GM And Chevy Diesel Owners Eligible for New $12K Payout

Photo Credit The Fast Lane Truck / GMauthority

General Motors has agreed to a $35 million settlement with owners of certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models due to faulty fuel pumps installed in these trucks. This resolution follows a class-action lawsuit that exposed GM’s use of Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps in trucks with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engines from 2011 to 2016. These pumps were prone to failure, causing engine shutdowns and leaving owners with hefty repair bills. If you’re one of the many who dealt with these problems, you could be entitled to compensation of up to $12,712 for the cost of repairs.

The Fuel Pump Failure That Sparked the Settlement

The issue began with the Bosch CP4 fuel pump, which was used in 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8. The problem? These pumps were prone to failure, and when they failed, they often caused catastrophic damage to the entire fuel system. Metal debris from the pump would spread throughout the system, leading to engine shutdowns and requiring costly repairs. In some cases, owners reported their trucks suddenly stalling while driving—an issue that posed serious safety risks, especially for drivers towing heavy loads.

For years, GM truck owners dealt with the consequences of these faulty fuel pumps. Repairs often involved replacing the fuel pump and other damaged parts, leading to repair bills ranging from $8,000 to over $12,000. The lawsuit claimed that GM knew about the defect but continued to install the CP4 pump in their trucks without warning buyers.

Class Action Lawsuit and Settlement

After years of complaints and mounting pressure, a class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors, accusing the automaker of knowingly equipping their trucks with faulty fuel pumps. The lawsuit specifically targeted Silverado and Sierra models built between 2011 and 2016 that used the Bosch CP4 pump. Plaintiffs argued that GM had failed to warn consumers about the pump’s defect, which was described as “unreasonably fragile and prone to catastrophic failure.”

Under the terms of the $35 million settlement, GM has agreed to compensate affected truck owners for out-of-pocket expenses related to fuel pump failures. If you owned or leased one of these trucks and had to pay for repairs to your fuel pump, you may be eligible for compensation of up to $12,712.

Who Qualifies for Compensation?

Owners of 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine and Bosch CP4 fuel pumps are eligible for compensation. This includes those who paid for repairs out of their own pocket, as well as previous owners who no longer have the truck but can prove they incurred repair costs.

The settlement will reimburse owners for parts and labor costs associated with repairing or replacing the CP4 fuel pump and any related damage caused by the pump’s failure. The amount of compensation depends on how much you paid for the repairs, with a maximum payout of $12,712.

What’s Wrong with the CP4 Fuel Pump?

The Bosch CP4 fuel pump was initially designed for use in European diesel engines, which run on ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. In Europe, this fuel has more lubrication properties than the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel found in the United States. When the CP4 pump is used with U.S. diesel fuel, the lack of lubrication can cause metal components inside the pump to wear out and generate debris. This debris then circulates throughout the fuel system, clogging injectors and causing the engine to stall or shut down entirely.

Once the pump fails, the damage can be extensive, requiring not only a new fuel pump but also new injectors, fuel lines, and even a new fuel tank in some cases. This kind of failure is not only costly but can also leave drivers stranded without warning.

How to Claim Your Compensation

If you believe you qualify for compensation under this settlement, it’s important to gather your documentation and file a claim. You’ll need proof of ownership or lease of a qualifying truck, as well as receipts or invoices for any repairs related to the CP4 fuel pump failure. The deadline to submit a claim will be outlined as part of the settlement process, so it’s crucial to stay informed and act quickly.

For many owners, this settlement is a long-awaited resolution to a frustrating problem. The CP4 fuel pump defect has been a headache for thousands of Silverado and Sierra drivers, and the compensation offers some relief for the high repair costs they faced.

GM’s Response to the Lawsuit

General Motors has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, but the company’s decision to agree to the $35 million payout speaks volumes about the validity of the complaints. GM continues to use Bosch fuel pumps in their diesel engines, but newer models have moved away from the problematic CP4 design.

For many truck owners, the settlement is seen as a victory, especially for those who were left footing the bill for costly repairs. The CP4 fuel pump defect affected a large number of trucks, and the settlement is an acknowledgment of the impact this defect had on drivers across the country.

The Bigger Picture: Diesel Trucks and Reliability

This lawsuit brings attention to a broader issue in the automotive world: the reliability of diesel trucks. Diesel engines are often chosen for their durability and towing capacity, but they can also be more expensive to repair when things go wrong. The CP4 fuel pump failure is just one example of how a single component can lead to widespread problems for truck owners.

For GM, the settlement is a step toward making things right for their customers, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that every part of a vehicle meets the highest standards of reliability.

Conclusion: What This Means for Diesel Truck Owners

If you own or have owned a 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine, you may be entitled to compensation for any repairs related to the faulty fuel pump. With the potential to receive up to $12,712, it’s worth taking the time to gather your documentation and file a claim.

This settlement is a win for diesel truck owners who have dealt with the stress and expense of fuel pump failures. It also sends a message to automakers about the importance of transparency and accountability when it comes to vehicle defects.