TIME is running out for drivers to claim more than $800 from a US motoring giant in a “defect” settlement.
The deadline for the class action against the General Motors Company (GMC) ends in just days.
The class action relates to issues affecting the parking of certain GMC vehicles.
The firm has agreed to the lawsuit to prevent a possible trial.
It is important for drivers to be aware that while the company has agreed to settle the class action lawsuit, it does not admit wrongdoing.
Types of vehicle affected
The vehicles affected are varied and include lessees of the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
Other vehicles falling under the settlement include the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Traverse or 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt vehicles in Ohio.
Initial purchasers and lessees of 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles in Tennessee can also join the class action.
In the latest claim against the company, drivers reported certain vehicles were equipped with a defective shifter.
This, according to the claimants, caused a “Shift to Park” issue, which allegedly caused problems, included issues around parking the vehicle and turning off the engine.
Those involved in the class action can receive up to $375 for expenses relating to the claim.
Any driver who is covered by GM’s warranty will automatically receive payment.
Those who are not covered, or who do not appear on any company data, will need to submit a separate claim.
Anyone looking to make a claim in the class action lawsuit has until August 22 to submit the required documentation.
Another lawsuit
This is not the only class action lawsuit the company is facing.
General Motors is also facing claims that some of its Chevrolet and GMC vehicles were equipped with defective engines.
The class action in this case states that these engines consume excess oil, and that GM allegedly knew about this but failed to alert drivers.
Despite not admitting to any wrongdoing, GM is again paying out the money to settle the claims before a possible trial.
The GM settlement benefits current owners or lessees of 2011-2014 vehicles, including Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra and Yukon Yukon X.
These vehicles needed to have been fitted with the defective LC9 engine.
It is also important to note that the settlement only benefits those living in California, Idaho or North Carolina.
The final approval hearing for the GM engine class action lawsuit settlement is scheduled for October 2, 2025.
Claimants could be in line for more than $2,000 from a $150 million pot.
What is a class-action lawsuit?
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.
