Green & Jigarjian LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against General Motors for Defect in Engine Resulting in Excessive Engine Noise Caused by Piston Slap

SAN FRANCISCO--March 5, 2004--A class action complaint against General Motors Corporation was filed by the law firm Green & Jigarjian LLP and the Oklahoma based firms of Federman & Sherwood and Walker & Walker. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of purchasers of 1999 through 2003 model GM vehicles with a 3.1, 3.4, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 (LS1), 6.0, or 8.1 liter engine that exhibits a loud noise due to Piston Slap, alleges that GM actively concealed the engine defect while continuing to advertise, market, and warrant that GM engines are free from defects. Some of the models that may have a Piston Slap defect are the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, Silverado, Tahoe and Surburban; GM Denali and Yukon; Cadillac Escalade and Pontiac TransAm.

"Piston Slap" is a loud knocking noise produced during and shortly after engine start-up that is caused by the engine pistons knocking against the cylinder walls as a result of excessive clearance between the piston and the cylinder wall. Plaintiff alleges that when GM redesigned these engines in 1999, it did not correct its tolerance levels and this failure to reduce the tolerances has resulted in the current problems with Piston Slap, causing excessive engine wear, increased oil consumption, and poor fuel mileage. Additionally, Piston Slap can cause a reduction in the resale value of their vehicles.

Plaintiff further alleges that in at least four Technical Services Bulletins (TSBs) released by GM in 2001, the company indicates the reason why it failed to admit and fix the defect, namely the replacement of the engine assembly or pistons does not eliminate the noise, thus those affected by Piston Slap would require the installation of new engines to remedy the situation. Rather than fix the problem, however, GM has modified what it considers "normal" engine noise and oil consumption levels, and thus refuses to remedy the engine defect covered under GM warranties.

Based on GM's alleged unfair and unlawful conduct, Plaintiff seeks the repair or replacement of the defective engines or reimbursement for the cost of repair or replacement, the disgorgement of profits unjustly earned by GM, and restitution for the overcharge paid by consumers for their GM vehicles.

If you own or lease a 1999 through 2003 model GM vehicle with a 3.1, 3.4, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7 (LS1), 6.0, or 8.1 liter engine that exhibits an engine noise due to Piston Slap and would like to discuss your rights, please contact Monica Herman at (415) 477-6700 or by e-mail at gj@classcounsel.com. Green & Jigarjian LLP is a firm of national class action attorneys based in California. For more information about this case and other class action and complex litigation, please go to our website at www.classcounsel.com.