General Motors $24.88M Oklahoma Engine Defect Settlement

General Motors drivers who currently own or lease certain vehicles in Oklahoma may qualify to claim approximately $815 from a class action settlement.

General Motors LLC agreed to pay $24.88 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it sold certain vehicles with defective piston assemblies. The plaintiffs claim these defects led to excessive oil consumption, engine performance issues and potential engine damage.

Who is eligible for a GM payout?

Class members meet all of the following criteria:

• They are a current General Motors owner or lessee as of Sept. 26, 2024.
• Their vehicle is a 2011–2014 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban or Tahoe OR
• Their vehicle is a 2011–2014 GMC Sierra, Yukon or Yukon XL.
• Their vehicle is equipped with a Generation IV LC9 5.3L V8 Vortec 5300 engine manufactured on or after Feb. 10, 2011.
• They purchased or leased the vehicle in the state of Oklahoma.

Vehicles that have already received upgraded piston rings under warranty and at no cost are not included in the class.

How much is the engine defect payout?

Pro rata payment: Each eligible class member will receive a pro rata share of the $24,883,000 settlement fund. The estimated payment per class member is approximately $815.40, but the final payment depends on the number of eligible class members, attorneys’ fees and expenses, service awards, settlement administration costs and taxes.

How to claim a class action rebate

Most class members do not need to file a claim to receive payment and will automatically receive a direct payment.

However, class members who received a notice instructing them to complete a class member identification form must do so by July 28, 2025, to be eligible for payment. They can file a claim online or download the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: GM 5300 LC9 Oklahoma Class Action, P.O. Box 4905, Baton Rouge, LA 70821

To submit an online claim, class members must enter the notice ID located on their settlement notice.

Class members who are unsure what notice they received can enter their notice ID on the settlement website to verify what action, if any, they need to take.

Payout options

The settlement administrator will issue paper checks to eligible claimants.

$24.88 million Oklahoma settlement fund breakdown

The $24,883,000 settlement fund covers:

• Settlement administration costs: Up to $250,000
• Attorneys’ fees and expenses: Up to $9,455,540
• Service award to class representative: $15,000
• Payments to eligible class members: Remaining balance

Important dates

• Claim deadline : July 28, 2025
• Final approval hearing: Sept. 15, 2025

When is the Hampton v. General Motors LLC payout date?

Payments will be made approximately 61 days after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged certain General Motors vehicles with LC9 engines had a defective piston assembly, causing excessive oil consumption and engine problems. The plaintiffs claimed GM was aware of the defect.

GM denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs and risks.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Settlement FAQ