🚨 GM L87 6.2L V8 Engine Failures Prompt Recall and Investigation – What California Owners Need to Know

What’s Going On?

A class-action lawsuit was filed on June 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. It alleges that GM’s repairs for the naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 L87 engine — found in 2019–2024 full-size GM trucks and SUVs — are insufficient. Plaintiffs say GM is merely swapping bad engines for identical ones or performing oil changes, neither of which address the root issue: crankshaft and rod bearing failures

Affected vehicles include:

  • 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2021–2024 Chevy Tahoe/Suburban

  • 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade/ESV, 2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500

  • 2021–2024 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL

GM recalled nearly 598,000 vehicles in April 2025 and is investigating code P0016. If it shows up, the entire engine is replaced; if it doesn’t, dealers perform an oil change with thicker oil and a new cap . Plaintiffs argue this “fix” doesn’t prevent failures, offers little owner protection, and contributes to depreciation .

How This Connects to Lemon Laws

Lemon laws are state-level consumer protection laws designed to insure that serious, recurring defects are repaired within a manufacturer’s warranty period. Key points include:

  1. Covered vehicle: new or under warranty.

  2. Serious defect: affects vehicle safety, value, or usability.

  3. Reasonable repair attempts: Typically multiple tries or extended repair times.

  4. Manufacturer’s failure to repair: results in refund or replacement.

Why 6.2L L87 Cases Might Qualify

  • Engine defects: The failing internal components (crankshaft, bearings) are safety risks and degrade resale value.

  • Inadequate repairs: Swapping to identical engines and opting for oil-only solutions may not meet "reasonable repair" standards.

  • Extended repair timeline: Reports show owners waiting months without resolution — another red flag.

  • Consumer harm: Lower trade-in value, safety concerns, and inconvenience could satisfy lemon law criteria.

Next Steps for Owners

  1. Gather documentation
    Keep records of all engine issues, diagnostics (especially any P0016 codes), services, and recalls.

  2. Report your case
    After multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General or consumer protection office.

  3. Contact a lemon law attorney
    An experienced lawyer can evaluate warranty eligibility, work with GM to pursue replacement or refund, and possibly claim incidental costs like rental car expenses.

  4. Join the class action
    If eligible, participating in the lawsuit may strengthen your position and improve your recovery.

Lemon Law Tips for GM Owners

  • Know your rights: Lemon laws vary by state, so check your local statutes. For instance, California requires four repair visits for the same issue or >30 days out of service.

  • Stay in warranty: File before expiry of your powertrain warranty to stay eligible.

  • Be proactive: Promptly document all problems; don’t delay seeking legal help if issues persist.

  • Be informed: Monitor manufacturer recalls and repair bulletins for L87 updates.

Final Take

If you own a 2019–2024 GM truck or SUV equipped with the 6.2 L L87 engine and are experiencing recurring engine issues — especially if GM's repairs haven't resolved the problem — you could have a valid lemon law claim. Don’t settle for a software update or oil change if your vehicle is undermined by a fundamental mechanical 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.


Joshua Valero