What is the class action lawsuit on the 2014 Chevy Equinox?
There isn’t one nationwide class action covering all 2014 Chevrolet Equinox models; instead, several separate lawsuits and settlements have arisen over different issues affecting this generation of the vehicle, including oil consumption, transmission performance, and electric power steering. Owners seeking redress should review current court dockets and settlement notices specific to their VIN and engine configuration.
Overview of the legal landscape surrounding the 2014 Equinox
Class actions related to the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox have addressed a range of problems. The exact scope and outcome depend on factors such as the engine type (for example, 2.4L I4 vs. 3.6L V6), production period, geographic location, and the specific defect alleged. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the most commonly litigated issues, how settlements or warranties have sometimes addressed them, and how to determine if a claim might apply to your vehicle.
Oil consumption concerns
Oil consumption has been a focal point in several consumer-class actions involving GM vehicles from around the same era, including some Equinox models. Plaintiffs have alleged that certain engines consumed oil at higher rates than typical for their class, leading to more frequent top-offs and potential engine damage if not monitored. Outcomes have varied by case, with some settlements and extended warranties addressing affected engines and owners’ costs in particular circumstances.
- Allegations centered on abnormal oil consumption in specific engine configurations used in the 2014 Equinox (and related models).
- Claims often linked to maintenance costs, service visits, and the risk of engine damage if oil levels were not promptly kept in check.
- Resolutions have included settlements, warranties, or extended coverage programs in certain jurisdictions or for certain engine types.
Owners should note that oil-consumption settlements or warranty programs, when they exist, are typically limited to specific engines and may depend on the vehicle’s mileage, service history, and purchase date. Always verify current program terms with a qualified attorney or consumer rights organization.
Transmission problems
Another recurrent theme is transmission reliability, particularly with the six-speed automatic transmissions used in several Equinox configurations from that era. Plaintiffs have described issues such as rough shifting, slipping, jerking, hesitation, or even transmission failure. Some lawsuits have sought damages for repair costs and diminished vehicle value, while others have aimed to compel GM to offer additional disclosures or fixes.
- Commonly cited symptoms include rough or delayed shifts, high RPMs before acceleration, and unexpected transmission behavior.
- Allegations contend that GM did not adequately disclose transmission risks or provide timely fixes under warranty.
- Outcomes range from settlements and recalls to ongoing litigation, with results oftentimes dependent on case-specific factors.
As with oil-related suits, transmission-related actions are highly dependent on engine/ transmission pairing and model year specifics. VIN-level details can determine eligibility for a settlement or warranty extension.
Power steering and EPS-related concerns
Electric power steering (EPS) failures have appeared in some lawsuits and consumer complaints about 2014 Equinox models. Plaintiffs describe sudden loss of steering assist, hard steering, or intermittent EPS failure, which raises safety concerns for drivers. In some cases, manufacturers have offered extended warranties or service campaigns as remedies, though not all claims culminate in a settlement or recall.
- EPS failure incidents are typically reported as reduced or unpredictable steering assist, potentially increasing the risk of loss-of-control scenarios.
- Litigants have asserted that GM should have disclosed known EPS risks or provided a more robust fix under warranty.
- Resolution has included targeted warranty extensions or service programs in certain regions and for specific power-steering components.
Because EPS systems can be affected by multiple factors (temperature, battery condition, software updates), outcomes vary by vehicle and service history. Check with a dealership or a qualified attorney about current programs affecting your car’s VIN.
How to determine if you’re covered or eligible
To assess whether you might be part of an active or past class action, settlement, or warranty program related to your 2014 Equinox, you should take a few careful steps. The following checklist helps you navigate the landscape and identify potential remedies.
- Consult official settlement notices and court dockets for your state or federal actions involving the 2014 Equinox (and related GM models).
- Check your vehicle’s VIN and engine configuration against settlement terms or warranty expansions that specify eligible models and ranges.
- Review GM’s official recall and customer assistance pages, and talk to a GM-certified dealer about any extended warranties or service campaigns tied to your vehicle.
- Speak with a consumer rights attorney or a nonprofit consumer advocacy group to interpret eligibility and potential remedies, including repair costs or compensation.
Legal coverage often hinges on fairly narrow classifications (engine type, production date, mileage, and jurisdiction). A qualified attorney can help determine whether your vehicle qualifies for a specific class action settlement or warranty program.
What this means for owners today
For many owners of a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, the practical takeaway is to verify whether their model falls under any active or past class action settlement or GM warranty extension related to oil consumption, transmissions, or EPS issues. If a claim applies, remedies could include repairs at no cost, reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses, or extended warranty coverage. If your vehicle is out of the typical coverage window, you may still be able to pursue other avenues for repair assistance, depending on state law and private negotiations.
Summary
In short, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox has been involved in multiple class action actions and related settlements, but there isn’t a single, universal case for all 2014 models. The most commonly litigated topics include oil consumption, transmission performance, and power steering assistance. Eligibility and remedies depend on engine type, production year, VIN, and jurisdiction. Owners should review current settlement notices, consult with an attorney, and verify any warranty extensions offered by GM or dealers to determine potential coverage for their specific vehicle.
