GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 Engine Recall: What California Owners Need to Know
General Motors (GM) has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine. This recall addresses specific manufacturing defects but is not related to the previously reported valve lifter issues.
🔧 Understanding the Recall
The recall pertains to two distinct manufacturing defects identified at the supplier level:
Contamination leading to rod bearing damage
Crankshafts that were improperly finished or out-of-spec
These issues can result in engine damage and a loss of propulsion, posing safety risks to drivers. GM has clarified that this recall is unrelated to the valve lifter problems that have affected some V8-powered GM vehicles, particularly those with Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems.
As we previously wrote about, valve lifter failures have been a concern for GM owners. For more information, refer to our earlier articles:
🚗 Affected Vehicles
The recall impacts various full-size GM trucks and SUVs from the 2021 to 2024 model years, including:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Suburban
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
In total, 597,630 units are affected in the U.S., with global figures approaching 721,000 vehicles.
🛠️ Inspection and Repair Process
GM dealers will inspect the engines of affected vehicles to determine if they exhibit the identified defects.
If no defects are found:
The engine will receive an oil and filter change using 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil.
A new oil fill cap will be installed.
The vehicle will qualify for a 10-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty.
If defects are present:
The engine will be replaced at no cost to the owner.
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by June 9, 2025. Owners can check their vehicle's status via GM’s website or by contacting their local dealer.
📄 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.
🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If you are among the many GM owners 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.
If your GM vehicle is affected by this recall or if you're experiencing ongoing engine issues, don't hesitate to reach out. At Valero Law, APC, we specialize in California Lemon Law and are here to help you navigate your rights and options. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.