GM Lifter Failure Lawsuit: Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Escalade Engine Defect Claims Explained
What’s the Problem?
General Motors (GM) is facing ongoing litigation over alleged defective lifters and valvetrain components in a wide range of V8-engine vehicles. The lawsuit, originally filed more than four years ago in federal court in Michigan, accuses GM of selling trucks and SUVs with lifters that fail prematurely, even under normal driving conditions.
According to the lawsuit, the issues arise in vehicles equipped with 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter, and 6.2-liter V8 engines, where dynamic fuel management (DFM) or active fuel management (AFM) lifters and related valvetrain parts are claimed to be poorly designed or manufactured. Plaintiffs contend these lifter failures cause engine performance problems and pose ongoing reliability concerns for owners and lessees.
Affected vehicles listed in court filings include:
Cadillac Escalade (2014–present)
Cadillac CTS-V (2016–2019)
Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado 1500 (2014–present)
Chevrolet Corvette (2014–2019 variants)
Chevrolet Avalanche (2014–2016)
Chevrolet Suburban (2014–present)
Chevrolet Tahoe (2014–present)
Chevrolet Camaro / Camaro SS (2016–present / 2014–present)
GMC Sierra / Sierra 1500 (2014–present)
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL (2014–present)
Despite being filed years ago, a motion to certify the case as a class action has not yet been granted and has been extended into 2026. Several plaintiffs have voluntarily dismissed their claims, and some original counsel have withdrawn, underscoring the slow progress of the litigation.
Allegations
The core allegations in the GM lifter failure lawsuit are:
GM manufactured and sold vehicles with defective AFM and DFM lifters and valvetrain components that fail prematurely.
GM knew or should have known about high lifter failure rates, yet failed to disclose material information about the defect to consumers before sale or lease.
The company’s warranty repairs and lifter replacements are allegedly inadequate because replacement parts share the same defect, leaving owners in repeated repair cycles.
Plaintiffs claim GM’s conduct breached applicable consumer protection laws and warranty obligations by selling vehicles with latent and unsafe defects.
This lawsuit is Harrison, et al., v. General Motors LLC.
Recall / TSB
At this time, there has not been a broad federal recall specifically tied to the lifter failure allegations in this lawsuit. The litigation focuses on lifter and valvetrain component design and manufacturing defects rather than a dealer recall campaign. Owners should still check with GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about recall status for their specific vehicle, as recalls sometimes follow safety investigations or litigation developments.
Separate but related to GM powertrain issues, a large recall has been issued for certain 6.2-liter L87 V8 engines due to connecting rod and crankshaft problems; however, that recall pertains to a different set of engine failure concerns.
Symptoms
Owners and vehicle operators have reported a range of engine performance issues that may be consistent with lifter or valvetrain problems, including:
Engine shuddering, stalling, hesitation, or surging during acceleration.
Unusual tapping or lifter noise from the engine, especially at start-up or under load.
Check engine light activation with misfire codes tied to valve train operation.
Loss of power or abnormal engine behavior under normal driving conditions.
Owners have also expressed that repeated lifter or valve train repairs under warranty often fail to address the underlying cause, leading to ongoing performance complaints.
How to Proceed
If you own or lease a GM truck or SUV with a 5.3L, 6.0L, or 6.2L V8 engine and are experiencing symptoms consistent with lifter failure or valvetrain issues, take the following steps:
Document All Issues: Keep detailed records of engine symptoms, repair orders, dealer diagnostics, and receipts for any related services.
Report Problems Promptly: Notify the dealership in writing of any lifter-related symptoms and ask that your complaint be added to the official repair order.
Preserve Warranty Repairs: If your vehicle is still under warranty, request all claimed repairs are completed under the manufacturer’s warranty and retain copies of all work orders.
Monitor Patterns: Note how frequently the issue recurs after repairs and collect dates, mileage, and descriptions of each repair attempt.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law, APC: A qualified attorney can evaluate your evidence and advise whether you may have a claim under your state’s lemon law or other consumer protection statutes, including potential compensation for repair costs, diminished value, or vehicle repurchase.
Call Valero Law
If you own or lease a GM vehicle equipped with 5.3-liter, 6.0-liter, or 6.2-liter V8 engines and you are experiencing repeated lifter or engine performance issues, you may be entitled to compensation under your state’s lemon laws and consumer protection laws. These remedies can include:
Repurchase or replacement of your defective vehicle
Reimbursement for repair costs and other damages
Legal guidance tailored to your situation
If you’re in California and dealing with serious engine issues associated with lifter failure or related defects in your GM truck or SUV, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today. Your rights under California law may entitle you to significant relief.