Major Recall: GM’s 6.2L L87 Engine Poses Serious Risk in 2021–2024 Trucks and SUVs
General Motors (GM) has issued a sweeping recall impacting over 600,000 vehicles equipped with its 6.2L V8 L87 engine. The issue? A pair of serious manufacturing defects that could lead to catastrophic engine failure — and for many California owners, that could mean a lemon law claim.
🔍 What’s Defective?
According to official documents filed with the NHTSA, the engines may suffer from:
Crankshafts with incorrect dimensions or improper surface finish
Connecting rods contaminated with manufacturing debris
Together, these conditions can lead to rod bearing failure, loss of oil pressure, and sudden loss of power while driving — a major safety concern.
🚘 Vehicles Affected
This recall targets certain 2021–2024 model year vehicles, including:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL
Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV
These vehicles were built between March 2021 and May 2024, and all are equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine.
🛠 What Is GM Doing?
GM dealerships will:
Inspect the engine for internal damage
Replace it entirely if problems are detected
Otherwise, perform a band-aid “fix” by installing thicker oil (0W-40), a new oil fill cap, and issuing an owner’s manual insert
Additionally, GM is offering a Special Coverage Program that extends warranty coverage for these engines to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
📌 What’s New That No One Else is Talking About?
One lesser-reported detail buried in the NHTSA filing: GM initially became aware of this issue back in February 2022, June 2023, and July 2024 based on field reports and internal engine teardown analysis. However, it took over 8 months before a formal recall was issued.
This timeline could matter if you’ve already experienced engine failure and were denied warranty coverage — it may support a lemon law or fraud claim under California law.
⚖️ 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 two 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 like many GM owners now dealing with engine issues in 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.