US regulators reopen investigation into GM 6.2-liter V8 engine problems
NHTSA has launched a new probe into GM's 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine after hundreds of complaints about failures occurring even after a previous recall repair. The review covers nearly a million 2021-2026 pickups and SUVs.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has once again turned its attention to General Motors' 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine, after receiving numerous complaints about failures that occurred even after vehicles had already undergone recall repairs. The new investigation covers nearly a million pickups and SUVs from the 2021-2026 model years, including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Yukon.
Previous recall failed to solve the issue
GM had earlier recalled more than 600,000 vehicles over the risk of serious engine damage. At the time, dealerships inspected engines, changed oil, and, where necessary, replaced parts or entire engines. Despite this, NHTSA has now received 499 new complaints about repeat failures. Particularly concerning are 26 cases in which the replacement engine installed during the earlier repair also failed.
Possible causes
According to available information, the problems may be linked to the crankshaft, connecting rods and bearings, as well as manufacturing deviations and contamination in the engine's lubrication system. Such defects can cause a drop in oil pressure, unusual noises, or even sudden engine seizure while driving.
NHTSA now intends to determine whether GM's earlier fix actually resolved the problem and why failures continue to occur in newer, already-replaced engines. Meanwhile, GM is already developing a new generation of smaller-displacement V8 engines, which the company plans to introduce starting in 2027.
