GM 1.2L Turbo Engine Lawsuit: Trax, Trailblazer, Encore GX and Envista Engine Failures
General Motors is facing a new class action lawsuit over alleged defects in its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, an engine used in several of the company’s newest compact SUVs.
Owners claim the engine can suffer catastrophic internal failures, sometimes with very low mileage. According to the lawsuit, these failures can cause sudden power loss, loud engine knocking, and complete engine destruction requiring full replacement.
For owners of vehicles like the Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, and Buick Envista, the allegations raise serious concerns about reliability and long-term durability.
The lawsuit also claims replacement engines are often backordered for extended periods, leaving some vehicles stuck at dealerships for weeks or months while owners wait for repairs.
What’s the Problem
The class action focuses on GM’s 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, a small displacement three-cylinder powerplant used in several entry-level GM crossover SUVs.
This engine was designed to provide improved fuel efficiency while still delivering adequate power for smaller vehicles. However, according to the lawsuit, the engine may contain defects that cause premature internal component failure.
Drivers have reported problems including:
Sudden engine knocking or metallic banging sounds
“Reduced engine power” warning messages
Loss of acceleration or power while driving
Engine stalling or shutdown
Complete engine failure requiring replacement
In some reported cases, internal components such as connecting rods allegedly break and damage the engine block, destroying the engine and making repair impossible without full replacement.
Because the engine is highly integrated and compact, once a major internal component fails, the only practical solution is often complete engine replacement.
The lawsuit claims these failures are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern affecting vehicles equipped with this engine.
Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that General Motors knew or should have known about the engine defect before selling vehicles equipped with the 1.2-liter turbo engine.
According to the complaint, GM allegedly received early warning signs through:
Warranty repair claims
Dealership repair reports
Customer complaints
Internal engineering data
Despite these warning signs, the lawsuit claims GM continued selling vehicles with the engine without disclosing the alleged defect to consumers.
The plaintiffs argue that GM instead attempted to address some complaints through technical service bulletins or partial repairs, which they claim did not resolve the underlying problem.
Another key allegation is that replacement engines are often difficult to obtain, with some owners reporting that their vehicles remained at dealerships for extended periods waiting for parts.
When vehicles remain at the dealership for long periods awaiting repair, owners may be left without transportation while still making monthly loan or lease payments.
Vehicles Potentially Affected
The lawsuit targets vehicles equipped with the GM 1.2-liter turbo engine used in several recent compact SUV models.
Vehicles named in the complaint include:
2024 Chevrolet Trax
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2024 Buick Encore GX
2024 Buick Envista
These vehicles are part of GM’s compact crossover lineup, designed to offer affordable entry-level SUVs with modern styling and fuel efficiency.
Because these models were redesigned or introduced recently, many affected vehicles are still relatively new with low mileage when problems appear.
Example Failure Described in the Lawsuit
One example described in the complaint involves a 2024 Chevrolet Trax that reportedly experienced engine failure at just over 11,000 miles.
According to the lawsuit, the driver experienced a warning message indicating “reduced engine power.” Shortly afterward, loud knocking noises reportedly came from the engine before the vehicle stalled.
When the vehicle was inspected by a dealership, technicians allegedly discovered that a connecting rod had broken, causing severe internal engine damage.
Because the engine could not be repaired, the dealership reportedly recommended complete engine replacement.
However, the replacement engine was allegedly backordered, leaving the vehicle stuck at the dealership for an extended period while waiting for parts.
Situations like this can be particularly frustrating for owners, especially when the vehicle is only a few months old.
Recall / TSB
The lawsuit references several technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by GM that address engine noise and related concerns.
Technical service bulletins are internal communications that manufacturers send to dealerships to help diagnose or repair known problems.
According to the lawsuit, some bulletins related to engine noises in vehicles equipped with the 1.2-liter turbo engine instructed dealers that certain sounds may be considered normal operating characteristics.
Plaintiffs argue that these bulletins may have minimized or mischaracterized the severity of the engine problem.
As of now, there has been no nationwide safety recall specifically addressing the alleged engine defect.
Without a recall, owners experiencing engine failures typically rely on warranty repairs, which can sometimes lead to repeated dealership visits or long repair delays.
Symptoms
Drivers experiencing problems with the GM 1.2-liter turbo engine may notice several warning signs before a major failure occurs.
Common symptoms reported by owners include:
Loud knocking or tapping sounds from the engine
Sudden loss of engine power
“Reduced engine power” warnings on the dashboard
Difficulty accelerating
Engine stalling while driving
Check engine lights
Oil leaks following internal engine damage
Complete engine failure
If these symptoms occur, it is important to have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Continuing to drive a vehicle with severe engine problems could potentially lead to additional damage or safety risks.
Why Engine Defects Matter
Engine failures in newer vehicles can be particularly problematic because modern engines are complex and expensive to repair.
Unlike older engines that could sometimes be rebuilt, many modern turbocharged engines require complete replacement when major internal components fail.
Engine replacement costs can reach thousands of dollars, and repair times may be extended if replacement engines are not readily available.
For consumers who purchased vehicles expecting long-term reliability, repeated engine failures or extended repair delays can create serious financial and logistical burdens.
This is one reason why state consumer protection laws such as the California Lemon Law exist.
How the California Lemon Law May Apply
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, consumers may be entitled to relief if a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts.
Engine failures and repeated engine repairs are often considered serious defects, particularly when they affect a vehicle’s safety, reliability, or value.
If a manufacturer cannot successfully repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts—or if the vehicle spends an excessive amount of time at the dealership for repairs—the vehicle may qualify as a lemon.
Possible remedies under California Lemon Law can include:
Vehicle repurchase
Vehicle replacement
Cash settlement
The law may also require the manufacturer to pay the consumer’s attorney’s fees and costs, allowing many consumers to pursue claims without paying out-of-pocket legal fees.
How to Proceed
If you own a vehicle with the GM 1.2-liter turbo engine and are experiencing repeated engine problems:
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a “lemon.”
Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.
Contact Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.
Call Valero Law
If your Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, or Buick Envista is experiencing repeated engine problems, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation may include:
A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle
A replacement vehicle
Or substantial cash reimbursement
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation today. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we win your case.