Chevy Over-Promised and Under-Delivered on MPGs

Posted on
Author
Scott McCracken
Tagged
#fuel-system #settlement
A yellow and white gas pump with the words Fuel Save on the front.

General Motors admits their estimated gas mileage for certain 2016 SUVs was a bit too optimistic. To make up for the snafu, the automaker will pay up or offer warranty extensions to 135,000 owners, including those with a Traverse.

In May of 2016, GM told its dealers to stop selling 60,000 vehicles after discovering the discrepency while working on the labels for the 2017 model year. The window stickers show estimates 1-2 miles per gallon higher than they should.

The Compensation Offer ∞

GM plans to handle compensation to 2016 Traverse owners in one of two ways:

  1. They will offer owners debit cards of $450–$900, or
  2. Owners can opt out of the debit cards and choose a warranty extension instead. The extension is a boost from 36 monhts / 36,000 miles to 48 months / 60,000 miles.

The compensation was calculated using the estimated cost of gas ($3/gallon) and the average mileage driven (15,000 miles/year).

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Chevrolet generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Back in May, GM admitted that they overstated the fuel economy on some 2016 SUVs and offered a compensation program as a sorry 'bout that.

    Owners received somewhere between $450 to $1500, based on a few factors, for their troubles. But that wasn't enough for some.

    A new lawsuit wants GM to pony up more cash for the decreased resale value of the 2016 Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia.…

    keep reading article "Has Acadia Lost Value Because of MPG?"

  2. GM admits they dipped their hands into the fuel economy jar and pulled out a couple more MPGs than they should have. Well, I guess dinner is spoiled now.

    Estimates say the fuel economy ratings of the 2016 Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia are inflated by 1 or 2 MPGs. In a world full of defective ignition switches and killer airbags, it's hardly the worst news out there. However, little discrepancies like that can add up over time.

    Now GM wants to make up the difference.

    While exact amounts are unknown, owners should soon expect to receive compensation ranging from prepaid debit cards to extended warranties.

    keep reading article "GM to Compensate Owners for Cheating on MPG Tests"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint

  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS

  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA