"Professional Grade" Engineering
GM Canada being sued over engine gaskets
Reuters / April 25, 2006 - 3:00 pm
TORONTO -- General Motors of Canada Ltd. is being sued for selling vehicles between 1995 and 2003 that allegedly contained a defective part that caused engines to overheat and seize, according to a suit filed in Ontario Superior Court on Tuesday.
The lawsuit against the Canadian arm of the world's biggest automaker could include up to 400,000 Canadian car owners. If each owner claims $2,654 (Canadian $3,000) in damages the claims could reach $1.06 billion (Canadian $1.2 billion).
The claim alleges that on some models GM used nylon or other plastics to manufacture intake manifold gaskets, which degrade prematurely and allow coolant to leak into the engine.
"In some cases the engines overheat and seize completely," Colin Stevenson, a partner at Toronto law firm Stevensons LLP, said in a release. "The vehicles often need complete engine replacements at considerable expense to the owners."
The suit claims 23 General Motors models were affected by the defective gasket, including Buick Park Avenues manufactured from 1995 to
1998 and from 2000 to 2003; the Pontiac Grand Am produced from 1999 to 2003; and the Chevrolet Malibu made from 1999 to 2003.A GM Canada spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
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