GM L87 Engine Recall: My Truck Passed Inspection — Your Next Steps & Legal Rights
General Motors’ recall of nearly 600,000 trucks/SUVs with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine (model years 2021-2024) has raised a lot of questions — especially if your vehicle passed the required inspection. What does passing inspection mean, what fixes you get, what protections are extended, and what to watch out for? Here’s what owners in California (and elsewhere) need to know.
What the Recall Covers & the Inspection Process
GM initiated Safety Recall N252494001 for certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade & Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe & Suburban; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon & Yukon XL — all equipped with the L87 V8 engine.
The defect involves the crankshaft and/or connecting rods. These components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to serious engine damage or loss of propulsion.
Dealerships must inspect the affected vehicles using a diagnostic procedure (including checking for a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and/or using other test tools) to detect whether the defect is present.
If Your Vehicle Passed the Inspection — What Happens
If your L87-equipped vehicle passes the inspection, here's what follows:
Oil & Filter Change
Vehicles that pass will receive a change to a higher-viscosity engine oil: 0W-40 (Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40) instead of the earlier spec. They’ll also get a new oil filter.New Oil Fill Cap
A new oil cap, which reflects the changed oil spec, will be installed.Owner’s Manual Insert
GM will provide an insert for the owner’s manual (or operating/safety manual) to explain the change and the new oil spec.Extended Powertrain Warranty (“Special Coverage”)
Even vehicles that pass inspection are covered under an extended powertrain protection: 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date. This applies not only to engines that needed replacement, but also to engines that passed inspection and got the oil spec change.
What It Doesn’t Mean
Passing inspection is good news, but it has limits. It does not guarantee your engine will never have problems, and it does not immediately erase all risk. Key caveats:
If the underlying defect manifests later (even after passing inspection), you may still have issues. Monitoring is essential.
Completing the remedy (oil change + cap, etc.) does not always equate to a full replacement. If your engine shows signs of failure (during or after inspection), you may qualify for engine replacement.
Warranty alone doesn't always resolve all downstream damage (e.g. if damage occurred before the inspection, or if engine failure happens outside warranty terms) — documentation matters.
What You Should Do Next (Especially in California)
Even if your vehicle passed inspection, for your protection do the following:
Document everything. Keep copies of the inspection report, service order, what was done (oil, filter, cap, manual insert), and mileage/date.
Monitor your engine: be alert for warning signs (noises, knocking, vibration, oil pressure loss, loss of power, etc.). If you notice anything abnormal after the recall remedy, bring it to the dealer immediately.
Check the recall status on your VIN (on GM’s site or NHTSA) to ensure all required repair/remedy work has been recorded. Sometimes dealerships delay parts or updates.
Keep records of all communication with dealership/manufacturer. If there are multiple repair attempts or your vehicle suffers a defect, this documentation is critical in any warranty or lemon-law claim.
How California Lemon Law Might Apply
If you're in California, here are the implications under state law if your L87 engine later shows issues, despite passing inspection:
The recall remedy work is part of the warranty obligations. If the repair doesn’t resolve the defect, you may be able to invoke Lemon Law under the Song-Beverly Warranty Act.
Under recent changes like AB 1755, timing, notice, and mediation requirements are stricter. That means acting promptly when fault arises is important.
If your vehicle is out of warranty or beyond mileage thresholds after the recall remedy, still document what occurred under the recall — some remedies or extended warranties might apply.
Do You Have a California Lemon Law Claim?
If your GM L87‐engine vehicle passed the inspection, GM is doing important things: giving you upgraded oil, updating filter and cap, providing manual inserts, and extending engine warranty to help reduce your risk. But passing inspection is not the end of vigilant ownership — don’t assume everything is fixed forever. Stay aware, keep records, and if symptoms recur, act fast.
If your GM truck or SUV with the 6.2L L87 engine passed the recall inspection but you’re still worried about potential failures, don’t wait until it’s too late.
At Valero Law, APC, we help California owners navigate Lemon Law claims — even when a recall inspection “passes” but problems persist. We understand the complexities of GM’s engine defects and the new legal hurdles under AB 1755.
Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today. Cases are handled on a contingency basis — no upfront cost to you.