GM 6.2L V8 L87 Recall: New Extended Warranty Details & What It Means for You
What’s the Problem?
General Motors has recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles equipped with its 6.2L V8 L87 engine, covering 2021–2024 model years. The issue? A manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and/or connecting rods that can cause sudden engine failure—even while driving. This poses a serious safety risk for owners of full-size GM trucks and SUVs.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall affects a broad swath of GM’s most popular and expensive models:
Chevrolet: Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
GMC: Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL
Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV
According to GM’s filings, about 3% of the recalled vehicles (roughly 18,000 units) may require complete engine replacement due to the severity of the internal defect.
New Details: Warranty Extension Applies to All Inspected Vehicles
After reviewing updated service bulletins and warranty documents, we’ve confirmed an important new detail:
🔍 All recalled vehicles that pass GM’s diagnostic inspection— not just those with damage—are being granted an extended engine warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date.
This includes:
Vehicles that receive an oil/filter change and are deemed “healthy”
Vehicles that pass the PicoScope crankshaft sensor test
Vehicles that do not require engine replacement
This extended coverage is significant—and it wasn’t widely publicized in earlier recall reports. Valero Law uncovered this important fact by analyzing recent internal dealer communications and GM technical service bulletins (TSBs).
Symptoms & Risks
The defect can lead to:
Complete engine shutdown
Loss of power while driving
Inability to restart the vehicle
Loud knocking or metal-on-metal sounds
There have been reports of minor injuries and engine failure incidents, underscoring the severity of the issue.
GM’s Remedy Strategy
GM’s recall process involves a two-track approach:
Inspection using a PicoScope tool:
A GM technician checks for abnormal crankshaft movement and oil contamination. If no signs of failure are found, the vehicle is serviced with:An oil change (using Mobil 1 0W-40)
A new oil fill cap with updated instructions
A printed Extended Warranty Notice for your records
Engine Replacement:
If the engine fails inspection, the dealership replaces the engine—an 18+ hour job. However, GM’s current policy is that replacement engines do not receive the same extended warranty coverage.
This distinction could leave replacement engines less protected than original ones—a key factor in evaluating future legal options.
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." Or, two or more times for a safety related defect.
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 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.