine. The reason is that it is so slippery that the rings never seat in properly. Years ago Mercedes offered free oil changes, but they only put a full synthetic in the engines after the first 15,000 km, which is 9,300 miles. This way, everything wore in properly, before the synthetic was added. I drove a baby Benz with a 4 cylinder Kompressor engine, from Detroit area back to Toronto at night. As much as i could, i was driving at 180 KPH on the HWY 401, with virtually no traffic at midnight. It had 20,000 km on it and the car owner was in the passenger seat, sleeping most of the way. We checked the oil before and after the 950 km return trip, with no noticeable consumption, even at those high speeds.
I was going to ask if maybe “break in” procedure might be part of the issue with these engines. The corvette had issues with that, had to change protocol to not have damaged engines.
wow the oems must be real stupid putting full synthetic in at the factory,be the first to tell them and they will probably give you a lifetime supply of free new vehicles for the millions in warranty claims you will save them.
Ouch
That is a lot of oil if you’re burning it that quick why in the hell are you using synthetic that is quite a bit of oil
sell asap
My parents have had their 2011 suburban for about 10 years now and in the past few years my dad says that it has been sucking oil like crazy. I’m guessing that it depends on driving styles (which my dad likes to drive aggressively) and how good they were built. He also tows his boat a lot which could also contribute. But it’s a older car so what do you expect?
Have you tried going to a heavier oil grade? Older engines that burn oil are know to “seal” back up with going 1 grade heavier. Every engine burns at least a little oil. I have a 09 5.3 and it has 189k, lots of heavy towing and only burns 1/2 qt every change, course it’s had its own share of maintenance, intake gasket at 169k. Needs new plugs now. What do you expect with older engines? I think it’s funny the lawsuit here says GM is responsible for having an oil level gauge. Should we tell the lawyers they need to sue Ford for the model T not having a “level” gauge as well? Lawyers are out of control🤣
We have a 2005 silverado 1500 and no oil usage. Then we got a 2008 silverado 1500 and it uses oil, have changed the valve cover and installed the deflective shield on pressure valve and it still uses oil. Both trucks were purchased preowned. GM needs to own up and fix this problem.
sell that 08
Have a 2012 Silverado, bought it with 68k, didn’t use a drop in a 6k oil change, now all of the sudden I’m about 1.5 quarts low between oil changes.
I have replaced my 5.3 in my 2011 Sierra I wish I new about this defective engine
I have an 03 Sierra four-wheel drive with a 5.3 with 155000 miles and it doesn’t even use a quart between oil changes which I change every 3000 miles
I have a 2008 flex fuel 5.3 I am now changing the engine for the second time, but gonna do the DOD DELETE, pre 2007 motors are way better I have a 03 Silverado with almost 300k on it and still runs excellent except me replacing the 4L60E transmission twice
I have a 2010 silverado Z71 with a 5.3L with 111,000 miles had it for over 2 years, bought it with 50k on clock and use only mobil1 advanced synthetic oil and filter, I have to put a avg. of a quart and half in everytime between oil changes, so I see the problem others are having, it’s a pain to do like going old school always having to check oil on dipstick , don’t rely on the sensors , oil pressure is always running normal, it’s only the mysterious oil consumption
I Have a 2019 RST SILVERADO 5.3 that have 53000 miles on it and the cam shaft is bad been in the shop for a month I think that engine is junk
I am in the automotive rebuilding business. The most common problem we see in any LS series engine is the oil ring on pistons being stuck or filled with sludge. I believe a couple of things may cause this problem. 1- lack of maintenance with oil change, either way too many miles or 2- the wrong weight oil. Have talked with customers that were starting to see oil consumption and by changing oil brands and less miles between oil changes have been able to correct the problem. Even when we take apart an engine that was known to be using oil never see any piston, cylinder wall or bearing problem, only oil control ring problem. I can’t say which oil is best, but not all are the same as far as helping to prevent sludge. Just remember oil is much cheaper than replacing your engine. Read your owners manual and pay attention to type of oil and when to do maintenance. Nothing wrong in using a shorter mileage for change rather than factory recommend.
Would you say Mobil 1 is a oil you would use in your vehicle. Thanks
I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 and it also goes through a lot of oil. Seems like im in the shop getting a oil change every 3- 5 months within 1 month it goes down to 50% oil remaining. O know that not good. I have asked my local dealership and they said its not a issue. The local dealership isn’t very helpful.
I use Mobil 1 5W-30 in all of my vehicles. From V-8’s, V-6’s, and 2.0L with Turbo charger, all get changed at 5k or 1 year whichever comes first, I’ve never had to top off any between changes. 3 of them since new, no problems.
Yes, but after the 500 mile break in. I don’t want to give my opinions on oil brands as each their own. Best to search but a few mentioned here are rated very high. With any LS or turbo, or any direct injection, I would search catch can. And as someone already provided good advice, get AFM.
I have met a few that change their oil religiously, but always swing past a quick lube place that uses low grade bulk 5w30 oil. I also know that having the Dexos rating means you pay GM for the certification. There is no follow up testing to see if oil manufacturers are maintaining the level of quality. (concerning on bargain brands)
I too have been part of rebuilding LS engines and hole heartily agree! Cylinders are clean. My examples are junkyard finds or high performance builds, changing the heads and cams. These engines take massive abuse and no oil issues. I will also include cold starts, meaning let it warm up a minute before immediately putting in gear. And at stop lights, don’t press the gas immediately to 4k RPM. Reason, engine friction/wear is on initial start up to get the oil through the valley’s from the oil pump in the pan. Same for the stop light. As for oil, my 475 hp LS1 5.7 uses M1 FS and changed at 3k miles or sooner based on track usage or how long it sits and my 09 Colorado 4×4 v8 5.3 has 114k and no oil usage too. I use Castrol Edge FS, changed at 7k miles or 5 months which ever comes first. PLUS, ALWAYS CHECK THE OIL. Other areas to check, oil blow back into the induction system that can put into air filter. That’s oil consumption because the PCV isn’t efficient with direct fuel engines. New aftermarket correctness is called a “catch can”. Instead of having oil blow into the induction system the oil is caught into the can where you can put it back in the engine or dump it. Sometimes the oil can lubricate the smog devices and cause an SES on your dash. This is one of the biggest issues new motors mentioned in this thread. Direct injection has its positives and negatives. Other mechanics want to chime in….
Hilarious. This commenter sounds like a GM UAW member. Lol. Oil type. Yep, uh huh.
I own a 2009 sierra alt 5.3 210000 miles and no oil issues. Course I did have the AFM tuned out and although it gets crappy mpgs it okay it’s a pickup truck and I’m good with it….
Paul v Estes. I have 2007 classic with a 5.3 new with 82 miles uses 1qt oil every 1000 miles.now at 100 plus .i have low oil pressure and still using oil will gm go good for this? What can I do?
sell
Stop using synthetic oil in those engines I went straight to using a high quality petroleum based oil in my 2011 silverado after my warranty was up and never had issues my oil pressure is higher no lifter noise and no oil consumption some folks just don’t get it
You know I have a Note 3 Sierra and I’ve tried to run synthetic in it and I actually get lower oil pressure running that synthetic and I’ve checked it and went back to a regular 5:30 and oil pressure was fine and I would go back to his synthetic and it would be the same thing I would have less oil pressure so I stopped running synthetic I don’t think these motors really care for that synthetic while that’s what I’m finding out my 03 that I get much better oil pressure with without a standing out just a regular Standard Oil
My Tahoe 2010 burn oil smell burned oil after 30: minutes drive
A heavier weight oil will only make things worst. All engines now use very thin low tension rings. By reducing ring tension which is the drag or force the ring pushes against the cylinder wall it takes less force to rotate the engine so free horsepower and better fuel mileage. Now because of this reduced friction the ring is not able to remove heavy weight oil from cylinder wall so we use 5w/20 or maybe as light as 0w/16. Things get very critical very fast in newer motors!
Well I never got that memo then because I’ve used 5w30 rotella for years in these engines and never had one burn oil yet with oil changes around 3500 miles alot of problems are from neglect and poor service
My son has a 2009 Silverado. Checked oil level before leaving on a trip to Dallas from Tinker AFB in OKC. Ran it low on oil on the 6 hour round trip and tossed it’s cookies. Came home on a flatbed. Two year Airman sure didn’t need that added expense. Sad kinda…….
Need some help understanding how I can get involved in the lawsuits filed regarding the GM’s 5.3L Vortec engine. Have a 2010 Avalanche that just had to replace the engine core because of bad value lifters and the camshaft was toast. Embarrassed to say how much it cost me… GM dealership says Chevy won’t respond to the problem.
Hey Joe,
I have two Avalanches, an ‘07 for a winter beater and a ‘13 for summer. The ‘07 at 252k started burning oil badly, lifter noise, coding for a #1 and #7 cylinder misfires, “service traction control” and “service stabilitrak”. It then would crazy hard shift. Mechanic said the book states to replace cam and lifters. Not an option with those miles. He pulled his “Range AFM Disabler” out of his ‘18 Silverado for me to try. I went less than 2 miles and it started running perfectly and all the codes cleared! I ordered one the next day and it has been running as it should with it installed. I’m at 256k now and all is well. I cant say that your situation was the same as mine, but maybe this gives some hope to others that have this issue. I would have sent this to the boneyard if not for the Range.
I had the same problem on my 07 I’m disgusted.$$$$$
Goggle is your friend . Disable AFM or better get the baby 8 , the 4.8 Silverado V8
Beer Goggles?
I have 5.3 and it uses guard every 1500 miles and bank 7 fouls out too had 36000 on it when I got it now has 103000 on it should I be worried about it
sell
I have 5.3 and it uses quart every 1500 miles and bank 7 fouls out too had 36000 on it when I got it now has 103000 on it should I be worried about it
yes sell
I have a 2006 5.3 crew cab 4wd. Its been the best vehicle ive ever owned. Only time i have had to add oil was at around 8000 miles between an oil change (yes,my fault 100%) i have around 160k on it. Im in iowa. Super cold winter starts, and scorching hot summers. Ive heard horror stories starting in 07 with oil consumption. Only issue i have had is with the rockers. Would like to buy a newer truck, but between rusting out something terrible or being the exxon val-diez….i will just stick with my 06.
The more fancy crap that’s not needed they add the more problems consumers have, over engineering is a problem, over complicating things, engine cut off at stop signs, cutting off cylinders at cruising speed, and alot of other unnecessary stuff I’m not remembering at the moment, they try to get to smart for their own good, all it does is cause problems where there didn’t need to be any, not to mention sensors galore, with winter, summer, rough rodes, rain, you can’t put all this crap on a vehicle and not have it go bad, when will they learn.
Whenever you start to accelerate the cylinder shut off feature is so rough. They either just need to turbocharge a smaller engine or just get rid of the whole cylinder shut off thing. Let’s face it. No one is buying a Suburban or a Sierra for fuel economy.
Gavin K.. See my posts about getting a Range Tech. AFM Disabler. $200.00 and it works!!!!!!!!!!!! GM will NEVER acknowledge a mistake, without this law suit. “Nuff said
Same with my 2007 Avalanche.
I have a 2010 silverado Z71 with a 5.3L with 111,000 miles had it for over 2 years, bought it with 50k on clock and use only mobil1 advanced synthetic oil and filter, I have to put a avg. of a quart and half in everytime between oil changes, so I see the problem others are having, it’s a pain to do like going old school always having to check oil on dipstick , don’t rely on the sensors , but my oil pressure is consistent and runs normal it’s just the mysterious oil consumption and if there is a problem on GM’s and which I’ve read they fixed on the models after our, then they were aware of the problem and they need to make right and fix the problem that we have
think about selling
I have a 2013 serria, a few months ago I had a low oil light come on, I change my oil every 5000 miles with castoil, senthic 5-30, I checked my oil on my dip stick and I shocked to see my oil was low, no leaks anywhere but it took 3 qts. to bring the oil level up, my engine only has 155000 miles,
sell now
I have a 2001 Silverado with over 200k on it, doesn’t burn a drop. I get comments on how quiet it runs, a testament to regular oil changes. But then again, I am not concerned about knick knacks like tire pressure matters and touchscreens. I just want a vehicle that runs and is reliable.
Thumbs up.
it will go another 100k with a trans. rebuild
Most of these issues are mainly cause by lack of service and abuse I’ve had three of those engines and never had a problem with using oil or other things to worry about and went 200 thousand+ miles to boot
You are one LUCKY guy! Do you think for a single minute, that all these thousands of GM 5.3 owners are so stupid, that they don’t do the proper service? GM in their effort to build a better CAFE rating, has tried almost every trick in the book to do so. The latest try, is the AFM system. ( Now, it’s stop/start) In theory, it looked good, but in the real world, everything that has to happen to make it work, doesn’t work!!! Therefore, when it kraps the bed, it causes many, many, problems. No amout of proper maintenance will make ANY diffrence. It’s a very poor system. That’s while GM has dropped it. Try to get a dealer to fix it on their dime. NOT gonna happen. I’ve said it before. It’s just like the late ’70’s, early ’80’s cam shaft problems. GM made owners pay for the work…UNTIL a class action suit made GM fix the problem at NO cost to owners. That’s what will happen here. Mark my words.
My chev started to burn oil ( one litre in 5000km)around 90,000 for about 10,000 km then stopped. It has 400,000 km on it and does not burn a drop. Mind you , my 1500 truck is a 2001. I also ran synthetic it whole life.
Again, you are a lucking one. Also 2001 did not have AFM. GM had not started the CAFE dance, yet. keep up with your maintenace program. Small blocks USED to last. Not any more.
2005 Chevy Tahoe LT runs like a champ
2005 Chevy Tahoe LT runs like a champ .
My 2015 Chevy Equinox does this how come this vehicle isn’t included in lawsuit I’ve reported this several times its like every time i get an oil change im right back putting oil in it within a month that shouldn’t be right i work 2 miles from home and I’ve only been on the road 2 times as the owner.
sell now
It’s interesting that the 2014 Sierra and Silverado were added to this class action suit. They were not on some of the others. ??? Deactivate the AFM with a Rangetech.com device.
My 2011 Silverado eats up oil. 124.000 miles. Illinois
sell now
I have an 08 Silverado and I have to add a quart of oil in between oil changes. Doesn’t smoke or leak just gone.
good time to thinking about selling
I have a 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 as described in lawsuit my vehicle is doing the same thing oil consumption foul plugs. I got to add oil to it every so often misfiring engine light comes on. Need to sell plugs loss of oil same problem I’d like to get on that lawsuit
I think you are out of luck due to bankruptcy
Mine will go sometimes an entire oil change of 3000 miles and not burn a drop and the next thing I know it is 3 quarts low. Now I have low oil pressure and they are saying the cam bearings are shot. I don’t know if it is the pickup tube screen clogged, the oil pump seal or what. All I know is it is going to get real expensive to repair. I have replaced two oil pressure sensors and did engine flushes, but the problem always returns. I have a 2011 Cheverolet Silverado 1500 4 x 4 and have never pulled a trailer.
You wasted your time and money on senders and oil flushes you never stated what type of oil your using that is important and how many total miles the truck has
My 13 Sierra also has this issue of consumption and low pressure. Brought a qapqlug device to stop engine going to 4 cylinders. Also quit using synthetic oil. It is better but not cured entirely. Have about 115 k miles. Believe GM should be responsible for rebuild or replace.ll
I have a 2012 gmc ,mine does the same too
2014 Chevy Silverado 4×4 crew cab LT 5.3L V8 flex fuel tech eco boost GM motor that uses 0w dextos oil . My problems started with Low oil pressure alert light . So first I replaced sensor valve thing that was cheap and easy to get but didn’t fix issue . So next I Took to mechanic shop and told them I needed oil pump replacement. Then after few days the mechanic shop said that there was gas mixed with the engine oil when going to drain oil and replace the pump . They told me I needed a new engine do to bad piston rings or something. I’m so upset because I can’t afford new engine . So I now have new oil pump and new plugs and wires and ignition coil and new oil change costing total of $3200. I get my truck home , it drives good for 2 days and I park it in garage and when I go to drive it couple days later I noticed oil has leaked everywhere from underneath. I checked the dip stick it smells like gasoline has got in the oil . What does this mean and what’s causing it to happen . Help please .
So my truck is burning about 3 quarts of oil each time I do the oil change every 5000 miles, is anybody else having the same issue with their GMC truck or SUV? Unfortunately my warranty expired at 70,000 miles and I just over 900 miles and the dealer won’t do anything to fix the problem because i have no warranty. As well I contact the lemon law and they told me the exact same thing lemon law only qualifies if you still have a warranty on the vehicle and if you’ve already also done repairs on the vehicle through the warranty this is so bull$hit.
Yes, those complaints sound about right I have a 2011 chevy suburban. I did purchase it used from Virginia in 2016. Took it to the checy dealer and they had no idea where my oil was going. My truck was not leaking oil at all . The tech told me my engine was 4 quarts low. I went and put a brand new engine in my truck it cost me $7300. I would like to be add to this class action suit.