Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

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

A Delaware complaint alleges engine-system defects in certain Buick and Chevrolet vehicles with GM’s 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The claims remain allegations, and two specific emissions recalls are separate issues.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A proposed class action filed against General Motors in Delaware alleges that certain vehicles with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine can suffer premature internal engine failure. The complaint names 2024-to-present Buick Encore, Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Chevrolet Trax vehicles equipped with engine RPO LIH or LBP. These are plaintiffs’ allegations, not a court finding that the engine is defective.

What the GM engine 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). The filed complaint alleges that some vehicles with the 1.2-liter turbocharged inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, identified by RPO LIH or LBP, have an engine-system defect.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Alleged failures and symptoms

The plaintiffs allege premature internal engine damage during ordinary driving, including bearing and connecting-rod damage, oil starvation and engine-block porosity. They describe reported knocking or loud mechanical noise before loss of power, oil or coolant leaks, smoke and possible fire. The complaint does not establish that these symptoms occur in every vehicle, and its allegations are not an individual diagnosis.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the plaintiffs say GM knew

The complaint alleges that GM knew about the alleged problem before vehicles were sold, did not disclose it, and that repairs or service guidance did not address the underlying condition. The plaintiffs point to earlier service materials concerning engine noise, metallic particles in oil and oil leakage. Their interpretation of those materials and claims about GM’s knowledge remain arguments in the lawsuit, not independently established findings.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
GM Genuine Parts 12679099 Intake Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid with Seal, Retainer, and Bolt
  • Coated to help protect against premature corrosion
  • Designed to match OEM calibration to provide the performance you expect from GM
  • Some GM Genuine Parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco GM Original Equipment (OE)
  • GM Genuine Parts are designed, engineered and tested to rigorous standards, and are backed by General Motors.
  • GM Engineers design and validate OE parts specifically for your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle

Which vehicles are included in the proposed class?

The complaint requests a class covering people in California and across the United States who purchased or leased certain 2024-to-present vehicles with the specified engine:

  • Buick Encore
  • Buick Envista
  • Chevrolet Trailblazer
  • Chevrolet Trax

The proposed class is not the same as a court-certified class. The complaint asks for certification; the materials reviewed do not establish that a judge granted it. Model year alone also does not establish whether a particular vehicle has the specified engine.

Rank #2
RAREELECTRICAL Coolant Water Pump Fits 2011-2021 Chevrolet Spark Wp2451
  • Compatible with CHEVROLET. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Oem Part Numbers: / General Motors: 25191164 (Current) / General Motors: 25189098 (Superseded By 25191164) / General Motors: 25186130 (Superseded By 25189098) / Us Motor Works / Asc: Wp2451 / Wp-2451 / / Specifications: / Type: Engine Water Pump Assembly / Housing Material: Aluminum / Impeller Material: Metal (Stamped Steel) / Drive Type: Serpentine Belt — 5-Rib / Pulley: Included / Impeller Rotation: Standard / Engine: 1.2L L4 S-Tec Ii (B12d1) /
  • Applications: Chevrolet Spark — 1.2L L4 B12d1 S-Tec Ii Inline 4-Cylinder Gasoline (International Market): / / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid (2011-2015): / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2011) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2012) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2013) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2014) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2015) / / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 76 Cid (2013-2015): / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 76
  • Applications: Spark 1.2L L4 76 Cid S-Tec Ii (2013) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 76 Cid S-Tec Ii (2014) / Chevrolet Spark 1.2L L4 76 Cid S-Tec Ii (2015) / / Chevrolet Spark Classic 1.2L L4 74 Cid (2016-2017): / Chevrolet Spark Classic 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2016) / Chevrolet Spark Classic 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2017) / / Chevrolet Beat 1.2L L4 74 Cid (2018-2021): / Chevrolet Beat 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii (2018) / Chevrolet Beat 1.2L L4 74 Cid S-Tec Ii...
  • Water Pump - Source: Aftermarket

What the lawsuit asks the court to do

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

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The complaint and a March 7, 2026, CarComplaints.com report establish the filing, but the materials available here do not establish later motions, rulings, certification, settlement or dismissal. Do not treat the case as having a particular current outcome without checking the court docket.

Rank #3
Rareelectrical Starter Compatible With 2020-25 Buick Encore Gx 1.2L Turbo
  • Compatible with CHEVROLET, BOSCH, BUICK. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Oem Part Numbers: / Gm Supersession: 55488048 → 55514262 → 55515481 → 25208828 / Current Gm Number: 25208828 / Brands On These Numbers: Chevrolet Buick Opel Vauxhall / Bosch New: 0 001 170 690 / 0001170690 / Bosch New: 0 001 170 691 / 0001170691 / Bosch Exchange: 1 986 S00 942 / 1986S00942 / Peugeot Citroen Ds: 1681473980 1680007380 / 0 001 Prefix = New Build 1 986 Prefix = Exchange Unit / Specifications: / 12 Volt / 12 Tooth / Clockwise (Cw) Rotation /
  • Applications: Starter Motor 12V 12 Tooth Cw Pmgr — Seg Bosch Gm 1.2L Turbo Three Cylinder: / 5 Checks Before You Buy: / Engine: 1.2L Turbo Three Cylinder — Rpo Lih Or Lbp / Pinion: 12 Tooth Clockwise / Current Gm Number: 25208828 Supersedes 55515481 / Flange: 63Mm With 3 Mounting Bores / Power: 1.4 Kw Nominal / Buick Applications: / Buick Encore Gx 1.2L Turbo Lih (2020-2025) / Buick Encore Gx Preferred 1.2L Turbo (2020-2025) / Buick Encore Gx Select 1.2L Turbo (2020-2023) /
  • Applications: Select 1.2L Turbo (2020-2023) / Buick Envista 1.2L Turbo Lih (2024-2025) / Buick Envista Preferred 1.2L Turbo (2024-2025) / Buick Envista Sport Touring 1.2L Turbo (2024-2025) / / Chevrolet Applications: / Chevrolet Trailblazer Ls 1.2L Turbo (2021-2025) / Chevrolet Trailblazer Lt 1.2L Turbo (2021-2025) / Chevrolet Trailblazer 1.2L Turbo Lih (2021-2025) / Chevrolet Trax Ls 1.2L Turbo (2024-2025) / Chevrolet Trax Lt 1.2L Turbo (2024-2025) / Chevrolet...
  • Starter Motor Source: Aftermarket

Two specific emissions recalls are separate from the lawsuit

GM issued two emissions actions involving some vehicles with the 1.2-liter engine. They address particular issues and do not establish the broader mechanical defect alleged in the complaint.

2023 catalytic-converter recall

GM’s February 2023 Emission Recall A232398131 covered certain 2023 Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The bulletin says an incorrect catalytic converter may have been installed and directs dealers to inspect and replace it if necessary. GM estimated approximately 1,494 U.S. vehicles were involved; of approximately 1,500 involved vehicles, it estimated 32 might require converter replacement. Those figures describe this recall, not engine failures or the prevalence of the alleged lawsuit defect.

Rank #4
A-Premium L4 1.2L Engine Cylinder Head Gasket, Compatible with Chevrolet
  • [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Chevrolet Spark 2013-2015
  • [Reference Number]: 25187952, 26753PT
  • [Specifications]: ① Material: Multi-Layer Steel; ② Cylinder Bore Diameter (inch): 2.815; ③ Head Gasket Bore (inch): 2.815; ④ Thickness (inch): 0.90; ⑤ Without Gasket Sealant; ⑥ Without Head Bolts
  • [High Performance] This cylinder head gasket is made of high-performance materials, with specs strictly matching original factory standards. It delivers superior wear, heat, impact resistance and excellent dust and corrosion protection, adapts to cylinder head or block micro-deformations for stable sealing, and ensures reliable engine power output
  • [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted Cylinder Head Gasket. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind

2024 engine-control software recall

GM’s May 2024 Emission Recall A242435780 covered certain 2024 Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The bulletin says the engine-control module may not properly control ignition timing after certain auto stop/start events, potentially illuminating the check-engine light and causing rough running or knocking. The prescribed action is to reprogram the module. This is a specific software-related emissions action, not a finding that the lawsuit’s alleged engine defect exists.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What owners can check

Neither recall applies automatically to every vehicle of a listed model. Both GM bulletins direct dealers to verify campaign involvement by vehicle identification number (VIN). Owners can use GM’s recall or vehicle-history process, or ask a dealer to check the VIN. A recall match establishes whether that vehicle is included in a particular campaign; it does not determine whether the lawsuit’s allegations apply to the vehicle or establish a repair for the alleged mechanical condition.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
GM Genuine Parts 12679099 Intake Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid with Seal, Retainer, and Bolt
GM Genuine Parts 12679099 Intake Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid with Seal, Retainer, and Bolt
Coated to help protect against premature corrosion; Designed to match OEM calibration to provide the performance you expect from GM
$41.78
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
A-Premium L4 1.2L Engine Cylinder Head Gasket, Compatible with Chevrolet
A-Premium L4 1.2L Engine Cylinder Head Gasket, Compatible with Chevrolet
[Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Chevrolet Spark 2013-2015; [Reference Number]: 25187952, 26753PT
$22.99
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Tiny Force Set of 16 Hydraulic Valve Lifters Compatible with Gm & Chevrolet Luv 1.0l 1.2l 1.4l Engine 2011-2021 Replace 9128603; 85007200; 955019; 420007210; Hl6329; Hl72
  • Compatible with GM 2011-2021 1.4L Engine Valve Lifters Fits: LUV. 1.4L ENG; Fits years: 2011-2021
  • Replace Part Number: 90529534; 90542632; 12860-84E00-000; 91 28 603; 85007200; 955019; 420007210; 4200072100; 265301; 40 18 0004; V40-0060; 108 855; HL6329; 1231530; HL72; 17-0125
  • Made of Stainless Steel Metal Material
  • Packaged includes: 16 Hydraulic Valve Lifters / Lash Adjusters
  • Valve Tappets Can Adjust The Degree of Valve Opening and Closing in Real-Time

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.