GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L Engine Failure: Your Lemon-Law Options
If your GMC Sierra 1500's 6.2L L87 V8 failed or still has engine problems after the recall inspection, oil change, or engine replacement, that recall work counts as a repair attempt, and you may have a lemon-law or Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act claim. The recall does not waive your rights. A 2025 or 2026 Sierra with an engine failure can have a warranty claim with or without a recall. In the recall or out of it, we help GM 6.2L L87 owners nationwide under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Sierra 6.2L failed or still knocking after the recall? See whether your repair history supports a claim.
Take the case eligibility quiz →Which Sierra 1500 model years have the 6.2L L87 problem?
The Sierra 1500 is the single largest model in the recall. GM's recall report lists 153,637 Sierra 1500 trucks with L87 engines built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024, about a quarter of the 597,571 vehicles recalled. NHTSA's investigation adds every 2021 to 2026 Sierra 1500 with the L87. The L87 first appeared in the 2019 Sierra 1500, but 2019 and 2020 trucks are outside both the recall and the investigation.
| Model | Recall 25V274 model years | NHTSA investigation EA26005 model years |
|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 (2019, 2020) | Same L87 engine; not in the recall or the NHTSA investigation | Not included |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (153,637 vehicles in recall 25V274) | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 |
- 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)
Only Sierra 1500 trucks with the 6.2L L87 are included. Sierra 1500 trucks with other engines, and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models, are not part of this recall.
What the recall and the NHTSA investigation say about the Sierra 1500
The Sierra 1500 shares the L87 and the recall remedy with the Silverado: inspection, then dexos 0W-40 oil, a new filter, a new oil fill cap, and an owner's manual insert for engines that pass, or a replacement engine for engines that fail. NHTSA's EA26005, opened August 20, 2026, covers post-remedy failures in the recalled trucks and failures in L87 engines built after the recall window, which brings 2025 and 2026 Sierra 1500 trucks into scope.
Higher trims mean higher stakes
The 6.2L tends to show up on better-equipped Sierra 1500 trucks, including Denali models. A higher purchase price usually means a larger loss in value when a truck has an engine-failure history, and a larger number if the claim ends in a buyback. That math matters when deciding between a buyback and a cash settlement.
Is my 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 Sierra 1500 6.2L covered?
A 2019 Sierra 1500 6.2L or 2020 Sierra 1500 6.2L has the same L87 but is not in the recall or the investigation; an engine failure may still be covered by a factory, extended, or powertrain warranty, and MMWA may apply depending on your warranty status and repair history. A 2021 Sierra 1500 6.2L, 2022 Sierra 1500 6.2L, 2023 Sierra 1500 6.2L, or 2024 Sierra 1500 6.2L is in recall 25V274 if its L87 was built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. A 2025 Sierra 1500 6.2L or 2026 Sierra 1500 6.2L is not recalled as of September 25, 2026, but it falls within EA26005's scope and is likely still inside factory warranty. Your VIN decides recall status.
What to do if your Sierra 1500 engine fails after the recall
- Stop driving if the engine knocks, bangs, loses power, or shows a low oil pressure warning, and have it towed to a GM dealer.
- Get a repair order for every visit showing the date, mileage, your symptom description, and the recall number.
- Keep your oil change and maintenance records and every towing and rental receipt.
- Log each visit in our repair attempt log and check open recalls with our recall lookup tool.
- Do not sign a release or goodwill agreement until a lawyer has read it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L included?
If it has the L87 and was built in the recall window, yes. Trim level does not matter; the engine and build date do.
How is a Sierra claim different from a Silverado claim?
Legally it is the same: GM is the warrantor for both. The practical difference is usually the purchase price and trim, which affect the settlement math.
GM offered me goodwill money after my Sierra engine failed. Should I take it?
Read the paperwork first. Some goodwill offers come with a release of claims. Have a lawyer review any release before you sign.
My 2019 or 2020 Sierra 1500 has the 6.2L L87. Am I covered?
Not by recall 25V274 or NHTSA's EA26005, which start with 2021 models, but we still help 2019 and 2020 L87 owners under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. An engine failure may still be covered by a factory, extended, or powertrain warranty, and MMWA may apply depending on your warranty status and repair history. Take the quiz or talk to us; results depend on the facts.
Does the special coverage replace my lemon-law rights?
No. GM's 10-year / 150,000-mile special coverage pays for certain repairs. It does not take away state lemon-law or MMWA rights if the repairs do not work.
For the full picture across every GM model, read our main guide: GM 6.2L L87 engine recall: is your truck a lemon? For GMC claims generally, see our GMC lemon law page.
Sierra 1500 6.2L engine problems?
A few questions on your vehicle, your repair orders, and your warranty. Free. We tell you whether the facts support a lemon-law or MMWA claim. Results depend on the facts of each case.
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