Feds investigate widespread issues with GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engines

GM’s big V8 engine trouble

Owners of Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade models may have noticed renewed concerns about the reliability of their engines.

Federal officials have reopened an investigation into GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine after fresh complaints of sudden failures. Although a recall was issued earlier in 2025, reports now suggest that even non-recalled vehicles are suffering similar breakdowns nationwide.

Feds reopen the GM engine probe

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has launched a deeper investigation into GM’s engines. Officials say too many 6.2-liter V8S are failing in vehicles that weren’t supposed to have issues.

NHTSA upgraded its January 2025 Preliminary Evaluation (PE25-001) to an Engineering Analysis (EA25-007) on Oct. 23, 2025, the agency’s more in-depth second phase. Regulators are particularly concerned about engine bearings that appear to wear out prematurely, potentially causing the motor to seize or fail completely.

A recall that wasn’t enough

In April and May 2025, GM recalled approximately 597,630 U.S. vehicles with L87 engines due to defects in the connecting rods or crankshaft that could cause power loss.

The April 2025 recall (25V-274) covers 2021–2024 trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 engine; GM has outlined an inspection, higher-viscosity oil for engines that pass, or repair/replacement if they fail. However, new complaints from owners outside the recall suggest ongoing engine failures and unresolved root causes.

The tiny part causing big damage

At the center are failures of the connecting rod and engine bearings, which can lead to severe damage or seizure. When it wears out or breaks, it can cause significant damage to the entire engine.

Drivers have described loud knocking noises, sudden loss of power, and complete engine shutdowns. A failed bearing can result in thousands of dollars in repair costs, and for some unlucky owners, the engine may be beyond repair.

Stories from the road

Some drivers report that their trucks began shaking and losing power while towing or cruising on highways. Others report that their engines failed immediately after routine maintenance or oil changes.

For people who rely on these big trucks for work or family trips, the sudden failure is more than just frustrating; it’s dangerous. Many owners are turning to social media to share stories, hoping GM will finally admit the full scope of the issue.

A familiar problem returns

This isn’t the first time NHTSA has looked into GM’s V8 engines. The initial investigation began in January 2025, and in April/May, the recall covering the L87 engine was announced. Regulators thought they had it under control.

Now, with new failures reported in vehicles outside that recall, the problem is back under the federal microscope. Investigators are questioning whether the original fix overlooked something more fundamental in the design or the materials used inside the engine.

The growing list of complaints

The NHTSA reports 1,157 engine-bearing-failure complaints, including 173 outside the recall 25V-274; the Engineering Analysis was opened on October 23, 2025. Each report adds to the growing evidence that something more serious may be at play.

These complaints aren’t just coming from a single region or driving style; they’re nationwide. From city drivers to rural owners hauling trailers, the pattern is the same: a powerful V8 suddenly goes silent, often with a hefty repair bill to follow.

Is GM’s repair plan too simple?

GM’s fix involved checking for a diagnostic code and switching to thicker 0W-40 oil. Engines that failed certain tests were replaced, while others were sent back to customers with new oil and filters.

That might sound like a smart solution, but critics say it’s a temporary patch. Many owners argue that the company is just buying time instead of addressing what could be a serious design flaw in the crankshaft or connecting rods.

Lawsuits are piling up

Several class-action lawsuits have been filed against GM, accusing the company of using defective engine parts. Plaintiffs say the engines have weak connecting rods or crankshaft components that can fail without warning.

The lawsuits also claim that GM’s recall was too limited and that the repair method doesn’t fix the actual defect. For drivers stuck with blown engines, the legal battle feels like their only way to get justice and compensation.

What an engineering analysis means

An Engineering Analysis is NHTSA’s second, more technical phase following a Preliminary Evaluation; it can lead to a recall expansion or closure. It means experts are physically inspecting engines and tearing them down piece by piece.

This step isn’t just about paperwork anymore. Investigators will test materials, examine manufacturing data, and seek evidence of a design flaw. If they find one, another major recall could follow.

Reputation on the line

GM has long been known for building tough, dependable trucks. But repeated engine issues threaten to damage that reputation.

Many loyal customers who’ve driven GM trucks for decades are now questioning their trust in the brand. Once confidence is lost, it’s hard to regain, especially when competitors like Ford and Ram are quick to advertise their reliability.

One engine, many models

The L87 V8 isn’t just in one or two vehicles; it’s used in a huge range of GM products. It powers everything from high-end Cadillacs to rugged Chevy pickups.

That widespread use means any serious defect can affect hundreds of thousands of vehicles. For GM, a bigger recall could affect production lines, parts suppliers, and profits well into next year.

What drivers are facing

In situations where vehicles fell outside the recall or had non-covered issues, some owners reported substantial repair bills before their engine was finally replaced under warranty, underscoring the significant financial risk associated with the defect.

That’s a painful expense for truck owners who depend on their vehicles for daily life or business. Even with warranty coverage, many are waiting weeks or months for replacement engines because the supply can’t keep up. For families and workers, that downtime hits hard.

GM speaks out

GM says it’s working closely with federal investigators and will support any additional steps needed to protect customers. The company insists that most vehicles are performing as expected.

Still, GM hasn’t ruled out expanding the recall or improving its repair process. The automaker is under intense pressure to show that it’s putting safety and customer satisfaction first.

Why this matters to everyone

Even if you don’t drive a GM, this situation is a reminder that modern vehicles are incredibly complex. A single part failure can spark recalls, lawsuits, and major brand fallout.

For consumers, it’s a good lesson in keeping up with recall notices and regular maintenance. For automakers, it’s a warning that trust can vanish as quickly as an engine light appears.

If EV pricing battles interest you, you’ll want to see what GM just said about the risks.

Trust on the line again

In the end, this isn’t just about broken engines; it’s about confidence. GM must prove to drivers that it can fix the issue and stand behind its trucks and SUVs.

The company’s next move could decide how customers see the brand for years to come. For now, many are just listening closely for every rattle, knock, and tick coming from their V8S.

Want to see how other automakers are handling similar issues? Read the full story on Honda’s engine complaints.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.