What is the class action lawsuit on the Chevy Equinox?

There isn’t a single nationwide class action covering every Equinox. Over the years, multiple lawsuits have been filed against General Motors alleging defects in various model years, with outcomes ranging from settlements and recalls to ongoing litigation. This article explains what those lawsuits typically involve and how they might affect current and former Equinox owners.

Overview of the lawsuits

Class actions in this area are brought by groups of Chevrolet Equinox owners or lessees who claim that certain defects were widespread and should have been repaired at little or no cost to consumers. Plaintiffs often seek relief such as reimbursement for past repairs, coverage under extended warranties, or free repairs for affected vehicles. The specific years, defect types, and remedies vary by case, and court outcomes can differ by jurisdiction.

Common issues cited in Equinox-related class actions

The following issues have been cited in multiple lawsuits involving the Chevy Equinox. The list below is intended to reflect recurring themes rather than a single, universal claim.

• Transmission problems, including premature wear, hard shifting, slipping, or complete transmission failure.


• Excessive engine oil consumption leading to low oil levels or potential engine damage.


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Outcomes in these cases have varied. Some claims prompted recalls or expanded warranties from General Motors, while others have been resolved through settlements or ongoing litigation with no universal remedy for all model years or regions.

Notable outcomes: settlements and recalls

In response to lawsuits and consumer pressure, a number of recall campaigns and warranty enhancements have affected Equinox models. The landscape includes court-approved settlements, recall campaigns that cover specific years or components, and extended warranties that may reimburse or cover certain repairs for affected owners.

• Recalls addressing identified transmission or engine-related defects for specific model years.


• Extended warranties or reimbursements offered to owners for repairs tied to the alleged defects.


• Court settlements that provide compensation or repair options for named plaintiffs and may extend to others meeting the class criteria.

Because settlements and recalls depend on the particulars of each case—model year, defect type, and jurisdiction—owners should verify the status of any action by checking official GM notices, NHTSA recall databases, and court records for the most current information.

How to evaluate your eligibility or get started

Owners wondering whether they might be affected or eligible to participate in a class action or to pursue individual relief should consider the following steps. The steps are designed to help you gather information and understand your options, not to substitute for legal advice.

1. Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) against official recall and service campaign databases to see if your Equinox is subject to any active or past actions.


2. Review your service history for repairs related to transmission, oil consumption, or other defects that are commonly cited in lawsuits.


3. Consult with a consumer protection or automotive attorney who can assess whether you might participate in a class action or pursue an individual claim.


4. Collect documentation, including repair receipts, maintenance records, and communications with dealerships or GM about defects.


5. Consider state lemon laws or similar consumer protection options where applicable, as these can provide additional avenues for relief.

Participation in a class action depends on the specific case’s criteria, including model year, geographic scope, and the nature of the alleged defect. An attorney can explain your rights and the likelihood of eligibility based on your vehicle and its history.

Summary

While there is no single Chevy Equinox class action that covers every vehicle, there have been multiple lawsuits over the years alleging transmission problems, oil consumption, and other defects. These actions have led to recalls, extended warranties, and various settlements, with outcomes varying by model year and jurisdiction. If you own an Equinox and are concerned about potential defects, verify recall status, review repair histories, and consult a qualified attorney to understand your options.

What is the class action lawsuit for the Chevy Equinox?

Recent and ongoing Chevrolet Equinox class-action lawsuits involve allegations of defective fuel pumps in 2020-2024 models and excessive oil consumption in earlier 2.4L Ecotec engines. The fuel pump lawsuits claim the defect leads to stalling, while the oil consumption lawsuits allege premature engine wear due to faulty piston rings. A prior settlement was reached for the excessive oil consumption issue, and settlement talks are underway for the fuel pump issue.
 
Fuel pump issues (2020-2024 models)

• Allegation: A defective fuel pump in 2020-2024 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly or fail to start. 
• Reasoning: The lawsuits claim that the defective ACDelco fuel pump module does not consistently supply the engine with fuel. A 2023 recall was issued for some models, but consumers report the issue persists even after the recall repair. 
• Status: Settlement talks are reportedly in progress to resolve the litigation. 

Excessive oil consumption issues (2010-2017 models) 

• Allegation: The 2.4L Ecotec engines in 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models consume excessive amounts of oil. 
• Reasoning: This is reportedly caused by defective piston rings that wear out prematurely, leading to oil consumption and potentially causing engine damage if not addressed. 
• Status: A settlement was reached and claims could be filed online at <>. 

How to get involved

• For ongoing lawsuits: Check websites like ClassAction.org or GM Authority for updates on recent lawsuits and potential ways to join. You may be required to provide contact information to an attorney to stay informed about your rights and any potential compensation. 
• For the oil consumption settlement: Visit the official settlement website, www.GMFuelPumpLitigation.com, or check the website of the law firm or news outlet that has been covering the settlement for specific instructions on how to file a claim. 

How much is the Equinox lawsuit going to payout?

This settlement requires Equinox Group to pay $600,000 in penalties and provide refunds of up to $250 to eligible New York subscribers who filed complaints with the Equinox Group, Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, or the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York between February 9, 2021 ...

Are there any recalls on Chevy Equinox?

Yes, there are recent recalls on various Chevy Equinox models, including the 2024 Equinox EV for a potential automatic emergency braking issue while using cruise control, and certain 2024 gasoline models for fracturing door strikers. Other recalls cover issues like improper child seat LATCH anchors in 2020-2023 models, and a transmission oil leak risk in 2018-2020 models.
 
Recent recalls

• 2024 Equinox EV: The automatic emergency braking system may not function properly when cruise control is active on certain all-wheel-drive models without the Super Cruise system. 
• 2024 Equinox (Gasoline): Door strikers may fracture, which could cause the door to open unexpectedly. 
• 2025 Equinox EV: A software issue can cause the automatic emergency braking system to not function correctly when cruise control is active on some all-wheel-drive models. 

Other recalls by model year

• 2020-2023: Excessive powder coating on rear-seat child seat LATCH anchorage bars could prevent child seat installation. 
• 2018-2020: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap in the transmission could lead to an oil leak and a potential loss of propulsion or fire risk. 
• 2021-2022: Faulty tires were recalled in some of these models, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. 
• 2022-2023: A stripped or loose bolt in the driver's seat. 
• 2023: The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger airbag. 

How to check for recalls
To check if your specific vehicle has an open recall, you can use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) VIN search tool or visit RepairPal's recall checker and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You should also contact a local dealer to schedule any necessary repairs, as they are free of charge.

How much will I get from GM class action settlement?

Impacted customers will receive between $700 and $30,000. GM has settled two class-action lawsuits involving older versions of its 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The two law firms that handled the cases will get over $66 million, while the affected customers will get between $700 and $30,000.