DRIVERS with Chevrolet or GMC cars should double-check whether they’re owed a massive $2,149 chunk of a $150 million settlement.
With the deadline passing on Friday, it’s key to fill out the form and get the free cash.
General Motors agreed to shell out the cash after a class action lawsuit alleged the brand sold vehicles with engines that consume too much oil.
The settlement applies to owners of 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with LC9 engines.
However, not everyone in the US with these cars can get the payout.
The suit stipulates that owners or lessees must live in California, Idaho, or North Carolina.
Plaintiffs argued that GM knew about the reported issue and knowingly sold the defective cars.
However, GM denied any wrongdoing and instead hopes the payments will quell any dissatisfied customers.
Eligible applicants in California include anyone who purchased or leased one of the listed vehicles in new condition as of May 23, 2022.
The same stipulations apply to applicants living in North Carolina, but the vehicle didn’t have to be in new condition.
North Carolina residents also must provide proof of purchase, which includes their vehicle identification number, name, and address.
In Idaho, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased from a GM-authorized dealership.
However, the condition in which the car was obtained isn’t important.
Eligible applicants should expect to get at least $2,149 in cash, but the payout could be even higher based on the number of responses.
All you have to do to apply is fill out a form on the settlement website.
The website states that eligible car owners who do not respond by the date will be given an equal share of the settlement.
Class vehicles
The cars that make you eligible for a class action lawsuit settlement due to claims of defective engines sold in North Carolina, Idaho, and California include:
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Avalanches
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Silverados
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Suburbans
- 2011-2014 Chevrolet Tahoes
- 2011-2014 GMC Sierras
- 2011-2014 GMC Yukons
- 2011-2014 GMC Yukon XLs with LC9 engines
The cars must have LC9 engines made on or after February 10, 2011.
Any vehicle that got an upgraded engine for free under warranty isn’t included in the class action lawsuit.
Source: GM Engine Litigation
DATES TO KNOW
The deadline for exclusion and objection for this class action is August 8, 2025.
People who received an identification form in the mail must also return it by this date.
No other claim form is required by class members.
The final approval hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for October 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, GM drivers also have until August 19 to claim $875 in a cash settlement.
And Hyundai and Kia owners can get $350 from another class action lawsuit.
What's a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
