Sunita Somvanshi
General Motors has issued a major safety recall for trucks and SUVs equipped with 6.2-liter V8 engines that could suddenly fail while driving. The recall affects popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade from model years 2021 through 2024.
Up to 877,710 vehicles may need inspection and repairs due to manufacturing defects in engine parts that could lead to complete engine failure without warning.
“The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to address this matter as quickly as possible,” GM stated when announcing the recall.
The Problem Explained
The recall centers on manufacturing defects in connecting rods and crankshafts – critical parts that help convert the up-and-down motion of pistons into the rotating motion that ultimately powers the wheels. When these parts fail, drivers can experience:
- Sudden loss of power while driving
- Engine damage with little or no warning
- Complete engine failure, potentially creating dangerous situations in traffic
These problems have triggered numerous owner complaints, lawsuits, and a formal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Vehicles That Need Inspection
The recall specifically targets vehicles with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, including:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2021-2024)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2021-2024)
- Chevrolet Suburban (2021-2024)
- GMC Sierra 1500 (2021-2024)
- GMC Yukon and Yukon XL (2021-2024)
- Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV (2021-2024)
Trucks and SUVs with different engines – such as the 5.3L V8, 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, or 3.0L turbodiesel – are not affected. The 2025 models are also not included in this recall as they were built with updated manufacturing equipment.
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The Fix: Oil Change or Engine Replacement
GM’s approach to fixing the problem depends on what dealerships find during inspection:
For vehicles that pass inspection:
- Engine oil will be changed to a thicker 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil (replacing the previously recommended 0W-20)
- Oil filter will be replaced
- Oil fill cap will be replaced
- Owner’s manual will be updated with new oil specifications
For vehicles that fail inspection or show signs of engine damage:
- Complete engine replacement may be necessary
GM has also issued a stop-sale order, meaning dealerships cannot sell affected vehicles in their inventory until repairs are completed.
Legal Troubles Mount
The recall follows growing pressure from multiple fronts. At least one class action lawsuit has been filed against GM, with an Illinois owner of a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali seeking more than $5 million in damages. The lawsuit claims that even replacement engines provided by GM suffer from the same defects.
Many owners have reported engine failures at relatively low mileage, with mechanics finding metal debris in the oil and damaged bearings – signs of serious internal engine damage.
What Owners Should Know
GM will notify owners directly about the recall (number N252494001). In the meantime, owners can contact customer service:
- Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC: 1-800-462-8782
- Cadillac: 1-800-458-8006
While GM hasn’t specified exactly what caused the defects, the switch to thicker engine oil suggests lubrication issues may have contributed to the failures. The company now faces significant challenges in repairing or replacing engines in potentially hundreds of thousands of vehicles while trying to maintain customer trust in their highest-profit truck and SUV models.
This recall represents one of the most significant engine-related safety campaigns in recent years for General Motors, affecting some of its most profitable and popular vehicles.
