GM Engine Defect Class Action Consolidated in Michigan Court

A federal judge has consolidated 11 lawsuits involving General Motors’ 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine defect into a class action, triggering litigation in Michigan. The lawsuits allege a manufacturing defect affecting crankshafts and connecting rods, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failures in full-size trucks and SUVs produced between 2019 and 2024. GM previously issued a recall covering over 700,000 vehicles and is investigating an additional 286,000 trucks potentially affected.\n\nThe defect has resulted in more than 28,000 field reports, with roughly half describing engine failures that cause loss of propulsion. These failures have also led to 42 fires, 12 crashes, and 12 injuries. The issues center on rod-bearing damage caused by sediment in crankshaft oil passages, out-of-spec crankshaft dimensions, and surface finish irregularities. The components originate from suppliers in Michigan and Mexico.\n\nGM’s recall remedy involves engine inspections followed by replacements if necessary, and a change in oil specification from 0W-20 to a higher viscosity 0W-40 oil, specifically dexosR-rated oils like Mobil 1 Supercar. However, plaintiffs argue that this fix does not fully address the underlying manufacturing defects, as the oil specification change only mitigates tolerance issues instead of correcting the defective parts.\n\nThe class action, proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, will involve examination of consumer claims, technical evidence, and expert testimony. The litigation raises issues about product safety, repair costs, and potential diminished vehicle value associated with a high-volume engine defect. The outcome could impact manufacturer liability and recall management practices in similar automotive defects cases.