General Motors is now facing significant legal challenges over problems with its 6.2-liter V8 L87 engines. The issue first drew the attention of federal regulators after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received more than 1,000 complaints from vehicle owners reporting engine failures.
This prompted an investigation, which ultimately led GM to announce a recall in April 2025 affecting nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs due to failures involving the engine’s crankshaft, bearings, and connecting rods.
The recall covers certain 2019–2024 model year vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, as well as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade.
While the engine defect itself is the focus of the lawsuits, plaintiffs argue that GM’s proposed remedy, switching to a higher-viscosity engine oil, is insufficient to address the underlying problem. A class-action lawsuit has now been consolidated in Michigan and is set to move forward in the courts.
Following the initial filing by Powell earlier this year, additional lawsuits quickly emerged. By August 2025, a federal judge consolidated ten or more of these cases under the Powell lawsuit, creating a single, unified legal proceeding. Since that consolidation, at least one more lawsuit has been added to the growing list of complaints against GM.
This consolidation allows plaintiffs to present all their evidence in one proceeding instead of repeating arguments in multiple courts. The court will evaluate whether GM’s recall and repairs adequately addressed the engine defects and whether affected owners are entitled to compensation beyond the proposed oil-change fix.
The litigation represents a serious potential risk for GM, including higher warranty costs, reputational damage, and financial liability. For owners of the affected vehicles, a favorable court ruling could result in monetary compensation. Additionally, the outcome may set an important precedent for how automakers handle future recalls involving major mechanical defects.
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