NHTSA Investigation into General Motors L87 Engine Equipped Vehicles
Recent developments have brought to light significant concerns regarding General Motors' (GM) L87 V8 engines, particularly affecting models such as
2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
2019-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
2019-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
2019-2024 GMC Yukon
2019-2024 Cadillac Escalade
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into approximately 877,710 of these vehicles following 39 complaints about sudden engine failures. NHTSA Investigations are a big deal because it’s essentially the federal government saying “Hey, there might be a problem here based on all this evidence of complaints and accidents.” Which is mildly terrifying.
Understanding the Issue
Owners have reported that the L87 engines can stall without warning, often due to bearing failures leading to engine seizure or damage to the engine block. Such unexpected shutdowns, especially at highway speeds, pose significant safety risks. Notably, these failures occur without prior symptoms, leaving drivers with little opportunity to take preventive action.
California Lemon Law Protections
For California residents facing persistent vehicle issues, the state's Lemon Law offers robust protections. If your GM vehicle has undergone multiple repair attempts for the same problem without resolution, or if it has been out of service for an extended period, you may be entitled to remedies such as a vehicle replacement or a refund. It's essential to maintain detailed records of all repair attempts and communications with the manufacturer or dealership to support your claim.
NHTSA Statement
January 16, 2025 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE25001OPEN INVESTIGATION
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
NHTSA Action Number: PE25001
Components ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Opened From: January 16, 2025–Present
Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 39 complaints and a number of Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Field Reports alleging engine failure in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM) equipped with the L87 V8 engine. This includes 2019-2024 Model Year (MY) Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2019-2024MY GMC Sierra 1500, 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Tahoe, 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban, 2021-2024MY GMC Yukon and 2021-2024MY Cadillac Escalade vehicles. The complainants report a bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod. The complainants report that there is no detectability prior to the failure.
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.
ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steps to Take if Affected
Document Everything: Keep comprehensive records of all issues, repair attempts, and communications related to your vehicle's engine problems.
Report to Authorities: File a complaint with the NHTSA to ensure your case contributes to the broader investigation.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Given the complexities of Lemon Law claims, seeking legal advice can help you navigate the process effectively and understand your rights.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation into GM's L87 engine failures underscores the importance of consumer awareness and advocacy. If you're experiencing similar issues, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety on the road.
If your General Motors vehicle is consistently exhibiting these or other issues, and the manufacturer or dealer hasn't resolved them after a reasonable number of attempts, your vehicle might qualify as a lemon.
Understanding your rights under lemon laws can help you take the necessary steps to address the problem and seek a fair resolution. By documenting the issue, following proper procedures, and consulting with Valero Law, APC you can better navigate the process and ensure that your vehicle lives up to the reliability you expect.
If you’re in California and you own a General Motors vehicle with engine defects, powertrain issues, or drivability concerns, we can definitely try to help you! Fill out the form below and our office will get back to immediately.