GM Engine Failure Class Action Lawsuit Begins – Your Rights & Next Steps

What’s the Problem

On March 1, 2026, a major class action lawsuit against General Motors (GM) officially commenced in federal court after multiple lawsuits over engine failures were consolidated into one case. The lawsuit alleges a widespread defect in the GM 6.2-liter V8 EcoTec3 L87 engines that can cause sudden and catastrophic engine failure — even after recall repairs.

According to the consolidated complaint, these engines suffer from loss of lubrication between the crankshaft and bearings, which can lead to severe internal damage, loss of power, and total engine breakdown. Plaintiffs contend that GM’s recall remedy is inadequate and that the company knew or should have known about the defect.

Allegations

The class action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Powell et al. v. General Motors, LLC), includes claims on behalf of owners and lessees of vehicles equipped with the L87 engines. Named plaintiffs hail from states across the country.

Plaintiffs argue that GM:

  • Sold vehicles with defective 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 L87 engines prone to bearing and lubrication failure.

  • Failed to provide a reliable repair solution through its recall.

  • Has left owners with vehicles that continue to suffer engine failures even after authorized repair attempts.

Those behind the lawsuit are represented by several law firms nationwide that have been involved in related litigation since early 2025.

Recall / TSB

In April 2025, GM issued a recall for nearly 600,000 full-size trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine after tens of thousands of owner complaints and federal safety scrutiny.

The recall (NHTSA Recall 25V-274) asked dealers to:

  • Inspect the engines for diagnostic trouble codes.

  • Replace the engine in certain cases.

  • Otherwise drain the 0W-20 oil and refill with a higher viscosity 0W-40 oil, replace the oil filter, and install a new oil cap specifying the new oil requirement.

Despite this remedy, plaintiffs claim:

  • The fix leaves owners paying more for expensive oil that reduces fuel economy.

  • Many vehicles fail shortly after recall repairs.

Federal safety regulators reopened or expanded their investigations into the engine failures after learning of continued post-recall issues.

Symptoms

Owners and lessees of the affected vehicles have reported a range of serious issues tied to the L87 engine, including:

  • Sudden or unexpected loss of power while driving.

  • Engine hesitation, knocking, or loud noises prior to failure.

  • Check engine light illumination and diagnostic trouble codes related to crankshaft or bearing concerns.

  • Failures even after recall repairs and dealer inspection.

  • Reduced fuel economy tied to the mandated higher-viscosity oil change.

The complaint asserts these problems expose owners and other road users to elevated safety risks.

How to Proceed

If you own or lease one of the vehicles in the lawsuit and are experiencing symptoms like those above:

  • Document the issues you’ve experienced — noises, loss of power, failures, warning lights, and any repairs.

  • Keep records of all recall and repair attempts made by GM dealers.

  • Check whether your vehicle qualifies for the class action by consulting current case representatives or official notices.

  • Contact Valero Law, APC to discuss your situation and potential next steps.

Call Valero Law

If your GM vehicle equipped with a 6.2-liter L87 engine has experienced failures, hesitation, loss of power, continued problems after recall repairs, or other related defects, you may be entitled to compensation through the class action lawsuit.

Contact Valero Law to explore your legal options, protect your rights, and get help navigating the litigation process.

Joshua Valero