GM Silverado & Sierra Fuel Injector Settlement: What Owners Must Know Now

Your Essential Takeaway: If you own or leased a 2015-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the optional 6.2L V8 engine (Generation IV Small Block/L86), a significant class action settlement provides concrete benefits and financial compensation related to widespread fuel injector failures. Affected owners can potentially receive substantial reimbursements for past repairs and critical warranty extensions for future fuel injector problems. The deadline to submit claim forms for past repairs is currently August 7, 2025. Immediate action is required.

Understanding the Core Problem: The Faulty Fuel Injectors

At the heart of this settlement lies a specific defect in fuel injectors supplied by Delphi Technologies (and later BorgWarner) for certain 6.2L V8 engines used in millions of popular GM pickup trucks. Internal testing and widespread customer complaints revealed that these injectors were prone to prematurely cracking and failing. This wasn't a minor inconvenience; failures manifested in serious ways:

1. Engine Misfires and Rough Running: Cracked injectors disrupt the precise fuel spray pattern required for combustion, causing noticeable engine shaking, power loss, and illumination of the check engine light (often with misfire codes like P0300).
2. Excessive Fuel Leakage: Cracks allow fuel to leak externally, presenting a significant fire hazard and potent gasoline odor. In severe cases, raw fuel can drip onto hot engine components. A critical safety warning: If you see or smell fuel actively leaking from the engine compartment, especially near the fuel injectors, stop driving the vehicle immediately and have it towed to a dealer. This poses a severe fire risk.
3. Hydro-Locking: Liquid fuel leaking into the cylinder can fill it entirely. When attempting to start, the piston encounters this incompressible liquid, potentially causing catastrophic damage as connecting rods bend or break trying to compress it.
4. Engine Damage from Oil Dilution: Fuel leaking past piston rings contaminates the engine oil. Diluted oil loses its lubricating properties, leading to accelerated wear on bearings, camshafts, and other critical components. This "washed down" cylinder phenomenon can silently cause long-term, expensive damage.
5. Loss of Power and Stalling: Faulty injectors disrupt engine operation, potentially leading to dangerous situations involving power loss while driving or unexpected stalling, especially at highway speeds.

The issue wasn't isolated. Consumer complaints surged across forums and official channels like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Dealerships replaced injectors under standard warranties, but replacements often failed prematurely too, leaving owners facing recurring bills, sometimes reaching $3,000-$5,000 or more per repair out-of-pocket for injector replacement on all eight cylinders.

The Legal Response: The Class Action Settlement

Faced with mounting evidence and consumer frustration, several class action lawsuits were consolidated against General Motors. These alleged that GM knew or should have known about the defective injectors long before widespread failures occurred and failed to adequately address the defect through repairs or recalls. After extensive legal proceedings, GM agreed to a nationwide settlement to resolve these claims without admitting wrongdoing.

Who Exactly Qualifies? (Vehicle Eligibility & Class Definition)

This settlement is not for all Silverados or Sierras. Eligibility is specific:

• Vehicles Covered: Model Year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500.
• Engine Requirement: Must be equipped with the Generation IV Small Block 6.2L V8 engine (RPO Code L86). This is the optional high-output V8, not the standard 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, or diesel engines. Confirming your engine size via your VIN or original window sticker is crucial.
• Ownership/Lease Period: You must have owned or leased one of these eligible vehicles during the period specified by the settlement, which generally covers the timeframe when issues were occurring up to the settlement approval.
• Class Member Status: You are automatically included if you meet the above criteria unless you formally exclude yourself ("opt-out"). No registration is needed to be in the class, but you MUST file a claim form to receive reimbursement.

What the Settlement Provides: Tangible Benefits for Owners

This settlement offers concrete relief in two primary forms:

1. Extended Warranty Coverage (Recall/Limited Service Part Program):

   • The Benefit: GM has established a special Limited Service Part Program covering specific fuel injector replacements on affected vehicles.
   • Coverage Duration: This warranty extension adds significant coverage specifically for the fuel injectors. It lasts for 15 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date, whichever occurs first.
   • Components Covered: Specifically addresses the installation of new, improved fuel injectors part number 12681434 in positions 1-4 and part number 12681435 in positions 5-8 (all eight injectors). Labour is included.
   • Activation: This coverage applies automatically to eligible vehicles, regardless of current ownership. You do not need to file a claim to get future injector replacements covered under this program if your vehicle is within the 15-year/150,000-mile period.

2. Cash Reimbursement for Past Repairs:

   • The Core Compensation: This is where you get money back for injector repairs you already paid for.
   • Covered Repairs: Reimburses owners for:
     • Costs incurred for replacing one or more fuel injectors that failed due to the alleged defect before the vehicle reached 10 years or 120,000 miles (whichever occurred first).
     • Costs incurred for replacing an engine damaged as a direct result of a failed fuel injector that met the above criteria.
   • Documentation Is Key: To receive reimbursement, you MUST file a valid claim form (available on the official settlement website - http://www.GMFuelInjectorSettlement.com) and provide proof of:
     • Ownership/Lease during the repair period.
     • The repair invoice showing the work performed, the specific injectors replaced or engine repaired, costs paid (parts, labor, tax), and the repair date/mileage.
     • Proof you paid for the repair (e.g., credit card statement, cancelled check).
   • Reimbursement Levels:
     • All Eight Injectors Replaced: Eligible for 100% reimbursement of parts, labor, and tax paid, or $5,800 (whichever is less).
     • One to Four Injectors Replaced: Eligible for a prorated reimbursement based on how many were replaced compared to replacing all eight. This generally works out to $725 per injector replaced, or your actual costs, whichever is less.
     • Engine Replacement Due to Injector Failure: Eligible for reimbursement of costs paid specifically related to the engine replacement necessitated by a covered injector failure, or $9,800, whichever is less. This requires strong documentation linking the engine failure directly to the defective injector (e.g., dealership diagnosis).
     • Original Owner Bonus: Original owners (those who purchased the vehicle new) may be eligible for an additional $140 compensation if they file a claim and are approved for injector reimbursement.
   • THE DEADLINE: All Claim Forms for reimbursement MUST be submitted online or by mail by August 7, 2025. This date is final and firm. Missing this deadline means forfeiting any potential reimbursement.

"Am I Affected?" How to Check and Confirm

1. Check Your VIN: The absolute best way to confirm eligibility is to use the VIN lookup tool on the official settlement website: http://www.GMFuelInjectorSettlement.com. Enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. This will instantly tell you if your specific vehicle qualifies.
2. Review Vehicle Documentation: Your original window sticker or purchase documentation should list the engine size (must be 6.2L V8). Repair documentation will also state the engine size and work performed.
3. Recall/Service Bulletin Lookups: While not the settlement site, checking recall status through GM Owner Center (official GM site) or NHTSA.gov using your VIN can also provide information, as GM has released related service bulletins and programs. The settlement warranty extension is distinct from standard recalls.

Step-by-Step: How to File Your Claim for Reimbursement

1. Gather Documentation: Locate all repair invoices related to fuel injector replacements or qualifying engine damage. Ensure they show vehicle details (VIN is ideal), date/mileage, work performed (specifically listing injector replacements or engine replacement), parts used, labor, tax, and amount you paid. Gather proof of payment for those repairs. Also, have your registration/title info handy to prove ownership during repair.
2. Visit the Settlement Website: Go to http://www.GMFuelInjectorSettlement.com. This is the ONLY official source for claims and information.
3. File Online (Recommended): The website will have a secure online claim form portal. Follow the instructions carefully. You will likely need to upload clear scans or photos of your documentation.
4. File By Mail: If you prefer, you can download a paper claim form from the website. Complete it thoroughly and mail it along with copies (never originals) of your supporting documentation to the address provided. Certified mail is recommended.
5. Keep Copies: Retain copies of everything you submit.
6. Track Your Claim: The settlement administrator may take several months to review claims. You can usually check the status online using a claim ID provided after submission. Be patient, but ensure they received your claim before the deadline.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting Your Claim

• Missing Paperwork: This is the biggest hurdle. If you don't have detailed repair invoices or proof of payment, getting reimbursement is very difficult. Contact the repair facility immediately and request copies of your repair history. Check bank/credit card statements for evidence of payment. Affidavits explaining the loss of records might be accepted in extremely limited cases, but are not guaranteed.
• Repairs Done by Non-GM Mechanics: Reimbursement covers qualifying repairs regardless of where they were done (GM dealer, independent shop, DIY if you are the shop owner/licensed tech and meet strict documentation requirements). You still need full documentation showing parts, labor, and proof of payment as outlined.
• DIY Repairs: Generally, reimbursement for DIY work is extremely difficult unless you are a licensed repair business/technician and can provide detailed receipts for parts and meticulously document labor hours at prevailing rates. Consult the official claim form instructions carefully.
• Multiple Owners: If you owned the vehicle when the repair was paid for, you file the claim, not the subsequent owner. The warranty extension transfers with the vehicle.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs Only: The settlement reimburses only what you paid out-of-pocket after any warranty coverage you had at the time was exhausted. If a prior warranty covered part of the repair, you can only claim the remaining portion you paid.
• Claims Administrator Contact: If you have issues with the process, use the contact information provided only on the official settlement website. Do not rely on third-party sources.

Beyond the Claim: Protecting Your Silverado or Sierra

While the settlement addresses the specific Delphi injectors and provides the new warranty, understanding and monitoring your vehicle remains crucial:

1. Recognize the Symptoms: Be vigilant for:
   • Strong fuel odor (especially in the cabin or engine bay).
   • Rough idling or engine misfires.
   • Illuminated check engine light (often with misfire codes P0300, P0301-P0308).
   • Visible fuel leaks near the engine.
   • Excessive oil level (fuel dilution).
   • Hard starting, stalling, or hesitation.
   • Reduced fuel economy.
2. Address Issues Promptly: If you experience any symptom related to fuel injectors or suspect oil dilution, get your truck diagnosed immediately by a qualified technician (GM dealer or trusted independent). Delaying repair can lead to severe engine damage or fire risk, potentially costing far more than the injectors themselves.
3. Regular Oil Changes & Analysis: Given the risk of oil dilution, adhere strictly to GM's recommended oil change intervals, potentially even shortening them if you frequently drive short distances or suspect dilution. Consider periodic used oil analysis (UOA) to check for fuel contamination. Look for reports showing low oil viscosity or high fuel percentage.
4. Use the Settlement Warranty: If your vehicle is within the 15-year/150,000-mile extended coverage period and experiences a fuel injector failure, take it to a GM dealership. The service advisor will verify coverage under the "Limited Service Part Program" and replace the affected injectors (likely all eight as a set per the program) with the updated parts at no cost to you. You may need to reference the settlement if the advisor is unfamiliar. Have your VIN ready for them to look up coverage.

Case Example: David's Experience

David purchased a used 2016 Silverado LTZ with the 6.2L engine in 2019. At 68,000 miles, he experienced a sudden loss of power and intense fuel smell on the highway. Towed to a dealer, they diagnosed multiple cracked injectors. He paid $3,600 to replace all eight injectors out-of-pocket as the basic powertrain warranty had expired.

Later learning of the settlement, David:

1. Confirmed his VIN eligibility via the settlement website.
2. Located his detailed repair invoice and credit card statement showing the payment.
3. Filed an online claim well before the deadline, uploading his documentation.
4. Six months later, received a reimbursement check for $3,600, significantly easing the financial burden of the repair.
5. Now knows his truck has warranty coverage on the injectors until 2031 or 150,000 miles, giving him peace of mind.

Why This Settlement Matters (Beyond Individual Compensation)

This settlement has broader implications:

• Accountability: Provides recourse for consumers impacted by a costly and potentially dangerous defect. While GM admits no fault, the settlement compels action and compensation.
• Safety Mandate: Addresses a significant fire hazard and potential for dangerous driving situations caused by injector failure.
• Future Prevention: The improved injector design used under the warranty extension aims to resolve the chronic failure issues experienced with the older parts.
• Market Signal: Reinforces to manufacturers the importance of proactive defect management and the costs associated with delayed actions.

The Path Forward: Act Now

The clock is ticking for reimbursement claims. The key actions are clear:

1. Verify Your Eligibility: Use http://www.GMFuelInjectorSettlement.com and your VIN now.
2. Gather Your Proof: If you paid for fuel injector repairs on your eligible 2015-2021 6.2L Silverado/Sierra, start assembling those repair orders and proof of payment documents immediately.
3. File Your Claim: Submit your claim online or by mail well before the August 7, 2025 deadline. August 7th will arrive sooner than you think.
4. Utilize the Warranty Extension: For any current or future injector issues occurring within 15 years or 150,000 miles, utilize the coverage under the Limited Service Part Program at your GM dealer.

Ignoring this deadline means forfeiting significant financial compensation you are entitled to. Take the necessary steps today to secure your reimbursement and understand the long-term protections provided by this critical settlement for GM 6.2L truck owners.