Dangerous GM 6.2L V8 engine defects: Are you at risk?
If you owned or leased a 2021–2025 GM vehicle with a 6.2L V8 engine, you may be eligible to join a GM engine failure lawsuit investigation
What to know about the GM engine failure lawsuit investigation
- Core Issue: General Motors is under investigation for allegedly defective 6.2L V8 (L87) engines that may fail without warning, leading to stalling, sudden loss of power and, in some cases, vehicle fires.
- Who it Affects: Drivers who owned or leased a 2021–2025 GM vehicle with a 6.2L V8 engine, including models like the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL.
- Legal Status: Attorneys are reviewing claims involving GM engine failure and related safety risks.
- Harm/Impact: This issue may lead to costly engine repairs, extended time without a vehicle and ongoing safety concerns. In more serious cases, sudden stalling, crashes or vehicle fires may result in physical injuries.
- Take Action: If you experienced engine problems with your GM vehicle, you may be eligible to join a GM engine failure lawsuit investigation. Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify.
What is the GM engine failure lawsuit investigation?
Owners and lessees of 2021–2025 GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine are joining a class action lawsuit investigation alleging that General Motors knowingly sold vehicles with engines that can fail catastrophically and without warning.
These claims argue that:
- GM’s 6.2L V8 (L87) engines may contain defective crankshafts or connecting rods that are prone to failure
- Engine failure can lead to stalling and sudden loss of power, creating dangerous driving conditions
- GM’s response has left some owners driving vehicles with an unresolved safety risk
Federal regulators have launched an investigation into these issues, and attorneys are continuing to evaluate claims on behalf of affected drivers.
Who qualifies for the GM engine failure class action lawsuit?
You may qualify for the GM engine failure class action lawsuit if the following apply:
- You owned or leased a 2021–2025 GM vehicle equipped with a 6.2L V8 (L87) engine, including any of the following models:
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL
- Your vehicle has been in the shop for engine-related repairs for more than 20 days, OR the same engine-related issue has been repaired more than twice
Time limits may apply. Do not wait to check whether you may qualify.
Legally reviewed by: Sergei Lemberg
Partner, Lemberg Law LLC
The law firm responsible for the content of this page is: Lemberg Law LLC; Wilton, CT; 203-653-2250; lemberglaw.com.
Case updates
Legal status as of April 2026
- April 2026: Attorneys are actively investigating claims on behalf of affected owners and lessees
- May 2025: General Motors issued recall N252494000, affecting approximately 597,630 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine
- January 2025: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a preliminary investigation into potential defects in GM’s 6.2L V8 engines following 39 consumer complaints
This page was last reviewed and updated in April 2026 to reflect the latest case developments.
GM engine recall and why it falls short
After receiving thousands of complaints related to defective crankshafts and connecting rods, General Motors issued GM recall N252494000, affecting approximately 597,630 vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine.
As part of its investigation, GM identified:
- 28,102 complaints related to the engine defect
- 14,332 reports of engine failure
- 12 alleged crashes
- 12 reported injuries
- 42 incidents involving fire
Despite the scale and severity of these reports, a permanent repair is not yet available. Instead, dealerships have been instructed to offer temporary measures, such as switching to a higher-viscosity oil.
2025 models may face the same risks
Although the GM recall initially applied to 2021–2024 vehicles, owners and lessees of 2025 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL models equipped with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine may experience the same types of failures.
Because no long-term solution has been implemented, these newer model vehicles may be exposed to similar risks of sudden engine failure.
The lack of a permanent fix has drawn increased legal scrutiny and contributed to ongoing investigations into GM engine failure claims.
How GM engine defects can impact drivers
Drivers experiencing problems with a 6.2L V8 engine may face more than just a mechanical inconvenience — especially as a permanent fix is not yet available. These ongoing issues can affect safety, finances and daily life.
- Increased Safety Risks: Engine failure can cause sudden stalling or loss of power, making it difficult to accelerate or maneuver safely in traffic. In some cases, these incidents have even been linked to vehicle fires.
- Financial Losses: Owners may face out-of-pocket costs for towing, repairs, rental vehicles and other related expenses.
- Loss of Vehicle Use: Extended time in the shop and ongoing engine issues can leave drivers without reliable transportation.
The combination of physical risk and financial harm makes these alleged defects more than a warranty issue. Legal action may be the most effective path for affected owners to seek accountability and compensation from General Motors.
What GM owners are saying
Some GM owners have shared their experiences with engine failure and sudden power loss.
One owner reported:
“When my 2023 Silverado’s engine started knocking loudly, it stalled on the highway with no warning. I had it towed, and the dealer said the crankshaft failed. This is terrifying — I could’ve been in an accident.”
Another driver shared a similar experience:
“My 2022 Yukon lost power suddenly while merging onto the freeway. The check engine light came on, and the dealer told me it’s part of the recall, but they can’t fix it yet. I’m stuck with an unsafe vehicle.”
These firsthand accounts underscore the urgency of addressing the engine defects that are currently at the center of the GM lawsuit.
Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.
After you fill out the form, an attorney(s) or their agent(s) may contact you to discuss your legal rights.
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