– A General Motors engine fault recall is currently under investigation after vehicle owners complained that their L87 6.2-liter V8 engines were defective even though they were supposed to be repaired.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into nearly 600,000 GM vehicles recalled in April 2025.
GM’s engine failure recall included the following vehicles:
2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
2021-2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
At least 36 complaints have been received about GM L87 engines failing after recall repairs were completed.
GM’s engine failure recall
The April 2025 recall followed an earlier federal investigation into GM L87 engine failures and other problems.
Customers complained about abnormal engine noise and knocking, high engine speeds, problems during shifting and illuminated indicator lights. It is also possible that the engines do not start and then fail completely.
General Motors said the engine failure recall was necessary because the engine’s connecting rod and/or crankshaft components could have manufacturing defects.
“The engine teardown analysis identified two primary causes, both of which are due to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft oil galleries; and (2) crankshaft dimensions and surface finish that are not specified.” — NHTSA
GM dealers were told to test for diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0016 and if that code was found, the L87 engine would be replaced.
If the trouble code was not found, a dealer had to drain the engine oil and refill it with GM dexos R 0W-40 oil, which has a higher viscosity than the original oil. In addition, the oil filter has been replaced and a new 0W-40 oil filler cap has been installed.
Based on the latest complaints, NHTSA must determine whether the recall repairs for engine failures were a waste of time and why.
CarComplaints.com will update our website with the results of GM’s engine failure recall investigation.
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