General Motors (GM) L87 Motor Engine Failure Defect

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating complaints of a catastrophic defect in all General Motors-branded vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine that could cause spontaneous engine failure. Owners report no prior warnings of the defect before sudden engine failure, and the defect has manifested in as little as 1147 reported miles of use. GM has recalled affected vehicles resulting in one of the largest engine replacement endeavors in GM’s history. 

AFFECTED GM MODELS 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 877,000 vehicles equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines may be affected, including: 

• 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade
• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV 
• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2021-2024 GMC Yukon
• 2021-2024 GMC Yukon XL

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GM VEHICLE IS AFFECTED? 

The NHTSA has so far received at least 39 complaints and additional field reports alleging engine failure. Some owners of affected vehicles have reported bearing failures requiring a new motor, but predicting the defect may be impossible: instances of the defective engines — catastrophic sudden engine failure — have occurred without any prior symptoms noticed by drivers. Owners report that incidents of engine failure are more likely at highway speeds, increasing the likelihood of injury and property damage, should the defect manifest. GM L87 6.2L V8 

ENGINE DEFECT EXPLAINED 

General Motors issued a statement that its L87 6.2L V8 engine connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. The NHTSA states in its summary of the defect, “…complainants report a bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod.” Based on publicly available information, this issue impacts 600,000 to 900,000 engines in certain vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024. GM dealerships have reportedly informed consumers that there is no guidance for them to fix the defect at the root of the recall. These circumstances make continued use of affected vehicles incredibly dangerous, yet GM has failed to adequately respond, leaving its own customers emptyhanded.

Torque News, an automotive news outlet, stated of the situation, “It’s not the first time owners have felt left in the dark by incomplete communication, shifting strategies, and what appears to be reactive rather than proactive problem-solving. …the implications for the automotive world could be massive.” 

WHAT AFFECTED GM OWNERS ARE SAYING 

Owners of affected General Motors vehicles have detailed their firsthand experience with the defect and recall via NHTSA reports and online forums: 

• “I was driving 65mph down the freeway when the truck suddenly turned off and the dash told me to put in neutral and start again… Made it about another mile and the truck completely turned off and wouldn’t turn back on there was nowhere to pull over or get off the freeway…I was stopped in the middle of the highway with my family in the truck.” 
• ”In my case and many others, the engine abruptly stops causing major safety problems. I was stranded on the side of interstate 5 in the rain with very little space between the guardrail and slow lane of the freeway where large trucks were mandated to drive.” 
• ”We were driving on the interstate…when our car went into neutral while we were in the left hand lane next to a 18 wheeler. My husband was driving and we have our four children and dog in the car. We lost acceleration. …There was no warning light or any warning that our engine was about to shut down.” 
• ”…I’m thinking it's going to be a wait until our engines blow then they will replace our engines. … Just left my dealer 10 mins ago on 2:25 pm 5/5/2025. They said that GM hasn't put the word out yet officially because they have to figure out how to deal with it.” 
• ”While passing on a two-lane road at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and acted as if the engine wasn’t running.” 

HOW CAN A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT HELP? 

Through a class-action lawsuit, individual consumers can collectively bring claims against large corporations who would otherwise have the upper hand, like General Motors, and force them to acknowledge issues like the L87 6.2L V8 engine defect. A class-action lawsuit seeks to level the playing field, bringing strength to collective action to change corrupt practices and negligent responses to customers. Though these measures do not bring immediate relief, they are a time-tested method of holding companies accountable for wrongdoing, including automakers’ failure to sell safe and reliable vehicles to their customers. GM states on its own website: “GM looks at safety differently. …we take a holistic approach, combining research technology and advocacy to help keep you and your family safe on the road.” We think it’s time GM fulfilled that promise to you. 

TOP AUTO LITIGATION FIRM 

Hagens Berman is one of the most successful auto litigation law firms in the U.S., having secured settlement benefits valued at more than $21 billion for vehicle owners impacted by defects and other automotive issues, including multiple settlements for GM vehicle owners. Our firm is presently leading nationwide class-action lawsuits against major automakers for safety defects and negligence. Your potential claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in automotive consumer law. 

NO COST TO YOU 

In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or another firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the legal team for the class.