GM’s Problematic V8 Engine Is Causing A Lot Of Headaches

GM started 2025 with a huge problem – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started to formally look into its widely used 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine. Specifically, 877,710 of the company’s full-size trucks and SUVs, including the popular Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Cadillac Escalade, went under the proverbial microscope, with several drivers reporting engine failure to the feds. That investigation led to a recent massive recall and stop-sale order, with a remedy somewhat in place.

In a dealer bulletin obtained by GM-Trucks forum users, all affected units (MY2021-2024) are currently up for recall, including those in the inventory units. While the dealer bulletin only contains instructions for the dealers that will work on the trucks, GM has confirmed in a statement that it will be issuing a voluntary recall “to address this matter as quickly as possible.”

There’s A Remedy For Those That Pass Dealer Inspections

For the uninitiated, the L87 V8’s woes lie in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components in affected vehicles having unspecified manufacturing defects. When these components fail, it could lead to loss of propulsion or complete engine failure, which can be hazardous or even life-threatening if they occur while in transit. We’ve found several cases of this issue before, with some instances happening while on the highway, while others reportedly bombing as early as 4 miles.

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GM has provided a remedy for the problem, although it’s incomplete for now. The recalled vehicles will be checked by the dealers for diagnostic trouble code P0016. If it’s set, the vehicle in question passes the inspection but will have its oil replaced by 0W-40 high viscosity oil (replacing the former 0W-20). It will also be given a new oil filter and oil fill cap that reflects the change, as well as a section in the owner’s manual for the new oil type. According to the documents shared, the thicker oil “offers an increased further level of protection.”

Engine Replacements Could Happen, But…

On the other hand, those vehicles that will not pass the inspection will be “quarantined” and should not be sold/delivered to the customer. It’s unclear what will happen to these vehicles, with the documents only stating that “Additional information will be provided by General Motors in the near future.”

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It’s likely that GM will replace the troublesome V8 mills, particularly those newly manufactured for MY2025 versions of the aforementioned nameplates. There’s a problem with that, though. GM was reportedly having trouble producing the replacements quick enough to keep up with the demand.

Source: GM-Trucks Forums