GM 6.2L L87 Engine Class Action Lawsuit Moves Forward: What Owners Need to Know (2025 Update)
What’s the Problem
In late 2025, multiple federal lawsuits alleging widespread engine failures in General Motors’ 6.2-liter L87 V8 were consolidated into a single class action. This marks the first major nationwide litigation focusing on a critical internal engine defect that owners have been reporting for several years.
The core issue involves alleged failures of the crankshaft, connecting rods, and rod bearings—components that are fundamental to engine rotation and load management. Plaintiffs claim the defect can lead to sudden loss of power, internal engine destruction, catastrophic seizure, and repeated engine replacements that fail prematurely.
This lawsuit captures a problem that thousands of owners have complained about: brand-new or low-mileage GM trucks and SUVs suddenly losing propulsion or exhibiting severe knocking. Even more frustrating, some owners report that replacement engines provided by GM later develop the same failure patterns.
The alleged defect affects the following models equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–2024)
Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024)
Chevrolet Suburban (2021–2024)
GMC Sierra 1500 (2019–2024)
GMC Yukon (2021–2024)
GMC Yukon XL (2021–2024)
Cadillac Escalade (2021–2024)
Cadillac Escalade ESV (2021–2024)
These vehicles share the L87 V8 powertrain architecture and, according to the lawsuit, share a common vulnerability to sudden internal engine failure.
Allegations
The plaintiffs allege that GM knowingly sold vehicles with a dangerous and concealed defect involving the rotating assembly of the 6.2L L87 engine. Specifically, the consolidated complaint asserts the following:
The engine contains unstable crankshaft and bearing tolerances that cause metal debris, abnormal wear, and escalating friction.
The defect manifests under normal driving conditions, meaning owners who follow all maintenance schedules still experience failures.
The failure can occur without warning, often accompanied by loud knocking or complete loss of power.
The defect poses a significant safety risk, particularly when the engine fails during highway driving or towing.
GM allegedly continued to sell the vehicles despite early internal knowledge of elevated failure rates.
GM’s recall-level repairs do not cure the defect, leaving many owners with repeat engine failures or reduced resale value.
The plaintiffs also allege breach of warranty, fraudulent concealment, violation of federal warranty statutes, and various consumer protection violations. The consolidated lawsuit gives weight to these allegations because failure patterns appear consistent across tens of thousands of reported incidents.
For California owners specifically, the alleged failure is substantial enough to implicate the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which protects consumers when manufacturers fail to repair a defect after a reasonable number of attempts.
Recall / TSB
In April 2025, GM issued a major recall affecting hundreds of thousands of trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine. The recall focused on internal engine components and required dealerships to inspect, measure, or replace certain parts associated with the rotating assembly.
Alongside the recall, GM issued various Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) advising technicians on:
Diagnosing abnormal knocking or tapping noises
Detecting premature rod bearing wear
Measuring crankshaft end play or rotational resistance
Addressing engine failures related to lubrication and internal clearance issues
However, according to the lawsuit and widespread consumer reports, the recall repair has not been successful in addressing the underlying problem. Many owners who received recall or warranty repairs later experienced:
Repeat engine failures
Contaminated oil samples showing metal shavings
Noises returning after short mileage
Incomplete inspections or misdiagnoses at dealerships
For vehicles under warranty, owners frequently report extended repair delays, difficulty obtaining loaner vehicles, and substantial loss of use—factors that directly support potential lemon law claims.
Symptoms
Owners of vehicles equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine commonly report the following symptoms, many of which precede complete internal failure:
Persistent knocking or ticking noises during cold starts
Metallic tapping or rod knock when accelerating
Loss of engine power or hesitation
Sudden decreases in oil pressure
Illuminated check engine light with internal wear codes
Shuddering or vibration during highway driving
Unusual engine heat or overheating behavior
Complete engine shutdown, often requiring replacement
Repeat engine replacements within short mileage intervals
Any of these symptoms should be documented immediately. A failure in the rotating assembly can escalate quickly, and GM dealerships often record these symptoms as distinct repair visits—important for establishing a lemon law claim.
How to Proceed
If you own a Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac with a 6.2L L87 engine and have experienced any of the symptoms above, consider the following steps:
Document Issues
Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure your complaints are included in the work order provided at the time of drop-off.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts
If the defect persists after multiple repair attempts, or if your vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, you may qualify as a lemon under California law.
Monitor Symptoms
Any new noises, warning lights, metal contamination in the oil, loss of power, or sudden shutdown events should be immediately reported to a dealership and documented.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law
If repairs fail or if your vehicle has repeat failures, you may be entitled to a repurchase, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
Call Valero Law
If you are like many GM owners now experiencing serious engine issues with your Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation may include:
A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle
A replacement vehicle
Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage caused by the defect
If you are in California and your GM truck or SUV has a 6.2L engine, lifter, or transmission defect, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 for a free Lemon Law case evaluation.
Valero Law, APC handles these cases on a contingency basis. There is no cost to you.