GM L87 Engine Defects: What California Owners Need to Know About the Ongoing Legal Battle
General Motors (GM) is currently facing significant legal challenges due to alleged defects in its 6.2L V8 L87 engines. Multiple class action lawsuits and a federal investigation have been initiated, highlighting serious concerns about engine reliability and safety. If you own a GM vehicle equipped with this engine, understanding the situation is crucial.
Overview of the L87 Engine Issues
The L87 engine, introduced in 2019, is used in various GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade. Owners have reported sudden engine failures, often occurring at highway speeds without warning. These failures are attributed to defective connecting rod bearings, leading to engine seizures and, in some cases, the connecting rod breaching the engine block .
Legal Actions and Investigations
Class Action Lawsuits
In April 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois by James S. Powell II, who experienced engine failure in his 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. Despite receiving a replacement engine under warranty, Powell alleges that the replacement was equally defective. The lawsuit seeks over $5 million in damages and claims that GM was aware of the defects but failed to disclose them to consumers .
NHTSA Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into approximately 877,710 GM vehicles equipped with the L87 engine. The investigation was prompted by 39 complaints of engine failures due to bearing issues, which could result in engine seizure or connecting rods puncturing the engine block .
Symptoms and Owner Experiences
Owners have reported various symptoms leading up to engine failure, including:
Rattling noises or other unusual engine sounds
Oil leaks or oil pressure problems
Vehicle stalling or slowing
Metal particles circulating through the engine
Damage to the engine block
Some owners have experienced multiple engine replacements, with failures occurring even after low mileage and consistent maintenance .
Lemon Law Protections
If your GM vehicle has experienced repeated engine issues or has been out of service for an extended period due to repairs, you may be entitled to relief under your state's lemon law. Potential remedies include vehicle replacement, a refund, or monetary compensation.
Steps to Take if You're Affected
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all repairs, communications with the dealership or GM, and any related expenses.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: Seek legal advice from Valero Law, APC to understand your rights and determine if you qualify for relief under the lemon law.
Stay Informed: Monitor updates on the class action lawsuits and NHTSA investigation to stay informed about potential recalls or settlements.
Conclusion
The alleged defects in GM's L87 engines have led to serious safety concerns and legal actions. If you're experiencing issues with your vehicle's engine, it's crucial to understand your rights and explore available legal options. If you own a GM vehicle equipped with a 6.2L V8 L87 engine and have experienced engine problems, it's crucial to understand your rights. Consult with Valero Law, APC and we can determine what rights you’re entitled to under the California lemon law.
If you’re in California and if your GM vehicle is exhibiting engine problems, don't wait for the situation to worsen. Contact Valero Law for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation or vehicle replacement.