When you drop upwards of $70,000 on a full-size luxury truck or SUV, you expect more than just comfort and torque — reliability is part of the price. Unfortunately for many owners of late-model GM vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine, reliability has proven elusive. After years of complaints and mounting pressure, General Motors is recalling nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs over engine defects that can lead to sudden and catastrophic failure.
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What Is the L87 V8 Engine — And Why It Matters
The L87 is no ordinary V8. Found under the hood of the Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra Denali, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and Silverado High Country, it’s a 6.2-liter powerhouse that cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It features automatic stop-start and dynamic fuel management technology, aimed at balancing performance with efficiency.
But while the engine can launch these massive vehicles from 0 to 60 in under six seconds, it also comes with a ticking time bomb. Owners have reported engine failures — some catastrophic — at surprisingly low mileages.
Alarming Failure Rates and Delayed Action
Widespread Complaints and Dangerous Failures
Over the past six years, thousands of GM owners have taken to forums and filed complaints with the government about the L87 engine suddenly failing. Some even had to replace the engine twice within 30,000 miles. Others reported full breakdowns shortly after leaving the dealership.
The core issue lies within defective rotating assembly parts, specifically the crankshaft, connecting rods, and engine bearings. These failures have caused not just engine loss but alleged crashes and fires, as well as 12 reported injuries.
The Numbers Behind the Recall
According to GM’s official recall documents, the company received:
- 28,102 field complaints
- 14,332 reports of propulsion loss
- 42 fire allegations
- 12 injuries
- 12 crashes possibly related to engine failure
To put that in perspective, Toyota issued a recall over a similar engine problem after receiving just 824 warranty claims. GM waited until the issue ballooned to 34 times that size.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall applies to:
- 2019+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2019+ GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021+ Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
- 2021+ GMC Yukon
- 2021+ Cadillac Escalade
Only vehicles built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024 are included. That’s concerning, because some owners of earlier models have also reported similar engine failures. This means the recall may not yet cover all defective engines.
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What’s the Fix — and Is It Enough?
General Motors says it will address the issue by:
- Replacing affected engines with defective crankshafts or connecting rods
- Specifying a higher viscosity oil
- Installing a new oil filter
Owners of impacted vehicles can expect communication from GM starting June 2025.
But the fix — and the timeline — raises questions. Why did it take three internal investigations (in 2022, 2023, and 2024), plus a federal probe from the NHTSA, for GM to take formal action?
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just About Engines — It’s About Accountability
This recall isn’t just a technical issue. It represents a broader concern about how long automakers can delay addressing serious mechanical failures, especially when they involve expensive, high-end vehicles. The human toll, financial burden, and trust lost by customers shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you own a GM truck or SUV with the L87 engine, especially a model made between 2021 and 2024, keep an eye out for recall notices and get your vehicle inspected immediately.