🚨 GM Recalls Thousands of 6.2L L87 V8 Vehicles Over Engine Failure Risk
General Motors has issued a major safety recall (N252494002) involving popular Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, citing a serious risk of engine failure and loss of propulsion due to defective internal components. This defect impacts drivers nationwide — and California vehicle owners may have rights under the state’s Lemon Law.
Here are all the recall information we’ve found that has been sent to NHTSA.gov:
If your GM truck or SUV has experienced rough engine performance, knocking, abnormal shifting, or sudden power loss, you may be entitled to a repurchase, replacement, or cash compensation.
🚙 Affected Vehicles
This recall covers certain 2021–2024 model year vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87) gasoline engine, including:
Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
Thousands of California drivers own or lease these trucks and SUVs, and many have already reported issues consistent with the defect — often well before this recall was made public.
🔧 What’s the Problem?
GM has acknowledged that some L87-equipped vehicles may have defective connecting rods and/or crankshaft components, which can cause:
Catastrophic engine damage
Complete engine failure
Loss of propulsion while driving
These internal engine defects are the result of manufacturing flaws, not driver misuse or wear and tear.
🚨 Warning Signs and Symptoms
GM lists the following as early signs of engine failure:
Knocking, banging, or unusual engine noises
Check engine light illumination
Hesitation or high engine RPMs
Abnormal transmission shifting
Sudden loss of power or a no-start condition
Although GM claims these issues may not cause sudden braking, the loss of propulsion while driving can still present a serious crash risk — especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic.
🛠️ What Is GM Offering?
According to GM, dealerships will replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Courtesy transportation may also be available for customers still under warranty, but out-of-pocket costs for inconvenience, lost time, or resale value loss are not covered by the recall itself.
That’s where California’s Lemon Law can offer broader protection.
🛑 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 propulsion defect, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.
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.