General Motors reached a settlement over fuel injector defects in certain Silverado and Sierra trucks
General Motors agreed to a settlement involving fuel injector problems in 2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The defect can cause rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and reduced fuel economy. GM did not admit fault but agreed to repair or replace fuel injectors at no cost to owners and leasees, and to provide compensation to those who paid for repairs out of pocket before the settlement was finalized.
The settlement covers vehicles with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. If you own or leased one of these trucks during the covered model years, you may be may have access to to a repair, a refund, or both, depending on what work you have already had done.
Key Takeaways
- The settlement covers 2014–2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine.
- GM will repair or replace fuel injectors for free at any authorized GM dealership, even after the settlement period ends.
- Owners who paid for fuel injector repairs before the settlement was approved may receive reimbursement by submitting a claim with proof of payment.
- You do not need to take action when ready; the repair window remains open indefinitely for covered vehicles.
- To confirm whether your truck is covered, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) against the settlement details or contact a GM dealership.
Which vehicles and model years are included
The settlement covers Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks from model years 2014 through 2018. The defect is specific to the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, so trucks with other engine sizes are not part of this settlement.
Both regular cabs and crew cabs are covered. The settlement applies whether you own the truck outright or are leasing it. If you purchased a used truck during the settlement period, you may still be covered as long as the vehicle itself falls within the model year and engine type range.
To verify your truck's may be able to access, locate your VIN (visible on the driver's side dashboard or in your registration documents) and provide it to a GM dealership service department. They can confirm whether your specific vehicle is part of the settlement.
What the settlement covers: repairs and reimbursements
GM will replace or repair fuel injectors at no cost at any authorized Chevrolet or GMC dealership. This repair is covered for the life of the vehicle, meaning you can have it done years after the settlement was finalized. The dealership will perform the work under warranty, and you will not be charged for parts or labor.
If you already paid for fuel injector repairs or replacement before the settlement was approved, you may file a claim for reimbursement. This applies whether you had the work done at a GM dealership or at an independent repair shop. You will need to submit proof of payment—typically an invoice or receipt showing the date, the repair performed, and the amount paid.
The settlement does not cover other engine problems or repairs unrelated to the fuel injector defect. It also does not cover damage to other components that may have resulted from the fuel injector issue, such as catalytic converter damage.
How to get your fuel injectors repaired
Contact any authorized Chevrolet or GMC dealership and tell them you want to have your fuel injectors inspected and repaired under the settlement. Provide your VIN so the service department can confirm your vehicle is covered. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment or walk in during service hours.
Bring your vehicle registration or proof of ownership. The dealership will perform a diagnostic to confirm the fuel injector defect, then replace or repair the injectors at no charge. The repair typically takes a few hours, though timing may vary depending on dealership workload.
You do not need to submit any paperwork or claim forms to get the repair done. The settlement is between GM and vehicle owners; the dealership handles the authorization on GM's behalf.
Filing a claim for past repairs you paid for
If you paid out of pocket for fuel injector repairs before the settlement was finalized, you can submit a claim to be reimbursed. You will need to gather your original invoice or receipt, which should show the date of the repair, the specific work performed, and the total amount you paid.
Contact the settlement administrator or GM directly to obtain the claim form and submission instructions. The claim form will ask for your VIN, your contact information, and details about the repair. Attach a copy of your receipt or invoice as proof of payment.
Submit your claim by the important date specified in the settlement documents. The important date varies depending on when the settlement was approved and how the administrator has structured the claim period. If you no longer have your original receipt, contact the repair shop where the work was done and request a copy of the invoice.
Timeline and important date for the settlement
The settlement was approved by the court, and the repair coverage became effective on the date the settlement was finalized. However, the repair window does not close on a specific date—GM committed to covering fuel injector repairs for the life of the vehicle.
Claims for reimbursement of past repairs have a important date, which is typically set for a period of time after the settlement is approved. This important date is published in the settlement notice and on the settlement administrator's website. If you believe you are owed reimbursement, check the settlement documents or contact the administrator to confirm the important date for your claim.
Even if you miss the reimbursement important date, you can still have your fuel injectors repaired for free at a dealership at any time in the future.
What symptoms suggest a fuel injector problem
Rough idling is the most common sign of a fuel injector defect. You may notice the engine shaking or vibrating when the truck is stopped at a red light or in park. The problem is often worse when the engine is cold or when the truck is first started.
Hesitation during acceleration is another indicator. When you press the gas pedal, the truck may pause or stumble before responding, especially at low speeds or when merging onto a highway. Some owners report a noticeable drop in fuel economy, meaning the truck requires more gas to travel the same distance.
Check engine lights may or may not appear. Some fuel injector defects trigger a diagnostic code, while others do not. If you experience any of these symptoms, have a dealership inspect your truck even if no warning light is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay anything to get my fuel injectors repaired under the settlement?
No. GM covers all parts and labor for fuel injector repairs or replacement under the settlement. You will not be charged at the dealership. If a dealership tries to charge you, contact GM customer service or the settlement administrator to report it.
Can I take my truck to an independent repair shop instead of a GM dealership?
The settlement repair coverage is only available at authorized Chevrolet and GMC dealerships. Independent shops cannot bill GM for the repair. However, if you already paid an independent shop for fuel injector work before the settlement was approved, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
What if my truck is out of warranty?
The settlement repair coverage applies regardless of your vehicle's warranty status or age. Even if your truck is 10 years old and out of warranty, GM will still repair or replace the fuel injectors at no cost under the settlement.
How long does the fuel injector repair take?
The repair typically takes a few hours, though the exact time depends on the dealership's workload and whether additional diagnostics are needed. Call ahead to schedule an appointment so you know when to expect the work to be completed.
Can I get compensation for reduced fuel economy or other inconvenience?
The settlement provides free repairs and reimbursement for past repairs you paid for. It does not include separate compensation for reduced fuel economy, inconvenience, or time spent dealing with the problem. Your remedy is the repair itself.