— GM engine failures caused a recall, a federal investigation and now an upgraded investigation into the L87 engines built between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.
The upgraded L87 engine failure probe includes nearly 1 million of these General Motors vehicles.
- 2021-2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- 2021-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2025-2026 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021-2026 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021-2026 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 6,000 GM engine complaints have been filed even though an L87 engine recall was issued in April 2025.
Recall repairs consisted of changing the oil to a different viscosity or a complete GM L87 engine replacement. But NHTSA says owners continue to complain about engine failures even if the engines were replaced.
The government has received about 500 complaints about engine failures in vehicles that were repaired under the recall. But GM says it has received 6,953 complaints about L87 engine failures after the vehicles were allegedly repaired.
GM blames the L87 engine failures on defects in the connecting rods and crankshaft components, specifically "(1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish."
General Motors owners should pay attention to knocking engines, illuminated check engine warning lights, high RPMs or problems when shifting gears.
CarComplaints.com will update our website with results of the upgraded GM engine failure investigation. Click here to read about L87 class action lawsuits.