GM 6.2L L87 Engine Recall: Is Your Truck a Lemon?

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Latest developments

• September 2026: After reports that GM was offering employee pricing to L87 owners, GM told GM Authority: "At this time, there is no L87-related employee pricing offer in place." GM said it reviews individual circumstances case by case.
• August 20, 2026: NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened Engineering Analysis EA26005, covering 997,743 model year 2021 to 2026 GM vehicles with the L87 engine. ODI cited 499 complaints of engine failure after the recall remedy (473 after the oil change, 26 after an engine replacement), 191 reports of failures in L87 engines built after the recall's production window, and 6,953 post-remedy failure complaints reported by GM.
• June 2026: In the consolidated owner lawsuit pending in federal court in Michigan, GM asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing its recall already remedies the defect. As of the latest reporting we reviewed, no ruling had been announced.
• January 16, 2026: NHTSA opened Recall Query RQ26001 to assess whether the recall remedy works.
• 2025: GM recalled 597,571 model year 2021 to 2024 trucks and SUVs with L87 engines built March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2024 (NHTSA recall 25V274, GM recall N252494000), and added Special Coverage N252494003 for engine failure from the recall condition. (GM's first filing in April 2025 listed 597,630 vehicles; its July 22, 2025 amended report lists 597,571.)

What is wrong with the GM 6.2L L87 engine?

GM's recall report to NHTSA names two root causes, both attributed to supplier manufacturing and quality problems: rod-bearing damage from sediment on the connecting rods and in the crankshaft oil galleries, and crankshafts whose dimensions and surface finish were out of specification. Bearing damage can lead to engine failure. If the engine fails while you are driving, the vehicle loses propulsion, which increases the risk of a crash.

GM lists these warning signs: knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises; a check engine light; and performance problems such as hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, or a no-start.

What the recall remedy is

Dealers inspect the engine. Engines that pass get a higher-viscosity dexos 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter, a new oil fill cap, and an owner's manual insert. Engines that fail inspection are replaced. GM says the remedy is VIN-specific. GM also issued Special Coverage N252494003: if the recall condition causes an engine failure, coverage runs 10 years or 150,000 miles from the date the vehicle was first placed in service, whichever comes first, regardless of ownership.

Which GM trucks and SUVs are affected?

Two different lists matter. The recall covers model year 2021 to 2024 vehicles whose L87 engine was built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. The NHTSA investigation is broader: every model year 2021 to 2026 GM vehicle with the L87, including engines built after the recall window. Your VIN, not just your model year, decides recall status.

Every affected make, model and year

The same list in plain text:

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 2019, 2020 (same L87 engine; not in the recall or the NHTSA investigation); 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• Chevrolet Suburban: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• GMC Sierra 1500: 2019, 2020 (same L87 engine; not in the recall or the NHTSA investigation); 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• GMC Yukon: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• GMC Yukon XL: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• Cadillac Escalade: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)
• Cadillac Escalade ESV: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (recall 25V274); 2025, 2026 (under NHTSA investigation EA26005)

Only vehicles with the naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8 are included. Trucks and SUVs with the 5.3L V8, the 3.0L diesel, or other engines are not part of the recall or the investigation, and the supercharged 6.2L in the Cadillac Escalade-V is a different engine. A 2024 model with an L87 built after May 31, 2024 is outside the recall but inside the investigation.

Is my 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 GM 6.2L covered?

Is my 2021 to 2024 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Escalade or Escalade ESV 6.2L covered?

If it has the L87 and the engine was built in the March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024 window, it is likely within recall 25V274. A 2021 Silverado 1500 6.2L, a 2022 Tahoe 6.2L, or a 2023 Escalade 6.2L can each be in or out depending on build date, so run the VIN.

Is my 2025 or 2026 6.2L covered?

No recall covers 2025 or 2026 L87 engines as of September 25, 2026. A 2025 Sierra 1500 6.2L or a 2026 Yukon 6.2L is inside the scope of EA26005, where ODI has 191 reports of failures in engines built after the recall window. An investigation is not a recall and not a finding of defect. Your warranty rights exist either way.

My 2019 or 2020 Silverado or Sierra has the 6.2L L87. Am I covered?

Not by the recall or the investigation, but we still help 2019 and 2020 L87 owners under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The L87 debuted in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500; GM's full-size SUVs got it with their 2021 redesign. Recall 25V274 is limited to engines built March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2024, the build period where GM's field data showed an increased rate of engine failure claims, and EA26005 covers model years 2021 to 2026. So a 2019 Silverado 1500 6.2L, 2020 Silverado 1500 6.2L, 2019 Sierra 1500 6.2L, or 2020 Sierra 1500 6.2L has the same engine but is outside both.

That does not end the question. An engine failure may still be covered by the factory powertrain warranty, an extended warranty, or a service contract, and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may apply depending on your warranty status and repair history. Every situation is different, so take the case eligibility quiz or talk to us before assuming you have no options.

Does a recall repair count as a repair attempt?

In most cases, yes. The recall inspection, the oil change, and an engine replacement are all performed by GM's authorized dealer to fix a defect GM has admitted, and each one produces a repair order that shows GM had an opportunity to repair. State lemon laws count attempts differently, and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act asks whether the manufacturer had a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. For a defect that can cause loss of propulsion, fewer attempts may be reasonable. See how many repair attempts are reasonable and recall vs lemon-law claim.

My engine failed after the recall fix: what now?

You are not the only one. ODI counted 499 owner complaints of post-remedy engine failure when it opened EA26005, and GM reported 6,953. Here is the order of operations:

1. Stop driving and have it towed to a GM dealer if the engine knocks, loses power, or shows a low oil pressure warning.
2. Get a repair order for every visit, with the date, mileage, your description of the symptom, and the recall number.
3. Ask for the diagnosis in writing, including whether the dealer is treating it as a recall or special coverage repair.
4. Keep every receipt for towing, rentals, and alternate transportation.
5. File a safety complaint with NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. Complaints are what drive investigations like EA26005.
6. Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything GM offers.

What about 2025 and 2026 trucks outside the recall?

A lemon-law or MMWA claim does not need a recall. It needs a defect covered by a written warranty and a manufacturer that could not fix it within a reasonable number of attempts or time. A 2025 or 2026 truck or SUV with an engine failure is usually still inside GM's factory warranty, so the repair should be covered and documented like any other warranty repair. A recall can be strong evidence, but it is not a requirement. Check your coverage with our warranty period checker.

Buyback or cash settlement?

State lemon laws generally provide for a repurchase or replacement when a vehicle qualifies. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allows damages, often measured by the loss in value from the defect. Our default is a cash settlement where you keep the truck. A buyback can make more sense if the engine keeps failing and you no longer trust the vehicle. Which path fits depends on your facts, your state, and what you want. See buyback vs cash settlement.

Who pays the lawyer?

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d)(2), a consumer who prevails may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer. Many state lemon laws have similar provisions. MMWA is federal law, so it applies to GM owners in every state, which is why we build these cases around it. We work on contingency and seek our fees from GM, not from your settlement. See MMWA fee-shifting explained and MMWA vs state lemon law.

Should I sign a GM goodwill release or accept a replacement engine offer first?

Get the recall work done: it is free and it is about safety. Accepting the recall inspection, the oil change, or a replacement engine does not by itself waive your lemon-law rights. What can waive rights is a signed release. Some goodwill offers, such as cash, extended coverage, or trade-in help, come with paperwork that releases claims. Read every document before signing and have a lawyer look at any release. Also note that in September 2026 GM said there was no L87-related employee pricing offer in place, so get any offer in writing.

What should I do today?

• Check your VIN at NHTSA's recall search or with our recall lookup tool.
• Save every repair order, including recall and "no problem found" visits, and log them with our repair attempt log.
• Stop driving if you hear knocking or banging, lose power, or see a low oil pressure warning. Have it towed.
• Keep your oil change records. Proof of maintenance answers the first question GM usually asks.
• Do not sign a release until someone on your side has read it.

GM 6.2L engine failure guides by model

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L engine failure and lemon law
• GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L engine failure and lemon law
• Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban 6.2L engine failure and lemon law
• GMC Yukon and Yukon XL 6.2L engine failure and lemon law
• Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV 6.2L engine failure and lemon law

Frequently asked questions

Does the GM L87 recall take away my lemon-law rights?

No. Getting the recall inspection, oil change, or engine replacement done does not waive your rights under state lemon laws or the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. What can give up rights is a signed release, so read anything GM or a dealer asks you to sign before you sign it.

Does a failed recall repair count as a repair attempt?

In most cases, yes. The recall work is performed by GM's authorized dealer to fix a defect GM has admitted, and it produces a repair order. How many attempts your state requires, and what counts as reasonable under MMWA, depends on the facts and the state.

My 2025 or 2026 truck has the 6.2L V8. Is it recalled?

Not as of September 25, 2026. Recall 25V274 covers L87 engines built March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2024. NHTSA's Engineering Analysis EA26005 does include 2025 and 2026 model year L87 vehicles, and an engine failure on a truck still under factory warranty is a warranty problem with or without a recall.

Will the 0W-40 oil change fix my engine?

Nobody can promise that for a specific engine. The higher-viscosity oil is GM's remedy for engines that pass inspection. NHTSA opened EA26005 after receiving 499 complaints of engine failure after the remedy, 473 of them after the oil change. If your engine shows symptoms after the remedy, get it back to the dealer and keep the paperwork.

What does a lawyer cost for a GM 6.2L claim?

We work on contingency. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act lets a consumer who prevails recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer, and we seek those fees from GM rather than from your settlement. Your engagement letter spells out any cost responsibility before representation begins.

Is there a class action over the GM L87 engine?

Owner lawsuits have been consolidated into a proposed class action in federal court in Michigan, and GM asked the court to dismiss it in June 2026. As of the latest reporting we reviewed, no ruling or settlement had been announced. A class case is separate from your individual warranty claim, and results in either depend on the facts.

Sources

• GM Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V274 (NHTSA)
• GM dealer bulletin N252494001: inspection, 0W-40 oil, oil fill cap, owner's manual insert (NHTSA)
• GM recall N252494000 and Special Coverage N252494003, 10 years / 150,000 miles (NHTSA)
• NHTSA ODI Resume, Engineering Analysis EA26005, opened August 20, 2026
• GM Authority: GM denies reports of employee pricing for L87 recall owners (September 2026)
• GM Authority: GM seeking to get L87 engine lawsuit dismissed (June 2026)