GM Fuel Pump Recall Expands Into Lawsuit Over Defective Replacement Parts
What’s the Problem
General Motors is facing a growing class action lawsuit over allegedly defective fuel pump modules affecting popular SUV models, including the 2020–2024 Chevrolet Equinox and 2020–2024 GMC Terrain.
According to the complaint filed in federal court, these vehicles are equipped with fuel pump modules that fail to provide consistent fuel pressure to the engine, causing stalling, hesitation, rough idling, and loss of power while driving. The issue raises major safety concerns—particularly because it can happen at highway speeds or intersections, leaving drivers vulnerable to collisions.
While GM did issue a limited recall in 2023 (Recall No. N222372310) covering certain 2021–2022 Equinox and 2022 Terrain vehicles, owners argue the recall was far too narrow. Many drivers outside the recall range report experiencing the same fuel delivery failures. Even more troubling, the lawsuit alleges that GM’s replacement fuel pumps suffer from the same defect, rendering the “fix” ineffective and leaving owners with unsafe, unreliable vehicles.
Allegations
The class action, Kerr et al. v. General Motors LLC, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, claims GM:
Knew about the defect long before issuing any recall, having received numerous warranty claims, customer complaints, and internal testing data showing fuel pump irregularities.
Concealed the defect from consumers to avoid repair costs, depreciation, and potential brand damage.
Issued an inadequate recall, replacing fuel pumps with identical or similarly defective parts that did not remedy the problem.
Failed to warn owners that the vehicles could stall suddenly while driving, creating a substantial safety risk.
Violated state consumer protection and warranty laws by selling and leasing vehicles that were not of merchantable quality or fit for ordinary use.
The plaintiffs further claim that the cost of replacing the fuel pump module outside warranty can exceed $1,200–$2,000, and that even after repair, many vehicles continue to exhibit the same symptoms. The complaint argues that GM’s recall was “cosmetic,” designed to limit liability rather than genuinely address the underlying engineering failure.
Recall / TSB
GM’s recall N222372310 specifically applies to certain 2021–2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain models. The company acknowledged that the fuel pump module may not consistently supply sufficient fuel, which can cause engine stalling without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The recall instructed dealerships to replace the fuel pump module free of charge. However, according to the lawsuit, that solution has proven ineffective for several reasons:
Incomplete Scope — The recall excludes thousands of vehicles from model years 2020 through 2024 that share the same fuel pump design.
Defective Replacements — The replacement pumps allegedly come from the same supplier and suffer from identical design flaws, including inadequate pressure regulation.
No Software Update or Calibration — GM’s remedy did not include reprogramming or recalibrating the vehicle’s fuel system to correct the underlying cause.
No Owner Reimbursement — Many owners who paid out of pocket before the recall are not being reimbursed, despite experiencing the same issue.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) also show a pattern of related fuel system complaints. GM has issued prior bulletins addressing hard starting, loss of power, and low fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191), suggesting the automaker was aware of widespread fuel pump irregularities across multiple model years.
Symptoms
Owners of affected Chevrolet and GMC vehicles have consistently reported the following symptoms:
Sudden stalling while driving, particularly during acceleration or highway cruising.
Loss of power or hesitation when pressing the accelerator.
Long crank or no-start conditions, especially after refueling.
Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated with fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0191, P0171).
Whining or buzzing noise from the rear of the vehicle where the fuel pump is located.
Reduced performance or jerky engine response.
Drivers say the issue often begins intermittently—stalling once or twice—before progressing to a complete failure. Some report waiting weeks for replacement parts, only to experience the same failure again after installation. Others note that the defect persists even after multiple dealership visits.
How to Proceed
If you own or lease a 2020–2024 Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain and are experiencing fuel system or stalling issues, here’s what you should do next:
Document Issues
Keep a detailed record of every repair attempt, date, mileage, and dealership visit.
Make sure all your complaints (stalling, hesitation, fuel pressure warnings) are written on the service work order before you sign it.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts
While California’s Lemon Law doesn’t specify an exact number, a vehicle may qualify as a “lemon” if:
The same defect persists after four or more repair attempts, or
The vehicle is out of service for over 30 cumulative days for warranty repairs.
Monitor Symptoms
If your vehicle hesitates, stalls, or loses power, especially at higher speeds, stop driving and contact your dealer immediately.
Avoid continued operation if the defect poses a safety risk.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law, APC
If GM or the dealership cannot permanently fix the defect, you may be entitled to compensation.
Remedies under the California Lemon Law may include a repurchase, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.
An attorney can also determine whether your repair history qualifies for protection even if your warranty has expired.
Call Valero Law
If you’re experiencing repeated stalling, hesitation, or loss of power in your Chevrolet Equinox or GMC Terrain, you may be entitled to relief under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation may include:
A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle
A replacement vehicle
Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect
GM owners across California have reported nearly identical symptoms, even after recall repairs. If your dealership cannot permanently fix the issue, don’t wait. Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete a free Lemon Law case evaluation today.