DETROIT, MI – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially requested that General Motors (GM) recall more than 721,000 of its full-size SUVs and pickup trucks equipped with 6.2L V8 engines. This action follows GM’s voluntary stop-sale order issued late last week due to a significant engine defect.
The recall affects 2021– 2024 model-year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 gas engine.
According to documents submitted to the NHTSA, GM’s internal investigation identified 28,102 reports of engine failure between April 2021 and February 2025. Alarmingly, 14,332 of these failures were catastrophic, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. Additionally, 42 incidents involved engine fires, although GM suggests these may not be directly linked to the primary engine issue.
The failures are reportedly caused by problems with the crankshaft, connecting rods, and engine bearings. Specific issues include rod-bearing damage from sediment and out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finishes. A Michigan-based company supplied the connecting rods, while the crankshafts were manufactured in Mexico.
Symptoms of the defect can include abnormal engine noises or knocking, the check engine light illuminating, hesitation, high RPMs, and reduced power. In some cases, the engine may fail to start. GM has stated that it has since implemented manufacturing improvements for the affected engine components.
GM is expected to notify affected owners with instructions for reimbursement if they have already incurred repair costs due to this engine defect. Dealerships will inspect vehicles for diagnostic trouble code P0016, indicating crankshaft or camshaft misalignment. Vehicles passing inspection will receive an oil change to a higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil, a new oil cap, and an updated owner’s manual. Vehicles that fail the inspection may require complete engine replacement, a repair that could cost owners up to $10,000 out of warranty.
The 6.2L L87 V8 engine in question is manufactured at GM’s Tonawanda Engine Plant in Tonawanda, New York. The NHTSA’s official recall underscores the severity of the issue and the potential safety risks associated with the engine failures.
