Owners of certain Chevrolet, GMC trucks can claim money in $35 million settlement

Oct 2, 2024 at 9:07 PM

GM Settles Fuel Pump Lawsuit, Offering Compensation to Affected Truck Owners

In a significant move, General Motors (GM) has agreed to a $35 million settlement to address a class action lawsuit filed against the company over defective fuel injection pumps in certain Chevrolet and GMC truck models. The settlement aims to provide relief to owners of affected vehicles, who have faced economic damages due to the issues with these parts.

Unlocking Compensation for Impacted Truck Owners

Eligible Vehicles and Owners

The settlement covers owners of specific 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with the Duramax diesel 6.6L V8 LML engine. To qualify, the vehicles must have been purchased from a GM-authorized dealer in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, or Texas between March 1, 2010, and September 13, 2024.

The lawsuit alleged that these vehicles were equipped with "unreasonably fragile" high-pressure fuel injection pumps, known as CP4s, which were prone to failure. This defect resulted in significant economic damages to owners, including the costs of repairs and other remedies.

While GM denies any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to the $35 million settlement to avoid the "costs, risk, and delays associated with further litigation." The settlement is still pending final approval from the court before it can move forward.

Compensation Breakdown

The settlement outlines three different types of payments for affected parties, with the specific amounts depending on the number of valid claims received:

1. Owners who paid out of pocket for a CP4 repair not covered by warranty will be eligible for a payout ranging from $6,356 to $12,712, with a total of $30 million set aside for this group.

2. Owners who no longer own their trucks and did not pay out of pocket for a CP4 repair will be eligible for a payment ranging from $400 to $800, with a total of $5 million set aside for this fund.

3. Owners who still have their trucks and have not yet had the issue remedied will be eligible for a 50% reimbursement on future CP4 repairs performed at a GM-authorized dealership. This reimbursement option will be available for 12 months after the settlement's final approval or until the truck reaches 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Claiming Your Compensation

To receive a cash payment, affected owners can file a claim online at the litigation website, www.GMFuelPumpLitigation.com. Alternatively, they can download a claim form or request one by calling 1-866-848-0815 or emailing info@GMFuelPumpLitigation.com.

For future repair reimbursement, owners must get or pay for a CP4 repair or replacement at a GM-authorized dealership on or after the settlement's final approval date. They can then complete a Reimbursement Request Form on the website or request a form using the provided contact information. The deadline to file these requests will be 60 days after the date of repair.

The deadline to file a claim for the cash payments is six months after the final hearing, which could be as early as July 21, 2025. Regular updates on the settlement's progress are available on the litigation website.

Navigating the Settlement Process

The GM fuel pump settlement represents a significant victory for affected truck owners, providing them with a path to financial compensation for the issues they have faced. By carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and following the claim submission process, owners can ensure they receive the rightful compensation they are entitled to.

As the settlement moves forward, it is crucial for owners to stay informed and take the necessary steps to participate. The litigation website and the provided contact information offer valuable resources to guide them through the process and ensure they receive the maximum benefits under the settlement terms.

This settlement serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of holding automakers accountable for product defects that impact consumers. By securing this agreement, GM has acknowledged the issues and agreed to provide a measure of relief to the affected truck owners, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.