INDIANA – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into General Motors (GM) over potential engine failures affecting many of its full-size trucks and SUVs. The investigation, launched on Thursday, focuses on vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, which powers models from Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, spanning the 2019 to 2024 model years. This includes an estimated 877,710 vehicles.
The inquiry stems from 39 complaints filed with the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) describing a critical bearing failure. The reports indicate that the failure could lead to engine seizure or cause the engine block to breach due to a connecting rod. Alarmingly, these issues appear to occur without prior warning or detectability, which raises safety concerns for drivers.
Despite the serious nature of the defect, the NHTSA has confirmed that no crashes, injuries, fires, or fatalities have been linked to the engine failures.
The following GM models are potentially affected by the investigation:
- 2019-2024 Chevy Silverado 1500
- 2021-2024 Chevy Tahoe
- 2021-2024 Chevy Suburban
- 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV
The NHTSA’s investigation, which is in its early stages, aims to assess the scope and severity of the issue. At present, affected vehicle owners are advised to continue regular maintenance while the investigation progresses.
The 6.2L V8 L87 engine was introduced in the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, part of GM’s T1 truck generation. The engine also appears in GM’s T1-based SUVs, redesigned in 2021. This engine delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, featuring an Overhead Valve (OHV) or “push-rod” design in a “V” configuration. Part of GM’s Gen V Small Block engine family, the L87 engine is the successor to the L86 engine.
As the NHTSA works to determine the full extent of the issue, GM owners are urged to stay informed about the investigation and follow any further recommendations from the agency.
.png)
.JPG)
