GM CP4 Fuel Pump Lawsuit: What Owners Need to Know About the Class Action, Recalls, and Your Rights​

2025-11-19

General Motors (GM) faces a major class-action lawsuit over alleged defects in its CP4 fuel pumps, which have been linked to dangerous engine stalling, loss of power, and potential crashes in affected vehicles. If you own a GM truck or SUV from recent model years—particularly 2019–2023 Silverados, Sierras, or other models equipped with the CP4 pump—you may be eligible for compensation. This guide breaks down the lawsuit, what caused the defect, how it impacts you, and your next steps to protect your rights. We’ll cover the legal claims, recall status, settlement updates, and practical advice for affected owners.

The Core Issue: Why the GM CP4 Fuel Pump Is Defective

The CP4 fuel pump is a high-pressure component designed to deliver fuel from the tank to the engine at the precise pressure modern engines require. However, internal GM documents and testing revealed a critical flaw in the pump’s design: its rotating group assembly (RGA)—a set of gears and a shaft that drive the pump—can fail prematurely.

When the RGA fails, metal debris contaminates the fuel system. This debris clogs fuel filters, damages injectors, and can cause the pump to stop working entirely. The result? The engine loses fuel pressure, stalls without warning, or loses power while driving. Stalling at highway speeds or during heavy traffic creates severe crash risks, including rear-end collisions or loss of control.

GM first became aware of these issues internally by 2018, according to court filings. Engineers flagged RGA failures in testing, but the company proceeded to install the CP4 pump in millions of vehicles anyway. By 2021, customer complaints surged on platforms like NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), with reports of stalling, check engine lights, and costly repairs (often exceeding $3,000 per incident).

The Class-Action Lawsuit: Who’s Suing and What They’re Claiming

In August 2022, a federal class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Case No. 2:22-cv-00876) on behalf of GM owners and lessees. The plaintiffs argue GM:

  1. ​Knew About the Defect: Internal testing and supplier warnings showed the CP4 pump’s RGA could fail prematurely.

  2. ​Failed to Warn Owners: GM didn’t issue a recall or disclose the risk until forced by regulatory pressure.

  3. ​Caused Economic and Safety Harm: Owners faced repair costs, diminished vehicle value, and dangerous stalling incidents.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for affected owners, including reimbursement for repairs, loss of use, and potentially punitive damages for GM’s alleged negligence.

Which GM Vehicles Are Affected?

The CP4 fuel pump was installed in a wide range of GM full-size trucks and SUVs with 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, as well as some 2.7L and 3.0L turbocharged engines. Key models include:

  • 2019–2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500HD/3500HD

  • 2019–2023 GMC Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD

  • 2020–2023 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban

  • 2020–2023 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL

  • 2021–2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD (HD models)

  • Some 2020–2023 Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana vans

Not all vehicles in these model years are affected—only those with the specific CP4 pump variant. To check if your vehicle is included:

  • Use NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool (www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to search for open recalls.

  • Review your service records for any fuel pump-related repairs.

  • Contact a GM dealership with your VIN to confirm.

NHTSA Investigations and Recall Status

The NHTSA opened an investigation into the CP4 pump in July 2022 following a petition from the law firm representing the class-action plaintiffs. By late 2023, the agency had received over 1,200 complaints, including 37 reports of crashes and 14 injuries linked to stalling incidents.

Despite pressure from regulators and the lawsuit, GM initially resisted a recall. In March 2024, however, the company announced a voluntary safety campaign(not yet classified as a formal recall) for 2019–2023 Silverado and Sierra 1500/2500HD models. Under this campaign, GM will inspect and replace the CP4 pump free of charge if testing shows RGA wear. But critics argue the campaign is too narrow: it excludes many affected vehicles (e.g., Tahoes, Yukons, and HD trucks) and uses a subjective inspection process instead of a blanket replacement.

What Does This Mean for Owners?

If your vehicle is affected, here’s what you need to know:

1. ​Safety Risks Are Real​

Stalling while driving is not just inconvenient—it’s life-threatening. Owners report near-misses with tractor-trailers, loss of power on icy roads, and inability to accelerate to avoid obstacles. The lawsuit emphasizes that GM prioritized cost over safety by delaying action.

2. ​You May Be Entitled to Compensation​

Class-action settlements typically include:

  • Reimbursement for past fuel pump repairs (even if done before the lawsuit).

  • Payment for diminished vehicle value (since stalling risks lower resale prices).

  • Possible compensation for “pain and suffering” if you experienced a stalling incident.

However, settlements take time. As of mid-2024, the case is still in discovery, with experts analyzing failure rates and GM’s internal communications. A settlement could be reached in 2025, but owners must opt in to participate.

3. ​Take Action Now to Protect Your Rights​

  • ​Document Everything: Save repair invoices, photos of error codes, and notes on stalling incidents. Even minor repairs related to the fuel system matter.

  • ​Check for Recalls/Campaigns: Visit NHTSA’s website monthly—GM may expand its safety campaign to more models.

  • ​Consult a Lawyer: Class-action attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover money. They can help you file a claim if the lawsuit settles or guide you in a separate lawsuit if the class action excludes your case.

Why the CP4 Pump Failed: Technical Details for Owners

To understand why the CP4 pump is prone to failure, it helps to know its design. Unlike older CP3 pumps (used in earlier GM vehicles), the CP4 uses a single-piece cast iron housing and a roller bearing instead of a bushing. This design reduces cost but increases stress on the RGA. Over time, heat and vibration cause the RGA’s gears to wear, leading to metal shavings that clog the fuel system.

GM’s internal testing showed that by 100,000 miles, 15% of CP4 pumps could fail—far higher than acceptable failure rates for safety-critical components. Yet the company continued using the pump, arguing the issue was “normal wear.” Plaintiffs counter that GM knew the risk and sold vehicles with a known defect.

How the Legal Process Works: From Lawsuit to Settlement

Class-action lawsuits follow strict rules. Here’s what to expect:

  • ​Class Certification: The court must approve the case as a class action, meaning all affected owners are automatically included unless they opt out.

  • ​Discovery: Both sides gather evidence—GM’s internal emails, test reports, and owner complaints.

  • ​Settlement Negotiations: If GM sees the evidence is damaging, it may propose a settlement to avoid a trial.

  • ​Fairness Hearing: A judge reviews the settlement to ensure it’s fair to class members.

If the case goes to trial, plaintiffs would need to prove GM was negligent and that the defect caused harm. Given the volume of complaints and internal documents, a settlement is likely.

What If You Already Paid for Repairs?

Many owners spent thousands fixing stalling issues before the lawsuit. The class action aims to reimburse these costs. To qualify, you’ll need:

  • Proof of repair (invoice showing fuel pump or RGA replacement).

  • A dated receipt proving the work was done before the lawsuit was filed (or within a specified window set by the court).

Even if you had a partial repair (e.g., just replacing the fuel filter due to debris), you may still be eligible for partial reimbursement.

The Bigger Picture: GM’s Reputation and Future Recalls

This lawsuit is a major blow to GM’s reputation, which has struggled with reliability issues in recent years. It also raises questions about how automakers handle defects: do they prioritize shareholder profits over consumer safety?

For future vehicle buyers, this case underscores the importance of researching recalls and class actions before purchasing a used car. Tools like NHTSA’s database and consumer advocacy sites (e.g., CarComplaints.com) can reveal hidden risks.

Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself and Stay Informed

The GM CP4 fuel pump lawsuit is ongoing, but affected owners have options. Whether through a settlement, reimbursement for repairs, or holding GM accountable for safety lapses, taking action now ensures your voice is heard.

Stay updated via:

  • The official class-action website (once established—check https://www.cpaclassaction.comfor similar cases).

  • NHTSA’s recall page for your VIN.

  • Local news outlets covering automotive lawsuits in your state.

Remember: You have the right to safe transportation. If your GM vehicle has experienced stalling or fuel pump issues, don’t wait—document the problem and explore your legal options today.

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