In a landmark $35 million settlement, General Motors (GM) has agreed to compensate thousands of drivers for serious engine failures in certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra diesel trucks. Owners of these affected models could receive direct payments of up to $12,000. The settlement primarily covers GM trucks sold between 2011 and 2016 and is the result of lawsuits alleging defective high-pressure fuel pumps in diesel engines.
Table of Contents
The automaker has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but affected drivers will soon be able to file claims and receive compensation. Here’s everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and payment details.
Why Is GM Paying Up? The Defective Engine Problem Explained
The class-action lawsuit alleges that specific Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra diesel trucks from 2011–2016 were equipped with faulty fuel pumps. These defective pumps allegedly led to catastrophic engine failures, leaving owners with repair bills between $6,356 and $12,712.
Rather than facing a drawn-out legal battle, GM opted to settle and provide financial relief to affected customers. The compensation varies depending on whether the vehicle is still owned or has been sold/traded in.
Cash App Ordered to Pay $175 Million in Refunds: How Illinois Users Can Claim Their Share
BCBS Settlement Payout 2025: When and How You’ll Get Your Payment
$4.9M Merrill Lynch Unpaid Wages Settlement: Who Qualifies & How to Claim Your Payout
Cold Virus Settlement: Zicam Agrees to $6 Million Payout Over False Advertising Claims
Who Qualifies for the GM Payout?
To be eligible for the settlement, drivers must meet three key criteria:
- Vehicle Model & Year: The car must be a Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra diesel truck from 2011 to 2016.
- Purchase Location: The truck must have been purchased from an official GM dealership in one of these seven states:
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Purchase Date: The purchase must have taken place between March 1, 2010, and September 13, 2024.
If you no longer own the vehicle, you may still qualify for a partial payout between $400 and $800.
How & When to File Your GM Settlement Claim
GM has set up a claim process that allows eligible customers to receive their payout either by mail or online.
- You will need your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to determine eligibility.
- Additional verification may be required, such as repair invoices or bank statements proving ownership.
Key Deadlines:
- December 12, 2024 – Deadline to file any objections to the settlement.
- January 21, 2025 – Approval hearing for the settlement.
- July 2025 (Expected Final Deadline) – Final date to submit claims and receive payouts.
Those who qualify should act quickly—failure to file a claim means you won’t receive any compensation.
GM’s AI-Driven Future: New Leadership to Compete with Tesla & Ford
As autonomous technology and AI-driven vehicles reshape the auto industry, GM is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. To lead its AI initiatives, GM has appointed Barak Turovsky, a former Google AI product chief, as its new Head of Artificial Intelligence.
GM’s AI Vision: A Rival to Tesla & Ford
Turovsky brings experience from Google AI and Cisco, and his primary task will be to:
✔ Advance GM’s self-driving technology to compete with Tesla’s Autopilot and Ford’s BlueCruise.
✔ Improve AI-assisted driver features in GM vehicles, including Super Cruise.
✔ Enhance AI-driven customer experiences for improved safety and efficiency.
The Battle for Autonomous Driving Dominance
The appointment comes at a critical time, as competition in autonomous vehicle technology intensifies:
🚗 Ford’s BlueCruise has surpassed GM’s Super Cruise as the top-rated driver assistance system, according to Consumer Reports.
🚗 Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that Ford is on the verge of achieving Level 3 autonomy, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions.
🚗 Tesla continues to lead in AI-driven vehicle automation, pushing the industry toward full autonomy.
Turovsky’s team will work under Dave Richards, GM’s Software and Services Engineering Chief, and will play a key role in GM’s future strategies for electric vehicles (EVs), internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and self-driving technology.
Other Auto Industry Payouts: Do You Qualify for Additional Compensation?
GM isn’t the only automaker facing legal settlements over faulty vehicles. If you own a BMW or Mazda, you might be eligible for additional payouts:
🔹 BMW Owners: A separate $6 million settlement may result in compensation for certain BMW drivers.
🔹 Mazda Owners: Due to engine issues, owners of 2021–2022 Mazda CX-30, Mazda 6, and Mazda CX-5 may also qualify for reimbursement.
If you own one of these models, it may be worth checking if you are eligible for compensation.
Final Thoughts: What Should GM Owners Do Now?
GM’s $12,000 payout presents a rare opportunity for affected drivers to recover costs from serious vehicle defects. However, the claims process has strict deadlines, and those who do not file will miss out on compensation.
✔ Check your VIN to determine eligibility.
✔ Gather necessary documentation (purchase receipts, repair invoices).
✔ Submit your claim online or by mail before the deadline.
At the same time, GM is pushing forward with its AI-driven automotive future—but with rivals like Tesla and Ford raising the stakes, the competition for autonomous dominance is far from over.
Are you eligible for the GM settlement? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply