General Motors

Green Welling LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against General Motors for Defect in Engine Resulting in Excessive Engine Noise Caused by Piston Slap

Green Welling LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of owners of General Motors vehicles who purchased or leased a 1999-2003 model with a 3.1, 3.4, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 (LSI), 6.0, or 8.1 liter engine (includes but is not limited to the following models: Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Camaro, Chevy Corvette, Chevy Silverardo, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GM Denali and Yukon, Oldsmobile Alero, Pontiac Trans Am) and whose vehicles produce ?Piston Slap.? Piston Slap is a loud knocking noise produced during and shortly after engine start-up caused by the engine pistons knocking against the cylinder walls as a result of excessive clearance between the piston and cylinder wall.

In 1999, GM redesigned certain engines with shorter pistons to reduce friction between the piston and cylinder wall. However, shortening the piston reduces its stability within the cylinder and requires a reduction in tolerance (i.e., clearance) between the piston and cylinder wall. GM did not adjust the tolerance in these engines. As a result, these engines produce a loud knocking noise, called piston slap, caused by the piston moving side-to-side and hitting the cylinder wall during its up-and-downward motion. In addition to the loud knocking noise, piston slapping results in excess engine wear, increased oil consumption, and poor fuel mileage. Rather than fix the problem, GM has modified what it considers acceptable engine noise and oil consumption levels.

If you own or lease a 1999-2003 GM vehicle with one of the engines listed above and your engine produces piston slap, and would like to discuss your rights, please direct your inquiries to Monica S. Herman at (415) 477-6700 or by clicking here.

Green Welling LLP is a San Francisco law firm that handles class actions and complex litigation. To learn more about our national class action attorneys, visit us on the web at www.classcounsel.com.