New NHTSA Investigation Focuses On 877,000 GM Trucks And SUVs for 6.2L V8 Engine Failures

This isn't a full-scale recall yet, but we could see one come about as a result of the probe

(Images: General Motors | Chevrolet)

Nearly 40 GM truck owners with 6.2L V8s have reported engine failures to the NHTSA.

For the past decade, General Motors’ 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engines have been a mainstay in the automaker’s half-ton truck and full-size SUV lineups. Now, though, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is looking into the later L87 engines after multiple complaints of engine failures. The agency notes as many as 877,710 vehicles could suffer catastrophic damage from a connecting rod bearing failure, resulting in seizure or an actual breach of the engine block by a connecting rod.

These investigations typically precede a recall, so there’s no word yet on what action GM will take, if any, to address the alleged issue. To date, though, 39 owners filed complaints with the agency, and the ODI says “a number of Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Field Reports [are] alleging engine failure in vehicles manufactured by General Motors equipped with the L87 V8 engine (earlier L86 units aren’t included).

Impacted vehicles include the 2019 through 2024 Model Year Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. The 6.2-liter V8 engines at issue are also in the 2021-2024 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade.

6.2L L87 EcoTec3 V8 - General Motors

Of course, unexpected engine failure can cause a whole heap of problems beyond just needing to replace the unit itself, as the NHTSA ever so helpfully points out: “Failure or malfunction of the engine results in loss of motive power of the vehicle, which may lead to an increased risk of a crash resulting in injury and/or property damage.” The owners who complained to the NHTSA noted no detectable issue prior to a bearing failure.

Depending on mileage, many vehicles involved in the investigation should still be under their powertrain warranty. However, there is still some risk for owners who drive their vehicles to high mileages in a short period — as many owners of these vehicles tend to do over the years. Until GM does issue a formal recall, where it would repair or replace affected engines and reimburse owners who already paid out-of-pocket to fix the issue, those same owners could be left with a hefty bill for a replacement engine if the worst happens.

This action is separate to a December 2021 class action lawsuit against GM, allegin defective valve lifters in 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L V8 engines between 2014 and 2021. While GM filed a motion to dismiss the case in early 2023, the case is still ongoing as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan told some class representatives their litigation against GM could proceed, while sending some of the claimants to arbitration to settle their disputes with the automaker.

It’s unclear exactly how long this investigation will last, as the ODI investigated Ford’s 2.7L and 3.0L EcoBoost engine failures for more than a year. Ford Motor Company finally decided to recall impacted vehicles to address the issue in September 2024. GM, for its part, could decide to start a voluntary recall before the ODI investigation concludes, or the NHTSA could eventually compel the automaker to launch a full-scale repair campaign, if it determines these engine failures are a wide-ranging concern.