General Motors Class Action Settlements in California
All General Motors class action lawsuits and settlements available to California residents.
Last updated: April 28, 2026 · By Class Action Buddy
California residents have 0 active class action settlements involving General Motors that they can file claims for right now. In addition, General Motors has 2 past settlements that have been resolved.
Combined maximum payouts across all General Motors settlements total $3,024. Class Action Buddy automatically files General Motors claims for California residents in under 60 seconds — no paperwork to handle, no postage to pay — we file the form for you.
Past General Motors Settlements (2)
These General Motors settlements have closed but California residents may have qualified at the time.
GM defective shifter class action settlement
Up to $875The GM defective shifter settlement paid up to $875 to 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC owners who experienced the "Shift to Park" defect. Learn about eligibility and similar settlements.
$150M GM excessive oil consumption class action settlement
Up to $2,149The $150M GM excessive oil consumption settlement paid at least $2,149 to owners of 2011-2014 Chevy/GMC vehicles with LC9 engines. Learn about eligibility and similar settlements.
About General Motors Class Actions in California
General Motors maintains significant operations in California, including major facilities in Van Nuys and other locations throughout the state. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act provides stronger lemon law protections than federal regulations, allowing consumers to recover attorney fees and civil penalties when manufacturers fail to repair vehicles under warranty. The state's Unfair Competition Law also enables broader consumer remedies beyond traditional warranty claims. California residents have participated in multiple GM class action settlements, including the $150 million excessive oil consumption settlement affecting vehicles with defective piston rings and the shifter defect settlement for cars that could roll away when drivers believed they were in park. California's large automotive market makes it a frequent venue for consumer protection lawsuits against major manufacturers. The state's consumer-friendly legal environment and statute of limitations often provide California residents with extended timeframes to join class action settlements compared to other jurisdictions.
General Motors Settlements in California: FAQs
Can California residents join the GM excessive oil consumption settlement even if they purchased their vehicle outside California?
Yes, California residents can typically participate in GM class action settlements regardless of where they purchased their vehicle, as long as they meet the settlement's vehicle model and year requirements. The $150 million GM oil consumption settlement covers specific engine types across multiple model years, with eligibility based on vehicle specifications rather than purchase location.
How does California's lemon law interact with GM class action settlements?
California's Song-Beverly Act provides separate remedies from class action settlements, potentially allowing consumers to pursue both options. If your GM vehicle qualifies as a lemon under California law, you may be entitled to a buyback or replacement in addition to any class action settlement benefits.
What documentation should California GM owners preserve for potential settlements?
Keep all service records, repair invoices, and warranty claims related to your GM vehicle's defects. California's consumer protection laws often require detailed documentation, and settlement claims typically need proof of ownership, repair attempts, and out-of-pocket expenses for covered issues.
Tips for California Residents Filing General Motors Claims
California GM owners should monitor settlement deadlines closely, as missing filing dates forfeits compensation rights. Preserve detailed maintenance records and repair receipts, especially for oil consumption issues or shifter problems covered in recent settlements. Consider consulting California consumer protection attorneys familiar with automotive defects, as the state's Song-Beverly Act may provide additional remedies beyond class action settlements. File claims promptly when settlements open, as some have caps on total payouts that could be reached before deadlines. California residents often have extended statute of limitations periods, but acting quickly maximizes potential recovery options.
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