A putative class action lawsuit alleges certain Chevrolet Malibu vehicles contain a dangerous defect in their cam-driven brake vacuum pump that results in loss of braking capability, increased stopping distances, and damage to the camshaft and other engine components. The vehicles at issue in the lawsuit are 2013-2022 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.5L engines.
The plaintiff, Maryland resident Tiffany Johnson, claims her 2017 Chevrolet Malibu had a defective camshaft-driven vacuum pump, which led to her experiencing repeated brake failure despite multiple repairs and replacement parts. Each brake failure incident occurred in moderate to heavy highway traffic, Johnson contends, and no instrument cluster malfunctional lamps illuminated, and no warning of imminent braking system failure occurred.
The complaint contends class members have complained to the National Highway Traffic Administration about issues arising from the alleged defect, such as collisions and engine damage. The plaintiffs further allege the brake defect is present in the class vehicles from the date of manufacture and is thus covered by GM’s Limited Warranty, but GM has not taken action to correct the root cause of the defect, despite knowing of it since at least 2016. Instead, the lawsuit contends, when GM repairs vehicles with the defect, it removes and replaces the defective parts with new but equally defective replacement parts.
The lawsuit raises claims including breach of warranty and violation of state consumer laws, and seeks remedies including damages and restitution.
The case is Tiffany Johnson v. General Motors LLC, case number 2:22-cv-11548-DPH-APP, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
