Thousands of Silverado and Sierra Owners May Be Eligible for Payouts Up to $12,700
Years of dismissing consumer complaints have finally caught up with General Motors. The automotive giant has agreed to a preliminary $50 million settlement over a major defect in the fuel injection system found in specific Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. Affected vehicle owners could receive compensation of up to $12,700, though GM continues to deny responsibility for the failure.
Here’s what you need to know if you own one of the impacted trucks—and how to secure your compensation.
Table of Contents
What Sparked the Lawsuit?
The CP4 Fuel Pump Design Is at the Center of the Storm
At the core of the lawsuit is a faulty component: the Bosch CP4 fuel pump. This pump, installed in diesel-powered Silverados and Sierras, has proven to be incompatible with U.S. diesel fuel in several states.
When the pump fails, it doesn’t just stop working—it spreads metal shavings throughout the fuel system. This contamination damages critical components including fuel lines, injectors, rails, and even the fuel tank itself. The result? Some drivers faced repairs that exceeded $10,000, while others were left with completely undrivable vehicles.
Which Trucks Are Affected?
Key Models and Years Involved in the CP4 Fuel Pump Defect
The issue specifically impacts Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models with Duramax diesel engines manufactured between 2011 and 2016.
However, not all states are covered under this agreement. Only vehicles that were registered in California, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania are eligible for compensation under the settlement terms.
Why This Defect Is So Serious
More Than Just a Malfunction—A System-Wide Breakdown
This isn’t a case of a part failing quietly under the hood. The CP4 pump defect is a system-wide issue that contaminates nearly every component in the vehicle’s fuel delivery mechanism.
Because the entire system must be flushed or replaced, repair costs balloon to $10,000 or more per vehicle. Many owners were forced to pay out-of-pocket or sell their trucks at a loss after learning their warranty did not cover the failure.
How Much Can Owners Expect to Receive?
Compensation Depends on Several Key Factors
The settlement outlines various tiers of reimbursement based on the extent of damage and repair, vehicle ownership status, and whether the truck was sold or scrapped due to the defect.
Payouts could reach up to $12,700 per vehicle, depending on documented expenses and repair history.
Did GM Admit to Any Wrongdoing?
No Public Acknowledgment, But Internal Docs Tell a Different Story
Despite agreeing to the settlement, GM has not accepted responsibility for the defective pump design. Still, internal documents revealed during the lawsuit indicate that the company knew the CP4 fuel pump was vulnerable and ill-suited to U.S. diesel fuel standards.
Yet GM continued to install it across its truck lineup without addressing the issue. The decision to settle appears more aligned with protecting its reputation than taking accountability.
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What Owners Should Do Right Now
Prepare Your Documents and Get Ready to File
Although the agreement is still in the preliminary approval stage, affected truck owners should begin gathering their:
- Repair invoices
- Maintenance reports
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Registration documents for eligible states
Once the settlement is finalized, these documents will be critical to filing a successful claim.
The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call for the Auto Industry
More Lawsuits Could Follow If Other Brands Are Caught Hiding Defects
The CP4 issue doesn’t end with GM. Other automakers used similar injection systems, and if it’s revealed they concealed known flaws, more class action lawsuits may be on the horizon.
This case serves as a warning to the entire auto industry: hiding a design defect is never a long-term solution. Eventually, the truth catches up.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Compensated
If you own—or previously owned—an eligible Silverado or Sierra with a Duramax engine, now is the time to act. General Motors may not be saying the words, but this settlement is a clear sign they’re being held accountable.
Don’t let a flawed design leave you empty-handed. Gather your paperwork, stay informed, and claim what you’re owed.