🚨 GM L87 6.2L V8 Engine Failures Prompt Recall and Investigation – What California Owners Need to Know
If you own a Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Yukon, or Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2L V8 engine, you may be at serious risk for engine failure—sometimes without warning. A federal investigation and sweeping recall have been launched after mounting complaints about General Motors’ L87 engine, which has left some drivers stranded and others with costly repairs.
❗ What’s Going On?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating nearly 878,000 GM trucks and SUVs from model years 2019–2024 equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. Reports of engines seizing at highway speeds, spewing metal shrapnel through the block, and outright failures have led to increasing safety concerns.
GM issued Recall No. N252494001 in April 2025, affecting vehicles such as:
2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe & Suburban
2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500
2021–2024 GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade & Escalade ESV
The core issue? Defective connecting rods and crankshaft components, worsened by out-of-spec manufacturing processes and sediment buildup. These flaws can cause total engine failure, often without any prior warning lights or symptoms.
🔧 Symptoms of the Defect
Drivers of affected vehicles have reported:
Engine knocking or loud banging
Loss of propulsion or stalling at highway speeds
Check engine light activation
Oil leaks or low pressure
Smoke under the hood
Engine seizure
In some cases, consumers experienced multiple engine replacements—even in new vehicles with fewer than 5,000 miles.
🔍 What GM Is (and Isn’t) Doing
GM dealers are currently inspecting affected inventory vehicles. If no immediate defect is found, they’re providing a “band-aid” fix: thicker viscosity oil, a new oil cap, and an oil filter.
But many owners argue that this “solution” decreases fuel efficiency and doesn’t truly address the risk of catastrophic engine failure. A class action lawsuit has already been filed, alleging that the recall fix is inadequate and that GM knowingly released defective engines.
🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If you're like many GM owners now dealing with engine seizures, repeat repairs, or dealership delays, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if a vehicle cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either:
Repurchase the vehicle,
Replace it with a similar model, or
Provide cash compensation for the diminished value and inconvenience.
California law also covers rental car fees, towing, and other out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred from your defective vehicle.
How to Proceed
Document Issues: Keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer. While at the dealership, ensure that all of your complaints are noted in the work order that you receive when you first drop off your vehicle.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: While the law doesn't specify an exact number, generally, if the same problem persists after four or more repair attempts, or if the vehicle is out of service for more than 30 days cumulatively, it may qualify as a "lemon."
Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection and let the dealership know.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law. Remedies can include a repurchase of the vehicle or a cash settlement.
🧾 Class Action vs. Individual Claim – Know the Difference
While a class action may be underway, you don’t have to wait or accept a low settlement check. Filing an individual lemon law claim with Valero Law can result in a much larger payout—often including your attorney’s fees and expenses at no cost to you.
🛑 Get Help Now – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you are like many GM owners who are 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 already caused by the defect
If you’re 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 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.