Drivers will receive a huge one-time payment of $6,700 from a $50 million settlement if their cars are fixed – see who qualifies

Owners of CHEVY and GM diesel engines equipped with a large displacement V8 and a specific fuel pump could be looking at a substantial payout.

The settlement covers drivers in seven states, with some receiving up to $12,700.

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Chevrolet and GMC, both General Motors brands, reached a preliminary $50 million settlement after a federal judge argued that certain vans and trucks equipped with 6.6-liter Duramax LML or LGH engines were defective.

These engines were equipped with a CP4 fuel pump that ran itself and caused substantial damage to the engine.

The argument is that the fuel pump was not compatible with diesel fuel in California, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, New York or Pennsylvania, causing these owners to pay thousands of dollars in repairs.

The incompatibility would cause extensive damage, as the fuel would “run the pump almost dry, so that it would self-destruct and – ultimately – completely destroy the fuel injection system and engine”, the plaintiff argued, cited by Superior Class Shares.

The affected vehicles are 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax diesel or GMC Sierra pickup trucks purchased from authorized dealers in those seven states.

U.S. District Judge Terrance G. Berg brought down the hammer on the automaker on July 11.

He argued that the automaker knowingly sold trucks with fuel pumps that would be incompatible with the fuel in those states.

“The pump secretly deposits metal shavings and debris throughout the fuel injection system and engine until it suddenly and catastrophically fails without warning,” the lawsuit says.

Berg said customers should not have to pay for “catastrophic” repairs, which cost up to $12,000 for a factory-defective part.

Therefore, GM was ordered to allocate $50 million to reimburse customers who had to pay out of pocket for fuel pump-related repairs.

Depending on how many claimants they file, drivers could receive a check for up to $12,700.

Otherwise, the cost per driver will be US$6,300.

In addition to the payment, GM will provide affected drivers with a 12-month extended warranty.

The warranty will cover 50% of the cost of repair or replacement if the fuel pump fails within the warranty period.

What is a class action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or “classes,” a way to come together in court.

These lawsuits are often filed by one or a few people who allege that a company or other entity has harmed a large group of people.

When a lawsuit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar claims to those who filed the lawsuit.

Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue legal action by accepting money.

These payment agreements often include statements from the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination or false advertising are some examples of what can lead to a class action lawsuit at a company’s door.

The lawsuit’s website states that vehicle owners can look for your VIN to see if their vehicle is within the class parameters.

A final approval hearing has not been scheduled, but Chapman’s law firm suggests drivers wait during these model years.

However, it would be crucial to gather any documents that prove ongoing expenses related to the fuel pump.

Payment to customers has not been finalized.