Wirtz Law Blog

Excessive Oil Consumption

Model years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chevrolet Avalanches, Silverados, Suburbans, Tahoes, and GM Sierras, Yukons, and Ukon XLs have safety defects.  Several drivers have reported that the safety defects in these trucks and SUVs cause the vehicles to lose power while driving.  These vehicles are equipped with the Generation IV Vortec 5300 engine and may experience excessive oil consumption.   The oil consumption defect in these vehicles can cause a substantial drop in oil pressure levels, or result in the improper lubrication to the engine, or increase the oil in the engine’s cylinders and foul out the spark plugs.  None of these resulting conditions are good for the engine.  Moreover, these conditions can cause the vehicles to dangerously stall on the road, to force unwitting drivers to make emergency maneuvers to pull over to the shoulder without power, to stop on the highway, or to create danger to others while doing so.

Is This Your SUV?

If you purchased or leased one of the following vehicles:

• 2011 – 2014 Chevy Avalanche
• 2011 – 2014 Chevy Silverado
• 2011 – 2014 Chevy Suburban
• 2011 – 2014 Chevy Tahoe
• 2011 – 2014 GM Sierra
• 2011 – 2014 GM Yukon
• 2011 – 2014 GM Yukon XL

and have experienced any of these problems, you may have a lemon under California’s Lemon law.   If you have brought your vehicle to the dealer at least two times, and the dealer has not been able to repair the problem, duplicate the problem, or you have been told there is nothing wrong with your SUV, you may be entitled to a buyback or repurchase under the California Lemon Law.

You May Also Have a Fraud Claim

Moreover, you may also have a claim against GM motors for fraud based on GM’s intent to deceive you about these defects to induce you to buy or lease the trucks or SUVs. A federal judge in the Northern District of California stated, “For one thing, plaintiffs have presented evidence that GM may have been motivated to withhold information about the oil consumption defect because of a desire to make profit.” “Specifically, the company was aware that many GM customers rated ‘Reliability/Durability’ as the most important factor in their decision about which vehicle to purchase.”  According to this judge, GM may have concluded that disclosing the truth about this engine’s oil consumption defects would have adversely affected buyers’ view about the reliability and durability of these trucks and SUVs and prevented sales.

For more information call the experienced trial attorneys at (858) 259-5009 for a free case evaluation.

Disclaimer.  The information provided in this post is for informational and educational purposes only regarding aspects of the California Lemon Law.  It is intended for California Consumers only.  This post is considered an advertisement by attorney Richard M. Wirtz and Wirtz Law APC. You should not rely on any of the information provided in this advertisement and no legal advice is given by the advertisement. No attorney client relationship is established by viewing this advertisement. A written signed engagement agreement between you and Wirtz Law APC is required to create an attorney client relationship. You should immediately consult an attorney who is experienced in California Lemon Law. Attorney Richard M. Wirtz is responsible for the content of this post.  Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.