GM Recalls Engine Failure

GM Recalls Engine Failure stands as one of the most serious safety campaigns in recent automotive history. On April 24, 2025, General Motors officially announced the recall of 597,630 full-size trucks and SUVs in the U.S., including 2021–2024 models of the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL. These vehicles are equipped with the 6.2 L V8 (RPO L87) gas engine, which has been found to contain manufacturing defects in its connecting rod and/or crankshaft components—defects that may lead to unexpected engine damage or failure, with no forewarning, posing a serious crash risk.

The origin of GM Recalls Engine Failure traces back to mounting field reports and safety investigations. In January 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a probe into alleged engine failures across approximately 877,710 GM vehicles equipped with L87 V8 engines, prompted by 39 formal complaints and numerous early warning reports. In parallel, GM conducted internal investigations—embarking on three separate inquiries since 2022—that identified 28,102 field complaints or incidents in the U.S. potentially tied to engine failure due to issues with crankshafts, connecting rods, or engine bearings. Among these, 14,332 involved loss of propulsion, and the company noted incidents including 12 crashes, 12 minor/non-physical injuries, and 42 engine fires—though causation was not necessarily confirmed in all cases.

The term GM Recalls Engine Failure specifically references GM’s safety recall decision, made on April 17, 2025, when GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority judged the risk substantial enough to warrant widespread action. The recall report highlighted that if an engine fails while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, sharply increasing the likelihood of a crash.

As for the technical root causes behind GM Recalls Engine Failure, teardown investigations and data reviews revealed two primary defects: (1) rod-bearing damage due to sediment contamination in connecting rod or crankshaft oil galleries, and (2) crankshafts with out-of-specification dimensions or surface finish—both traced back to supplier manufacturing and quality control failures.

In response to GM Recalls Engine Failure, GM has outlined a structured remedy plan. At no cost to owners, dealerships will inspect engines, and—if signs of defects are absent—perform oil changes using higher-viscosity oil (0W-40), install new oil fill caps, and include an owner’s manual insert explaining the oil change. If inspections reveal internal damage or diagnostic trouble codes (such as P0016), a full engine replacement will be conducted using updated components; replacement engines are filled with conventional 0W-20 oil and retain the original oil cap. Further, a Special Coverage Bulletin (N252494003) issued May 23, 2025, extends warranty coverage for repairs up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date—provided prior recall bulletins were completed.

As part of GM Recalls Engine Failure, owner notification began in earnest: dealer notification was immediate following the recall announcement, while owner notification letters were scheduled for mailing on June 9, 2025. Owners can also check recall eligibility using their vehicle’s VIN through GM’s Owner Center or the NHTSA website.

The impact of GM Recalls Engine Failure extends beyond safety concerns. GM estimates only 3 percent of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defect—approximately 17,900 units—but the scope and logistics of inspecting and servicing nearly 600,000 vehicles present significant operational challenges.GM has assured sufficient engine supply to support replacements and maintain service levels.

Public and industry reaction to GM Recalls Engine Failure has been mixed. While many consumers appreciate the swift recall, others are critical of what they perceive as delayed action. Reddit users voiced frustration that GM took so long to respond despite tens of thousands of failure reports. One commenter said it was “absolutely scandalous” that GM delayed the recall while buying back its own stock, drawing parallels to earlier recall mismanagement. Another detailed that the dealership "scans for one code" and applies the oil-change patch if no issues are found—raising concerns that the fix might merely defer the defect past warranty periods.

Moreover, the recall evokes comparisons to GM’s past recall flaps—most notably the ignition switch recall in the mid-2010s. That crisis led to nearly 30 million vehicles recalled, 124 deaths, and hundreds of millions paid in fines and compensation.

The GM Recalls Engine Failure campaign covers nearly 600,000 U.S. vehicles built between March 2021 and May 2024, equipped with 6.2 L V8 engines affected by internal component defects. The initiative followed both NHTSA and GM-internal investigations surfacing thousands of incidents—many involving lost propulsion and engine issues. GM’s solution includes inspections, oil-change upgrades, engine replacements as needed, extended warranty coverage, and owner outreach. While statistically only a small fraction of vehicles contain the defect, the recall’s magnitude underscores the gravity of the risk. Public sentiment reflects concern and skepticism about GM’s timing and the sufficiency of the repair strategy.