piston rings

GM Defective Piston Rings

General Motors (GM) has been the target of numerous recent complaints concerning engine defects in several GM models. Specifically, according to recently filed class-action lawsuits, GM engines have suffered widespread problems with their piston rings. 

CCA is here to help if your GM-manufactured vehicle has exhibited any repeat engine issues. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are the Issues in the GM Piston Rings that Resulted in a Class Action Lawsuit?

Recently, GM owners have complained about the vehicle’s excessive oil consumption issue. Drivers are financially burdened by the cost to continuously address this issue, as excessive oil consumption also affects the vehicle’s engine, pistons, and rings.

Here is a list of the models that are equipped with the potentially defective 5.3L Vortec 5300 engines mentioned in the lawsuit:

  • 2010-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2010-2013 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2010-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2010-2013 GMC Sierra
  • 2010-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2010-2014 GMC Yukon XL

One plaintiff, an owner of a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado equipped with a faulty engine, complained that the engine had fouled spark plugs that caused it to misfire. Later in 2015, the plaintiff noticed oil consumption issues caused by the faulty spark plugs. The dealer allegedly confirmed that defective piston rings caused the oil consumption problems. Apparently, the piston rings did not maintain sufficient tension to prevent excess oil consumption in the combustion chamber. As per the lawsuit, this defect creates a safety risk for the affected models as the engine is prone to catching fire and causing fatal accidents.

A user of the Chevrolet Suburban stated, “Have added in excess of 5 quarts of oil on two separate occasions in between 3,000-mile oil changes. Would like Chevrolet to take responsibility for this and fix it, please.”

What Can I Do if My GM Manufactured Vehicle is Subject to Oil Consumption Issues or Repeat Engine Issues?

If you experience any engine trouble with your GM-manufactured vehicle, such as engine damage, defective piston rings, excess oil consumption, or other engine-related issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you from any further complications. The attorneys at CCA have extensive experience litigating cases concerning complicated engine issues in GM models.

If your vehicle has exhibited any of the issues mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.