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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Please let me know how to get in on this. My 2017 equinox only has 51,000 miles and the engine appears to be shot
How can I join? Bought a 2016 Equinox for my daughter who is 17 years old. Car seized up after buying it 4 months ago and going through inspection. Scared my daughter to death as it actually caught on fire after some seal blew apart! They said we had no oil in it. I’ve had a suburban all my life. I will NEVER buy a chevy again. Would love to burn their ass for the trouble it’s caused my terrified new driver.
I have a 2016 Equinox and on Christmas eve 2022 I was driving in very cold weather and my engine seized up.I only had the vehicle for 4 months. The dealership says it was due to PCV valve freezing up and blowing rear main out. I paid for an extended warranty that the dealership said covers bumber to bumber, but they wont fix my vehicle because they said the PVC was not covered. How do I join this lawsuit
I have a 2013 Chevy Equinox that just had the same problem. It is now sitting in my driveway. I just bought it 3 months ago. How can I get in on this class action lawsuit.
I want to be in the class action law suit. I bought a 2013 Chevy equinox and now the rear seal has cracked due to the pcv valves and cold weather. I was informed because of the TSB(technical service bulletin) put out by manufacturer, it isn’t covered with warranty or recall. I want compensated because cannot afford $2300 or more to fix something I’m still paying for and yet cannot drive.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox
80,000 miles always serviced, I have proof
Purchased 10/26/2016 New
Stillwater Motors
5900 Stillwater Blvd. North
P.O. Box 337
Stillwater, MN 55082
GM Hit with Class Action Lawsuit For PCV Issues In 2.4L Engines
I want in on this lawsuit.
12/16/2022 I had the vehicle serviced @ Walser Polar Chevrolet White Bear Lake, MN just like I have since I purchased it new. Oil & Transmission fluid changed, new tires, wheel alignment, rear brake pads and rotors, $2,045.00. No mention of a class action lawsuit for Frozen PCV valve, causing the rear main seal to blowout. GM has known about this problem for years and has done nothing to rectify it.
I brought my vehicle into Walser Polar Chevrolet for service as always trusting I would leave having a safe ride in the deadly winter weather conditions, that was not the case. I should have been notified there was an issue with this Make and Model regarding the freezing of the PCV valve and rear engine seal blowing out. Someone is going to DIE because of this, they will break down in subzero temperatures and freeze to death.
12/24/2022 at 6:45 am on Christmas eve. I had no warning whatsoever there was a problem until the Equinox started to sputter, the engine light came on and a few minutes later the engine shut down. The PCV valve froze causing the rear main seal to blowout, the engine was completely destroyed. $9,700 estimated repair bill. Thank God, I made it to White Bear Ave and a police officer showed up, it was 11 degrees below zero out. AAA had a 299-minute estimated wait.
I sold it to Walser Polar Chevrolet White Bear Lake, MN 12/30/2022 for $4,000.00 that’s all they were willing to offer. After pending $2,045 on 12/16/2022 I ended up with $1,965.00. This car was in great running condition when I brought it in for service, no leaks or indication of a problem other than the maintenance suggested. KBB Trade in for this vehicle is $9,000.00 to $10,000.00, fair market value $12,5000 to$15,000.00, their selling used up to $19,000.
My main rear seal went out 3 weeks past date terrain was put in service but 15,000 under millage warranty. I had to pay ½of the repair bill the dealer ate the other ½. Less than 2 months later another rear main sea again . I had to pay the tow bill to dealership and rental car to get me home. I called and wrote to G.M. I was told my vin# doesn’t match. I will never own a GM again. Now I have moisture and not anti freeze in my oil .Count me in on lawsuit
These engines don’t like to be poorly maintained. Regular oil changes at 3500 miles and full synthetic oil will get you a long way. They do consume oil, so checking every 400 miles is mandatory. Top off as needed.
But that is a ring problem and not related to the pcv. Here in Wisconsin we instal vented oil fill caps in weather below freezing.
G.M. part number FC219.
20 bucks for the cap is cheaper than a rear main seal. I’m sure G.M.doesnt recommend this solution because of loss of emissions control. Gases will escape reburn in the catalytic converter. And will cause the vehicle to be out of compliance.
If you ask at a parts counter at your local G.M.dealership, they will hand it over. They know the it works, but they can’t recommend it to you. I have heard that G.M can claim warranty violation for doing this, but they were not going to cover the main seal anyway. Save yourself a bunch of worry and expense. Just buy the fill cap and change your oil. EVERY 3500 MILES.
My 2017 Equinox with 68k miles just suffered a catastrophic engine failure. Likely due to this. I’d love to join the class action
I have a 2016 Terrain with 110k km -> PCV froze and blew out rear main seal. Neither the “low oil” light or even engine light came on and now I’m being quoted $7000 – $9000 for a new engine. I called GM Canada and was politely told that my car is no longer under warranty and they won’t help with the repair costs. I will never buy another GM product, and will make it my life mission to tell anyone considering a GM to be very very careful.
Your vehicle is well beyond GM warranty time and/or mileage parameters. Therefore, you’re done! GM does not own your vehicle for life. This is a case where the customer is “not” always right.
Anyone know if there is a class action for excessive oil consumption on the Equinox in Michigan? We are replacing a motor due to ring wear as a result of excessive oil consumption
This happened to me for the second time. PCV system froze up causing pressure to build up and blow rear engine seal. First time covered under warranty different car 2013 GMC Terrain. Second time not covered and extended warranty did not cover either. because PCV system was not covered under Extended warranty. 2015 GMC Terrain. Lost trade-in value of $11,000.00. Bought newer car and sold GMC for big lose as a repairable car. Then a day after I sold it they turned around and offered to fix the car after it was sold and hauled of their lot.
My 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier (37K miles) rear main seal blew out on Christmas Eve 2022 during below zero weather. The engine warning light never came on but the vehicle stalled. I thought I had a bad tank of gas or a bad alternator. The Chevy dealer first told me they found metal shards in the oil and required a new engine, but later denied it and performed timing chain and cam shaft repairs. Due to the low mileage, GM agreed to supposedly pay half the repairs. My share was $2200. The class action suit is being investigated by the Miller Law Firm. The suit has not yet been certified by a judge. Contact the Miller Firm in Rochester 1-248-600-5455 to participate in the suit. The more complaints the better chance the suit will be certified.
Same here on my 2013 Equinox. Timing Chain went without warning with 70,000 miles. $4200 to fix. Then, this week, pcv freezes due to it being -10 degrees outside, with 80,000 miles on it. Blows rear seal, and loses all engine oil within 5 miles of driving. Another $5000 to fix the rear seal, when you add in towing. I’ve also had to replace the entire wiper motor assembly, which is also a known defect. GM needs to step up and cover something.
I have a 2010 equinox, I’ve owned it since August 2022. I haven’t had a problem with it yet there is 191000. Klm on it. I’m wondering if the previous 4 owners had the pcv fixed. There were 3 rental companies that rented it out. It could be that the problem has been fixed. I can’t get hold of them as they are no longer in business. I haven’t drove it on the highway in extreme cold yet, and I won’t until I can find out if it’s been fixed already. Don’t know what to think.
How do I get involved? My second engine just blew out the seals. I had it replaced three years ago after the first one went at 120k miles. After putting in the reman engine a year later the rear main seal started leaking again. So it is still happening even with a reman engine.
just had this happen to me earlier this week 2017 chevy equinox pvc froze and blew out the rear seal had to have it towed to the dealership
How Do I actually join this Law suit.?
Yes they should have to fix it.
My roommate and I are both older people who went down to the dealership in our town last year to get a car we could count on. I am disabled with several heart problems and she is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s so I needed something that we could count on to get us to the doctors, pharmacies, etc. They sold us a 2015 Chevy equinox. For a while no problems. No lights come on no crazy sounds nothing. When it got time to change the oil for the first time I took it in for service to have the man tell me there is no oil in your car. I said what? There has been no oil on my driveway so how could I have no oil He changed everything, put oil in the car and we even let it sit there and idle for 30 minutes no oil on the ground at all so he tells me just watch the oil and go get it checked out by a mechanic because it is somehow using oil. I said ok. Well 3 weeks later on Christmas Eve I was driving down the road and bam the stability track light came in, Power reduced came on and the car automatically slammed to where it was barely driving and I heard a rattling noise. I get out and look there is no oil in the car, it is 15 degrees outside and I’m in the middle of nowhere except thank God for one small gas station 5 miles back down the road. I had no choice but to drive it back to the gas station and I put 4 quarts of oil in started it back up and it was running and sound fine. I drove on home thank God I made it. I had it taken to the shop and the rear main seal needs fixed and hopefully they don’t get in there to find even more damage but it’s gonna cost 1500.00 to fix. Now it’s real easy for people to pass judgement and make comments where gm should not be responsible forever. Well I am poor so I had to get a used car when I bought one. I pay 390.00 a month and still owe 11 thousand dollars paying the car off. I have been without a car for 2 months now. I am disabled but am out trying to find odd and end jobs to come up with 1500 a month and all we draw is 2800 a month for two people. I have had to miss cardiologist appointments and tests because of this mess to find out I am in this predicament due to no fault of mine but because of a greedy place like gm. Due to this we had no Christmas or new years dinner or presents. I was born poor and everything I have I have worked for so don’t tell me that gm should not have to fix their cars forever. For anyone else that is going through this you are in my prayers.