In one of the most significant auto settlements in recent years, General Motors has agreed to a $150 million class action settlement to resolve long-standing allegations related to engine defects in some of its most popular full-size vehicles. Known as the General Motors excessive oil consumption settlement, the lawsuit centers around faulty LC9 Vortec 5300 V8 engines installed in select 2011–2014 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. These engines reportedly burned oil at abnormally high rates, leading to major mechanical issues including engine failure, increased repair costs, and reduced resale value.
For affected drivers, this isn’t just a case of routine maintenance—this is about a systemic design flaw that left many owners stranded, frustrated, and financially burdened. The settlement, while not an admission of guilt by GM, is a substantial step toward accountability and restitution.
At Sparrow, we aim to keep consumers informed on impactful class action updates, including recent articles such as the Nissan CVT transmission settlement, and the Hyundai/Kia engine defect class action. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the GM oil consumption settlement—from eligibility to expected payouts and deadlines.
Table of Contents
- Background of the General Motors Excessive Oil Consumption Settlement
- Vehicles and Consumers Covered by the Settlement
- Allegations Against GM: What Prompted the Lawsuit?
- Settlement Terms and Payment Estimates
- Eligibility Criteria and Claim Requirements
- How to File a Claim
- Important Dates and Deadlines
- Conclusion: What This Means for Vehicle Owners
Background of the General Motors Excessive Oil Consumption Settlement
The lawsuit, officially titled Siqueiros, et al. v. General Motors LLC, originated from complaints dating back over a decade. Owners of certain 2011–2014 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles equipped with the LC9 Vortec 5300 engines noticed they were frequently having to add oil between service intervals. These engines were reportedly designed with a defect that caused excessive oil consumption, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber where it would burn off—leading to reduced performance and eventual engine damage.
The suit claims GM was aware of the problem through internal testing and thousands of customer complaints, but failed to notify customers or issue a recall. In some cases, customers paid out of pocket for expensive repairs or replacements, unaware of the engine’s underlying issue.
Years of litigation followed, eventually leading to the proposed $150 million General Motors excessive oil consumption settlement, which will benefit eligible drivers in California, Idaho, and North Carolina.
Vehicles and Consumers Covered by the Settlement
The settlement applies to owners or lessees of the following 2011–2014 GM vehicles, provided they are equipped with LC9 engines:
- Chevrolet Avalanche
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Sierra
- GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
To be eligible, vehicles must have been purchased or leased in California, North Carolina, or Idaho, and the owner/lessee must still hold the vehicle as of May 23, 2022.
Allegations Against GM: What Prompted the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit asserts that GM’s LC9 V8 engines suffered from multiple design flaws, including:
- Defective piston rings that allowed oil to bypass and enter the combustion chamber
- Poorly calibrated oil monitoring systems that failed to warn drivers in time
- Lack of transparency from GM, despite knowing about the issue internally
These flaws reportedly caused:
- Frequent need for oil top-offs between oil changes
- Excessive wear on engine components
- Complete engine failure in some cases
Plaintiffs argue that GM misled consumers by failing to disclose the defect and by not issuing timely recalls or extended warranties.
Settlement Terms and Payment Estimates
Under the proposed terms of the General Motors excessive oil consumption settlement, eligible class members may receive the following:
- A minimum payout of $2,149 per eligible vehicle
- Higher or lower payments depending on the number of valid claims
- No claim form required for most states, except North Carolina (see below)
The total fund is capped at $150 million, and funds will be distributed on a pro rata basis.
Eligibility Criteria and Claim Requirements
To qualify, you must meet the following:
- Own or lease an eligible 2011–2014 vehicle with an LC9 engine
- Live in California, Idaho, or North Carolina
- Have purchased or leased the vehicle before May 23, 2022
North Carolina residents must return the identification form they received in the mail by August 8, 2025. No action is required for residents of California and Idaho—payments will be processed automatically.
How to File a Claim
- North Carolina claimants: Mail back your identification form by August 8, 2025
- California and Idaho claimants: No claim form required
For assistance, visit GMEngineLitigation.com.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Claim Form Deadline (North Carolina only): August 8, 2025
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: August 8, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: October 2, 2025
Conclusion: What This Means for Vehicle Owners
The General Motors excessive oil consumption settlement stands as one of the most impactful auto-related class action outcomes in recent years. If you’re an owner or lessee of a 2011–2014 Chevrolet or GMC vehicle in California, Idaho, or North Carolina, this could mean thousands in potential compensation.
We urge drivers to act quickly—check your mail, confirm your eligibility, and follow through with required steps. Even if you aren’t sure whether your vehicle qualifies, our claim help center provides detailed guidance.
For more class action news and updates, follow us at Sparrow’s legal newsroom. Don’t miss your opportunity to be compensated—submit your claim or verify your status today.
