GM Hit With Class Action Lawsuit For PCV Issues In 2.4L Engines
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A class-action lawsuit has been filed against GM over problems with the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine offered in certain 2010 to 2017 model year Chevy, Buick and GMC vehicles.
This lawsuit, which was first covered by Car Complaints, claims the 2.4L engine in affected vehicles does not have a traditional positive crankcase ventilation valve, but rather a fixed orifice vacuum port in the intake manifold. This small fixed orifice, located between the #2 and #3 intake runners, can get clogged with water, sludge and grime or, in cold weather conditions, ice. If the PCV is clogged, the crankcase pressure can cause the engine’s rear main seal to fail, which can lead to an oil leak and, if left unaddressed, total engine failure.
2.4L PCV orifice (photo from GM service bulletin)
According to Car Complaints, this class-action suit is open to all American consumers who purchased or leased one of the following Chevy, Buick or GMC vehicles from April 1st, 2016 onward:
- 2010-2016 Buick Lacrosse (including Hybrid/eAssist models)
- 2011-2017 Buick Regal
- 2012-2017 Buick Verano
- 2010-2015 Chevrolet Captiva
- 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu (including ECO, eAssist and Hybrid modes)
- 2010-2017 GMC Terrain
The publication also points to a GM diagnostics bulletin that was sent to dealers in February of 2019, which was titled “Diagnostic Tip for Oil Leak from Rear of Engine After Extended Driving in Cold Temperatures Below 0 Degrees.” This bulletin indicates that some customers “may comment that an engine oil leak appeared as they were driving the vehicle in extremely cold ambient temperatures,” and that some customers may have “heard a single ‘pop’ noise right before the oil leak started.”
2.4L PCV orifice (photo from GM service bulletin)
To address the problem, GM suggested technicians clean any debris out of the PCV hose/fixed orifice and inspect/replace the PCV hoses if necessary. This bulletin is applicable for vehicles in cold weather climates only, suggesting the problem could be tied to low ambient temperatures. We also found a separate bulletin from March 2015 titled ‘Plugged PCV Orifice in Intake Manifold‘ that instructed technicians on how to unclog the PCV system in certain 2.4L Ecotec powered vehicles. Images from this 2015 bulletin are embedded above.
Plaintiffs are seeking damages as they say GM has not officially recalled affected vehicles for this problem and will instead temporarily fix the solution by using a drill bit to clean out the PCV port. They also say GM has not offered an extended warranty beyond its fixed five-year/60,000-mile coverage.
The suit so far involves four plaintiffs, four of which own Chevy Equinox models and three of which own GMC Terrain models. These plaintiffs are seeking the “recovery of the purchase price of their vehicles, compensation for overpayment and diminution in value of their vehicles, out-of-pocket and incidental expenses, disgorgement of GM’s unjustly derived profits, and an injunction compelling GM to replace or recall and fix the Class Vehicles,” according to the suit, as quoted by Car Complaints.
We’ll provide an update on this class-action suit as it progresses through Michigan court. In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GM legal news, GM reliability news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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This is a design defect and gm engineers have “big guy” moments and these moments are not covered by any warranty.
Yup, not a parts or mfg defect. It’s a design problem. No warranty.
What’s a “big guy” moment?
I’ve been affected by this BIG time! I have a 2015 Terrain. Leased it for 3 years then bought it outright. Started having problems and at the 5 year mark, the dealership said nothing was wrong even though it was running rough and stalling. Not even 6 months later, my engine seized. Paid over 7K with a rebuilt engine & labor to have it happen AGAIN literally a year later!! I’m faithful with oil changes. This is absolutely 💯 GM’s oversight and fault! Shame on them for acting like they care about their customers. The fact this has been proven in court already & they STILL have failed to issue a recall is proof that’s a
Me too with my 2014 equinox. The oil usage sucks too! They need to have a recall on these engines as they are horribly designed.
Just found out this is a problem for me too. Oil is gone and engine is now knocking.
Where do we sign up for the class action lawsuit?
The GM Ecotec 2.4 was suppose to be a world class engine . Smh I’m get a Honda
Go right ahead and enjoy raw gas leaking down cylinder walls to dilute the oil.
This is really “old news” this is the reason why I avoided buying my 2010 Chevy Equinox LTZ V6 with 2.4 liter four cylinder engine most of these cars are well past the warranty or even extended warranty period and lot of them where fixed by GM years ago and if your foolish enough not to do your research before you buy any vehicle then shame on you! Honda ha ha gas mixing with oil inside the engine is always a reliable engine!
I have a 2.4 in a 2009 Pontiac G6 that is still running great. It is our backup car and my wife won’t let me get rid of it! We bought it new and really miss Pontiac’s.
it s not the same 2.4 engine
The plaintiffs in this “frivolous” lawsuit deserve nothing. What they are seeking is something out of “fantasy island.” If the vehicle is beyond warranty time and/or mileage parameters…you’re done! GM does not own your vehicle for life.
And if the vehicle is still within warranty and GM still won’t fix the problem they created and have warranteed, is that still their customers fault and problem?
The old reliable PCV was used for a long time for a reason. and it was fairly easy to get to for removal and flushing.
I just replaced my second PCV valve in 5 months at 400 a pop!
Sorry to here that
And with the situation with new cars and use cars now your stock put money into these cars that we would have walked away with from a couple years ago even though II made a decision to walk away from my equinox it hurt a lot of money down the drain. Well it’s only money
The 2.4 ecotec engine doesn’t have a PCV valve…. you’re either in a different vehicle with a different engine or you were massively ripped off.
The 2.4 ecotec has a PCV orifice (as pictured above) that gets carbon and sludge build up on it, thus clogs completely. The only way to “change” as in replace the PCV orifice is to replace the entire intake manifold.
When will the lawsuits aginst GM begin for people not getting the the trucks they orderd???
What about on the Acadias? Mine messed on me last summer and from reading this article it’s about identical to the diagnosis I got about mine.
I just bought a 2010 Equinox 2.4, 4cly. SUV from a person in august 2022, who was not totally honest with me. I started doing research on this vehicle. I found a couple of things I’m not happy with and frankly I’m scared. I constantly have my nephew check the oil as I’m 70 and have difficulty walking. I’m not rich like GM is. Now I found out about the pcv valve has a problem, why was these vehicles not recalled? If the PCV valve clogs up, there’s a chance of the rear main seal blowing, allowing all the oil to leak out .That is a major repair, the engine has to be taken apart. I wouldn’t be able to afford to fix it. I’m live in Toronto Ontario Canada. Does anyone know if there is a lawsuit here against Gm. I always wanted an SUV and this one is mint. It runs excellent, you can’t even hear it. I made a big mistake buying it unseen except for pictures on kijiji. The person had just put a timing chain on plus other things. I’m not a mechanic. I wish I knew these things before I bought it. Now I’m scared to drive it.
I would also be interested to know if there is a lawsuit in Canada. My daughter has a 2016 Terrain that left her stranded on the side of the road in minus 30 Celsius after the rear seal blew out resulting in a major oil loss. GM should be held accountable for their poor design. These issues could result in serious issues or death in some situations
“GM’S SPECIAL IGNITIONS ONLY KILLED 13 AMERICANS…”
Said GM CEO Mary Barra. Then when the dust settled, or her Lies revealed, it was more like 125 Dead Americans that GM claimed were negligent drivers.
I have had nothing but problems since I’ve had this car.
At this point one has to ask why buy GM? I love Corvettes but even they’ve become chevettes
I love my Toyota. The last chevy I owned was a HHR. Chevy should have named it the POS!!
The owners of 1.4L engines have entered the chat. “Welcome to our life.”
I got rid of my 14 Cruze for the same issue. Once the car hit 60k miles, and after the intake had to be replaced 2x under warranty for the PCV issue, I had to replace it twice with my own money. About every 20k miles. (And everything else that would go out with it)
Great car, worst engine I’ve personally ever dealt with.
Toyota and Honda Both had PCV problems , Toyota for 20 years on there 2.2 they stuffed in everything, they would clog slowly and suck the crankcase dry between 3k oil changes , and not just in sub zero temps , Not a peep from anyone ??? And don’t even get me started on the Euro’s!! And why does it clog??? Sludge and moisture build up from most likely, improper maintenance… And after 60 to 100k, better check your owners manual, it is an inspection item every oil change and if you do not know how to check for a properly operating PCV system go have a seat at the back of the class, action Lawsuit.
But these 2.4 engines don’t have one you inspect. There was a video posted on how to plug the hose and listen for a whistle but the Pcv system on the 2.4 is integrated in the intake. You’d have to pull the intake completely off to inspect. They aren’t the same as the old school PCV valves you just pop in and off. If so, I bet we’d see fewer failures. Mine never failed. I just got in here for a different issue but I can see it’s a common thing. I pulled my intake off twice for gasket failures and both times, I cleaned the Pcv orifice out.
By 2015 equinox with the 2.4 doc Engine just blew up at 92000.
Started burning oil at 87000 I’ve a 1000 so I do there was a problem kept putting oil in it all the time but it’s still blue up.
Just doesn’t seem fair going to try to get a lawyer
“I’ve a 1000 so I do” A 1000 what? And you do what? It’s still a blue what? Is this an eleven year old texting BS?
I’d like to join the lawsuit as well . My 2017 equinox with the 2.4 just died on me with 79,000 miles on it . The rear seal gave way while driving and the oil drained out , no warning lights whatsoever. I still owed 10,000 on it . Total loss, gm is aware this problem exists and at the very least could have warned customers .
This sounds just like what is happening to me 2016 Chevy Equinox just under 80,000 miles, just stopped one day, timing chain jumped and the rest is history…Still owe just under 10,000. Wish I had known….now what?? Gonna cost anywhere from $4000-$5000 to fix…..I need to join this class action lawsuit as well…
Me to .My wife is in the same boat , her 2017 is sitting in driveway now
I would like to join the class action lawsuit
I purchased a 2015 Equinox at 88,000
The 2.4 doc engine Started burning mass amounts of oil The PCV valve must of
got clogged our something went wrong.
at 92700 cyl 3 10 psi engine gone.
Sad and not fair Especially at this time when cars are 10000 over sticker and use cars almost double..
In my stomach I know this is not right.
I work hard for my money 27,000 gone.
Will never buy a General Motors vehicle again and I’ll tell whoever I see also.
Thanks GM
Please let me know when you find out. I have a 2014 Chevy Equinox and 3x for the same issues where the engine has stalled out on me in traffic and is not even at its next service due. Thousands of dollars for the same issues!
I would like to join in on the class action lawsuit also. I am not happy that I am still paying for my car and now am looking at 1 or 2 things. I either have to continue paying for it and have the motor fixed/replaced or buy a new vehicle and start all over again. I love my car and would like to keep it going but can’t afford to keep shelling out for parts that should have lasted longer.
I would also like to join. I have a 2015 with blown engine because of this issue. I was unaware of it, maintained the car getting regular oil changes…I would always get my oil changed at 3500 miles. I went back a year later and bought my daughter a 2016. When I purchased the 2015 with 35000m in 2019 no one said a word about what the problems could be. I am not rich so at the time I thought why is the car being resold already and why is it affordable to me? But the car drove very nice, the engine sounded fine and it was in great condition….the 2016 is in the mechanic shop right now having the timing chain replaced….2100 that I do not have…. very thankful that this engine did not get destroyed because an engine replacement is currently up to 8000. I am still paying on this car. Again, this car should have never been resold with this type of issue. Shame on Chevy/GM and shame on the dealerships.
My Chevy Captivia although nice leather seats and cute to look at when it comes to driving it’s scary! It jerks, tune up, it shakes during idle, oxygen sensors completed twice, it stalls now? And to top it off I have to constantly be looking at the oil to see if it’s not low. Before the recommendation of 3k miles! Ugh! Money pit!
This would also be called an oil consumption problem. In GM bulletins.
I want to join the suit as well… My 2017 Equinox blew the main rear seal and needed a new engine (approximately $8k). I was taking my son to school on a super cold morning at the beginning of this year. I come from a GM family but never again. YES– they absolutely know they are selling vehicles with a defective engine and they don’t care because it’s all about money IN THEIR pocket. They get you on the purchase and then they get you on the repair…
Please help me join the Class action lawsuit.
My 2015 GM equinox Chevrolet The PCV valve must have got clogged The 2.4 doc Edgid started burning mass about of oil at 88000 miles at 92700 The engine blew up.
Cly 3 psi 10.
27,000 dollars gone
Had to Salvage the vehicle lost everything
I bought my daughter a 2013 equinox with the 2.4 ltr ecotech. Bough with 23k miles and have meticulously maintained it. Christmas Eve temperature dropped to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and he rear main seal blew out. Fortunately she pulled over. The car had about .5 quarts of oil left! Timing chain, naturally is rattling after pulling it into garage and adding oil. Mechanic said we will need a new timing chain and rear main seal. Most likely 2-3k dollars. Most likely cause was frozen pcv. I will fix it correctly and trade on a Honda. Only reason I will fix it correctly is someone else’s daughter may end up with it. Shame on GM and shame on you people sticking up for GM! You are making Snarky “know it all” comments about poor maintenance and don’t even know the situation. I will never buy GM again.
Happened to me on the same day. Was driving on the highway felt a jolt with a sudden loss of power. Luckily the next exit was less than a mile away and I was safely able to park it for a few days. The weather was around 2 degrees. Got the car towed to my mechanic and was told the same story. Lost most of the oil after the rear main seal blew out and this also caused issues with the timing chain (which caused issues with the timing. I’m also looking at 2-3k to fix. Most likely to the frozen pcv valve. Not sure if I’m going to fix it or not. I reluctant on buying GM again. I have always been a chevy man, probably no more.
How do I get involved in the lawsuit? I have the same issue.
me too, stuck over $3000 in this vehicle and still have a loan in it and now engine blew up. These cars should be taken off the market
Toni… GM has not offered the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder in at least five years… It ended production with the end of the second generation Equinox… The new Equinox uses a 1.5 liter turbo 4 cylinder which is very reliable my friends wife owns a third generation 2018 Equinox and it’s a much better car then then the second generation Equinox! Sorry you had problems with your car though
I will never buy another chevy again, don’t care if the new equinox has a better engine or not, my 2014 is a complete melon and for GM to not stand behind product after so many people are dealing with the same issue is completely disgusting.
Sign me Up! Had the PCV cleaned on my 2015 GMC Terrain a few years ago for $500 plus. The mechanic at the dealer said the build-up, etc is a DESIGN FLAW.
OnStar is also useless to monitor oil level. On June 6, 2022 my monthly OnStar report indicated I was at 53%. Yesterday the car began acting up. Checked the oil and it was bone dry. Really GM?
Wow my engine gone 92,700 10 psi cyl 3
Started burning mass of mouths of oil at about 87000 miles couldn’t figure it out.
Lost 27,000 Dollars gone, If you can sell the car right away sell the car are traded in and even better problem is you can’t buy new cars right now you’re paying 15000 over sticker
How can I join the class action lawsuit
I would like to know as well. Dealing with the same issue right now.
My 2014 GMC Terrain has this problem right now.