GM 6.2L V8 L87 Recall and Warranty Extension: What California Owners Need to Know About Their Legal Rights
General Motors has announced a major recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine. This recall impacts popular 2021–2024 models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade. According to GM, a manufacturing issue involving connecting rods or crankshafts may cause catastrophic engine failure—sometimes without warning.
While GM plans to inspect affected engines and extend warranty coverage for those that pass, California consumers should know that extended warranties do not eliminate their Lemon Law rights.
What the Recall Covers
GM’s internal investigations revealed that a defect in the L87 6.2L engine could lead to engine damage or outright failure. In response:
Vehicles that fail inspection will receive a full engine replacement at no cost.
Vehicles that pass inspection will get an oil/filter change and be switched to a higher-viscosity oil.
GM is also offering an extended warranty—10 years or 150,000 miles—for engines that pass inspection.
But for California owners still experiencing engine problems or who have already had repeated repair visits, this recall may come too late. That’s where California’s Lemon Law can help.
California Lemon Law: How It Applies Here
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (commonly called the “Lemon Law”), you may be entitled to relief if:
Your vehicle has been subject to repeated engine-related issues;
You’ve taken it in for multiple repairs and the defect still isn’t fixed;
Or your truck or SUV has been out of service for more than 30 days total.
Even if GM offers to replace your engine—or extends your warranty—these do not erase your rights. A warranty extension is not a legal settlement. If your 6.2L L87-equipped vehicle has lost power, made knocking noises, stalled, or suffered engine failure, you may be eligible for a buyback or significant compensation under the California Lemon Law.
A Key Point for Consumers
This recall and “goodwill” warranty fix may sound generous, but it's reactive. GM allegedly knew about internal failures for years before initiating this action—after over 28,000 engines had failed and three internal investigations were completed. This delay in issuing a recall may help support your claim, especially if engine issues started before GM publicly acknowledged the problem.
Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
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.