Steve Fiene / Wisconsin / 2016 GMC Terrain Geralyn Darr / Wisconsin / 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Sarah Burns / New York / 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Melissa Kiriacopoulos / Massachusetts / 2016 GMC TerrainĬraig Johnson / Minnesota / 2015 Chevrolet Equinoxīeverly Trevethan / Michigan / 2017 Chevrolet Equinox The plaintiffs named in the GM PCV lawsuit are: General Motors also allegedly continues to conceal the PCV problems from consumers and has done so since 1985. The plaintiffs assert a GM technician will use a drill bit to clean out the sludge and other debris. Technicians should also drain the engine oil for at least 15 minutes to remove all oil and condensation from the crankcase and repair any oil leaks caused by the frozen PCV system.Īccording to the GM class action, the automaker hasn't recalled the vehicles to repair the alleged PCV problems, and GM hasn't extended the warranty beyond the standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also inspect the related PCV hoses/connections for potential damage and replace if necessary.' 'Clean any ice/sludge/water/carbon out of the PCV pipes/hoses, the PCV nipple on the cam cover, the PCV orifice between the #2 and #3 intake runners (use a 1/16 inch drill bit), PCV orifice in the head.and the throttle body. If the problem occurs in cold weather, GM technicians should: The bulletin doesn't apply to rear main oil seal leaks found in warmer climates. GM also warned technicians they may find an oil leak coming from the rear main oil seal of the engine. Some customers may also comment that they heard a single 'pop' noise right before the oil leak started.' - Diagnostic Tip 19-NA-021 'Some customers may comment that an engine oil leak appeared as they were driving the vehicle in extremely cold ambient temperatures (Generally 0☏ / -17☌ or colder). In February 2019, GM issued Diagnostic Tip bulletin 19-NA-021 to dealerships and titled, 'Diagnostic Tip for Oil Leak from Rear of Engine After Extended Driving in Cold Temperatures Below 0 Degrees.' The GM PCV lawsuit includes consumers who were purchasers or lessees of these vehicles from April 1, 2016, to the present:Ģ010-2016 Buick Lacrosse (including Hybrid, eAssist)Ģ013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu (including ECO, eAssist, Hybrid)Īll the General Motors vehicles are equipped with 2.4L engines equipped with PCV systems used to regulate the amount of air and gas pumped through the engines. The GM class action also alleges a blown rear main seal can cause permanent damage to the engine which requires replacement of the engine.

A GM vehicle with a ruptured rear main seal will allegedly suffer a sudden oil loss and loss of power. The main symptom of a clogged PCV system is a blown rear main oil seal caused by pressure in the engine. A classic example of how poor quality can drive customers to a competitor.Buick, Chevy and GMC vehicles allegedly have PCV system orifices that get clogged.Ī GM PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) lawsuit alleges Buick, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles suffer oil leaks from ruptured rear main seals.Īccording to the seven owners who filed the Ford class action lawsuit, a traditional PCV valve has been replaced with a small fixed orifice in the 2.4L engine, as seen in the photo to the right.īut that tiny hole allegedly gets clogged with sludge, water and ice in cold weather conditions.

They also bought a Ram Crewcab 4x4 pickup truck, and swear never to buy another new GM vehicle due to the engine problems with the Equinox. I had taken a family member’s 2013 Equinox (purchased new to replace a Saturn Vue V-6) to the dealer for service (as they were always working) and the dealer service advisor (where I take my Chevrolet Impala for service) said the problem was with the PCV system that did not have a traditional PCV valve - but rather a fixed barb or plug that had several small venting holes that were very prone to clogging with “gunk”, and causing the engine back pressure (and oil leaks).Īccording to the service advisor I trust, the problem was supposed to be more prevalent in cold weather conditions (we live in the Midwest with cold winters) - and especially if the vehicle was not always driven for an extended period of time in very cold weather, allowing the engine to heat-up fully and burn off contaminants.ĭue to the problems with the Equinox, my family member traded it for a new Dodge Grand Caravan and has had no problems. I don’t know why it didn’t happen much on the other version.

2016 equinox pcv valve problems