We have more details about the 2021-2024 GM 6.2L V8 engine recall. GM communicated the root cause and the potential solutions to this engine failure problem. Let’s dig in!
Background
GM specified that the company opened and closed three separate investigations that were related to 6.2L V8 engine failures. These investigations were held in February 2022, June 2023, and July 2024. Now, this newest investigation has led the company to issue a stop-sale and a recall for vehicles with this engine (L87 6.2L V8). The stop-sale referred to unsold 2024 vehicles on dealer lots. The recall affects a total of 597,630 vehicles that span 2021-2024 model years. This number is significantly lower than initially listed in the NHTSA investigation.
The following vehicle that were manufactured between March 01, 2021 and May 31, 2024 are involved.
- 79,747 Cadillac Escalades
- 46,280 Cadillac Escalade ESVs
- 107,244 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s
- 22,162 Chevrolet Suburbans
- 44,802 Chevrolet Tahoes
- 153,630 GMC Sierra 1500s
- 82,832 GMC Yukons
- 60,933 GMC Yukon XLs
Root Cause
The engine failure is due to failures with either the L87 Crankshaft or L87 Connecting Rod. These are internal engine components near the bottom end of the engine. GM states the company identified 28,102 field complaints or incidents in the U.S. Out of those 14,332 results in loss of propulsion (or seized engine, engine failure). While 12 injuries were reported due to these failures, no deaths are linked to these failures.
The engine failures are linked to engine components supplier issues:
- out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.
- rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft oil galleries.
Solutions
Dealers will inspect the involved vehicles. Dealers with repair or replace the engine if necessary. If the engine does require repair or replacement, then a higher viscosity oil, new oil fill cap, oil filter, and owner’s manual correction will be used.
Checking or fixing all of these vehicles can take a very long time.
Are You Affected?
This issue does not affect 2025 model year vehicles with this engine. This issue does not affect vehicles with the 5.3L V8 or any other engine type.
You can check the VIN of your vehicle at the NHTSA website or by calling your dealer.
Thanks to Tim W. for providing these highlighted pieces of the recall document.
Here is our video about this recall (before we had some of these additional details).
