Certain 2023-2026 Chevy, GMC, Buick Vehicles Plagued by Defective Radiator Hose Connection, Class Action Suit Claims

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General Motors (GM) faces a proposed class action lawsuit that alleges the automaker has knowingly sold certain Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick models equipped with defective quick-connect radiator hose interfaces that can allow coolant to leak, which can significantly hamper engine performance.

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The 85-page lawsuit against GM contends that the following Chevrolet, GMC and Buick models are equipped with defective upper radiator hose connections that can cause coolant to leak from the hose-to-radiator interface, which can lead to a loss of coolant that may cause engine overheating, reduced engine power, sudden engine disablement, and even catastrophic engine damage:

• 2023-2026 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon equipped with an L3B 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine;

• 2024-2026 Chevrolet Traverse;
• 2024-2026 GMC Acadia; and
• 2025-2026 Buick Enclave equipped with an LK0 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

According to the lawsuit, radiator cooling hoses circulate coolant between the engine and the radiator and are critical to a vehicle’s cooling system, which regulates operating temperature and prevents the engine from overheating.

The filing says that the defect can manifest with little to no warning. Per the lawsuit, the problem affects the quick-connect fitting that joins the upper radiator hose to the radiator, as the hose lacks an exterior clamp to hold it in place, and instead relies on a precise fit between the connector, seal, and radiator neck.

This case relays that this quick-connect interface can degrade prematurely under normal operating conditions, causing the seal to lose integrity and allowing coolant to leak from the connection.

According to the class action lawsuit, General Motors knew or should have known of the radiator hose defect through extensive pre-release testing, consumer complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports from dealerships, and more, but has failed to disclose the problem, issue a recall, or provide an adequate repair.

The complaint states that General Motors has published at least one service bulletin about the alleged defect, but that bulletin provided no warranty coverage for consumers whose affected vehicles are outside of the automaker’s three-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Additionally, GM has offered a “limited and incomplete” Special Coverage Program, as it apparently does not cover repairs to the upper radiator hose quick-connect interface, the suit alleges.

Moreover, the filing says that the “halfhearted” fix GM has offered consumers—replacement of the defective quick-connect interface with another, equally faulty connection—does not address the underlying issue.

Per the complaint, the defect presents a widespread safety hazard to drivers and passengers because it can render a vehicle inoperable and prevent drivers from moving with the flow of traffic or moving away from danger.  

The General Motors class action lawsuit looks to cover all individuals who purchased or leased a class vehicle in the state of Georgia.

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