In a significant development that has caught the attention of drivers nationwide, General Motors (GM) has announced a voluntary stop-sale and recall affecting a large number of its most popular trucks and SUVs. Specifically, vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine are under scrutiny for severe engine defects that could lead to complete engine failure, sometimes without any warning
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What Is Happening: GM’s Stop-Sale and Recall of 6.2L V8 Trucks and SUVs
In April 2025, General Motors (GM) voluntarily issued a stop-sale order for vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine and simultaneously launched a recall campaign. This decision followed an alarming number of complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which had been investigating 6.2L V8 engine failures dating back to January 2025.
The primary issue revolves around bearing failures within the engine. The bearings, critical to the smooth operation of the crankshaft, can degrade prematurely, leading to sudden engine seizure, loss of power, or catastrophic engine damage. In severe cases, drivers may experience:
- Complete engine shutdown while driving
- Loud knocking or metallic noises
- Oil pressure loss and warning lights
- Permanent damage requiring total engine replacement
At the time of the recall announcement, more than 877,000 vehicles across GM’s lineup were implicated. Dealerships are now required to inspect the engines of affected vehicles. If a car passes inspection, it will receive an oil change using a heavier-duty 0W-40 oil and an updated owner's manual insert. However, if the engine shows signs of imminent failure, a complete engine replacement may be necessary.
This is not a minor or routine issue; for many drivers, these failures can occur in vehicles that are still under warranty, and in some cases, even after recent service.
How This Recall Affects Owners: Real-World Problems
For drivers, the implications of the recall go far beyond simple inconvenience. Some owners are already reporting that even replacement engines are affected by the same underlying defect. In at least one lawsuit, a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali owner claims that after a complete engine replacement, the vehicle continues to experience issues related to the same defective bearing design.
Owners of impacted vehicles could face:
- Extended downtime while cars are inspected, repaired, or replaced
- Warranty headaches and disputes over coverage
- Diminished resale value, especially for high-end trims like Denali and Escalade models
- Out-of-pocket expenses if problems occur outside the warranty period
- Safety risks if an engine fails while driving on highways or busy streets
If your vehicle has been sluggish, has strange knocking noises, or if you’ve noticed low oil pressure, it’s crucial to act quickly. Continuing to drive a vehicle with a known bearing failure can result in total engine loss, or worse, accidents due to sudden loss of control.
At The Lemon Lawyers, we’ve seen cases where manufacturers delay necessary repairs, forcing consumers to fight for their rights. In a situation like this, knowing your legal options early can make all the difference.
Your Rights Under Lemon Law and Warranty Protections
If you own one of the affected GM vehicles and are experiencing issues, you may be protected under the Texas Lemon Law or other consumer protection statutes.
Generally, Lemon Laws apply when:
- Your vehicle has a substantial defect that is covered by warranty.
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- The manufacturer has been given a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect, but failed.
If your GM truck or SUV has been repaired multiple times for engine issues (or has been out of service for an extended number of days due to repairs), you could qualify for:
- Full repurchase of the vehicle
- Replacement with a comparable model
- Cash compensation to cover the loss of value and inconvenience
Additionally, federal laws such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act permit you to pursue claims for breach of warranty even if your problems arise after the vehicle warranty period, as long as the underlying defect occurred during the warranty period.
Our team at The Lemon Lawyers has extensive experience holding major auto manufacturers accountable, especially in cases like this where the defect is severe and widespread.
What to Do If You Own an Affected Truck or SUV
If you drive a Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevy Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine from 2021–2024, here’s what we recommend:
1. Check Your VIN
Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if your car is subject to the recall. You can input your VIN into:
- NHTSA Recall Website
- GM’s recall lookup tool
If your car is included, contact a dealership immediately.
2. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of:
- Service appointments
- Repair invoices
- Communication with dealerships
- Any symptoms your vehicle experiences (e.g., noises, loss of power)
This documentation could be critical if you need to file a Lemon Law or breach of warranty claim later.
3. Be Cautious About Repairs
If your dealership offers to replace the engine, be sure to ask if the replacement part has been redesigned to fix the bearing defect, or if it’s simply another engine susceptible to failure. If a dealership does not resolve the issue entirely, it could strengthen your Lemon Law case.
4. Contact a Lemon Law Attorney
If you're facing repeated engine problems or extended wait times for repairs, don’t wait. Contacting a Lemon Law attorney early in the process can help you maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, whether that means a complete buyback, a replacement, or financial compensation.
At The Lemon Lawyers, consultations are free, and we only get paid if you win your case.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The GM 6.2L engine recall is a serious issue, affecting some of the most popular and expensive vehicles on the road today. If your car is involved, the sooner you act, the better protected you’ll be. GM’s voluntary stop-sale and recall is a clear admission that something is wrong. But it’s up to you to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and your investment.
If you think your truck or SUV might be a lemon, or if you're already dealing with repeated issues, The Lemon Lawyers are here to help. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for drivers like you, and make sure manufacturers are held accountable.
