Massive GM Recall: 2021–2024 Trucks and SUVs with 6.2L V8 Engines Facing Engine Failure Risks - California Lemon Law
Introduction:
General Motors (GM) has issued a stop-sale and official recall affecting certain 2021–2024 model year trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine. Following increased reports of catastrophic engine failures — and pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — GM has acknowledged that critical internal engine defects could lead to sudden and dangerous loss of power.
🚗 Affected Vehicles
This urgent recall impacts some of GM’s most popular full-size vehicles:
2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021–2024 GMC Sierra 1500
2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
2021–2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
The affected vehicles are all equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine — a popular option touted for its performance but now under scrutiny for serious reliability concerns.
⚙️ What's the Problem?
According to GM and confirmed by multiple sources:
Defective connecting rods and/or crankshafts could fracture unexpectedly.
This fracture may cause catastrophic engine failure without warning.
Loss of propulsion dramatically increases crash risk — especially at highway speeds or during towing.
Early failures were often written off as isolated cases — but volume has surged, making it a clear pattern.
Inside Tip:
Several mechanics noted that failures often happen at lower mileage (under 30,000 miles) and sometimes after only minor signs like sudden engine noise or a check engine light — but many owners experienced zero warning before a total engine shutdown.
🔧 GM's Official Response and Repair Plan
Inspections: Dealerships will inspect the engine using borescopes and other techniques.
Oil Change: If no failure is found, the engine oil will be changed from 0W-20 to 0W-40 full synthetic oil.
Label Updates: A new oil fill cap and owner’s manual insert will be provided to reflect the oil change.
Engine Replacement: If evidence of internal damage is detected, full engine replacement will be required.
Notably, many California consumers highlighted that owners might want to request written proof from the dealership that an inspection was thoroughly done — and not simply a visual check — to protect themselves if problems arise later.
🏛️ Class Action Lawsuit Status
A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging:
GM knew about the defects but continued to sell the vehicles.
The bearing failures and engine seizures caused financial harm to owners.
GM failed to adequately warn customers of the risk.
This lawsuit is currently pending in the Eastern District of Michigan and may expand to cover additional affected owners as more failures are reported.
📢 What GM Owners Should Do Immediately
Check Your VIN: See if your vehicle is under recall via GM's recall lookup or call your local dealer.
Schedule an Inspection: Don’t wait — inspections are free and critical to preventing serious issues.
Document Everything: Keep records of your service appointments, any warning signs (even minor ones), and all dealership communications.
Monitor Symptoms: Any new engine noises, warning lights, or loss of power? Stop driving immediately and seek inspection.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law: If repairs fail, or if you experience repeated issues, you may be entitled to relief under California law.
🛑 Protect Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
If you are like many GM owners who are now experiencing serious engine issues with your Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law.
Compensation may include:
A complete repurchase of your defective vehicle
A replacement vehicle
Or substantial cash reimbursement for damage already caused by the defect
If you’re in California and your GM truck or SUV has a 6.2L engine, lifter, or transmission defect, call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299-4447 or complete our free Lemon Law case evaluation form today.