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GM Faces Proposed Class Action Over 1.2-Liter Three-Cylinder Engine

A March 2026 complaint alleges premature engine failures in certain Buick and Chevrolet vehicles with GM’s 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder. The claims have not been established as court findings.
Entry750 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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A proposed class action filed against General Motors alleges that certain vehicles with its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine can suffer premature internal engine failure. The complaint is not a court finding, and the materials reviewed do not establish that a class has been certified or that the alleged defect has been proven.

What the lawsuit alleges

Samantha Cook and Donna Cook filed Cook et al. v. General Motors LLC on March 4, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 1:26-cv-00229-UNA). Their complaint alleges a defect in certain GM vehicles equipped with the 1.2-liter turbocharged inline three-cylinder gasoline engine identified by RPO LIH or LBP.

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Alleged failures and symptoms

The plaintiffs claim that engines may fail prematurely during ordinary driving. The complaint describes alleged bearing and connecting-rod damage, oil starvation, and engine-block porosity. It also recounts reports of knocking or loud mechanical noise before loss of power, oil or coolant leaks, smoke, and possible fire.

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These are allegations about the vehicles and reports discussed in the complaint, not independent findings about the engine or a diagnosis for any particular vehicle. The complaint also alleges GM knew about the problem before sale, did not disclose it, and that repairs or service guidance did not adequately address the underlying condition. Its interpretation of earlier service materials is the plaintiffs’ argument, not a court’s conclusion.

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What the plaintiffs are asking for

The complaint requests class certification, damages, and injunctive relief, among other remedies. Those are requests; the complaint does not mean that compensation or repairs have been ordered.

Which vehicles are included in the proposed class?

The complaint proposes a class of people in California and across the United States who purchased or leased the following 2024-to-present vehicles equipped with the specified 1.2-liter engine (RPO LIH or LBP):

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Make Models named Engine qualification
Buick Encore, Envista 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, RPO LIH or LBP
Chevrolet Trailblazer, Trax 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine, RPO LIH or LBP

This is the plaintiffs’ proposed class description, not a final determination of who may be included. A model name or year alone does not establish that a particular vehicle has the engine at issue.

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Has a court ruled that the engine is defective?

The complaint itself is not a ruling, and the materials available for this article do not establish that a court has certified the proposed class or decided the allegations. They also do not confirm whether later motions, a settlement, dismissal, or another court action has occurred. Check a current court docket for the latest procedural status rather than assuming the case remains at a particular stage.

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How the lawsuit differs from two GM emissions recalls

Separate GM bulletins describe two specific emissions actions involving some vehicles with the 1.2-liter LIH engine. Neither action is a finding that the broader mechanical defect alleged in the lawsuit exists.

Campaign Vehicles and issue described by GM Action and scope
Emission Recall A232398131 (February 2023) Certain 2023 Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles may have been fitted with an incorrect catalytic converter. GM directed dealers to inspect and replace the converter if needed. GM estimated about 1,494 U.S. vehicles were involved; it estimated that 32 of approximately 1,500 involved vehicles might need converter replacement. These are figures for this converter campaign, not engine-failure statistics. GM bulletin hosted by NHTSA
Emission Recall A242435780 (May 2024) Certain 2024 Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Chevrolet Trax vehicles may have an engine-control module that does not properly control ignition timing after certain auto stop/start events. GM said this could illuminate the check-engine light and cause rough running or knocking. GM directed dealers to reprogram the module. This is a specific software-related emissions action, not a finding about the lawsuit’s alleged mechanical defect. GM bulletin hosted by NHTSA

Both bulletins direct dealers to verify campaign involvement by vehicle identification number (VIN). A vehicle’s model name or year by itself does not show that it is included.

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What owners can check

  • Check the VIN through GM’s recall or vehicle-history process to see whether either emissions campaign applies to your vehicle.
  • If you have symptoms such as unusual engine noise, loss of power, leaks, or smoke, contact a qualified repair facility or GM dealer for a vehicle-specific assessment. The lawsuit allegations are not a diagnosis or proof that a particular vehicle has the alleged condition.
  • Keep repair orders, warranty communications, and records of symptoms if you are seeking service or evaluating your options. The complaint does not establish that an individual owner is eligible for a particular remedy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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