General Motors (GM) has issued a major recall targeting its popular full-size trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine. The recall follows a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation and several lawsuits citing critical engine failures.
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Which GM Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall, identified as NHTSA Campaign Number N252494001, covers the following models from 2021 to 2024:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
- Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
These vehicles may suffer from manufacturing defects in the engine’s connecting rods and/or crankshaft components, leading to potential loss of power, engine damage, or catastrophic failure.
What Caused the Recall?
According to GM, the 6.2L V8 engines in these vehicles could contain defects originating from production. While GM has not detailed the specific nature of the flaws, it acknowledges the increased risk of a crash if the engine fails during operation.
A GM spokesperson told GM Authority, “GM will voluntarily recall certain full-size SUV and truck models equipped with 6.2L L87 engines to resolve manufacturing issues affecting some engines. The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to address this matter as quickly as possible.”
NHTSA Investigation and Owner Complaints
The NHTSA began investigating the L87 engine issues earlier in 2024, estimating that up to 877,710 vehicles could be impacted. By January, at least 39 complaints had been filed, with numbers continuing to rise.
Several owners have also pursued legal action against GM. One Illinois owner of a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali is seeking over $5 million in damages, alleging that a replacement engine installed after a failure exhibited the same defect.
GM’s Repair and Inspection Strategy
To address the issue, GM issued a stop-sale order for affected inventory and released a service bulletin outlining the repair process:
- Initial Inspection: Dealer technicians will inspect the 6.2L V8 engines for manufacturing defects.
- Oil and Filter Change: If the engine passes inspection, technicians will replace the oil filter and switch to 0W-40 full synthetic oil (instead of the previously recommended 0W-20). This thicker oil is intended to offer better protection under high-temperature conditions.
- Owner’s Manual Update: Vehicles will receive an insert advising future oil changes to use 0W-40 oil.
- Engine Replacement: Vehicles failing inspection will receive a new engine along with the oil update before resale.
Dealers are prohibited from selling or delivering any vehicles affected by this recall until repairs are completed under federal law.
Are New GM Vehicles Affected?
This recall specifically affects 2021–2024 models. GM confirmed that 2025 model-year trucks and SUVs are not impacted, thanks to updated manufacturing tooling that eliminated the underlying defect.
Additionally, other GM engines, such as the 5.3-liter L84 V8, 2.7-liter L3B turbo-four, and 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, are not involved in this recall.
What GM Owners Should Do
GM will notify affected owners in the coming weeks with instructions to schedule inspections and repairs at local dealerships. Owners are encouraged to take action promptly to avoid potential safety risks.
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall ID | N252494001 |
| Models Affected | 2021–2024 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade |
| Problem | Defective connecting rod/crankshaft components in 6.2L V8 |
| Risk | Engine failure, increased crash risk |
| Fix | Inspection, oil/filter change, or engine replacement |
| Oil Specification Update | Switch from 0W-20 to 0W-40 full synthetic |
| 2025 Models Affected? | No |
Automotive industry expert and editor of Vhiclo, specializing in car news, EV technology, and in-depth vehicle analysis. With years of experience in the field, Koutaibah provides trusted insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
