A hidden engine issue? This shocking lawsuit could change how drivers see a top car brand
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If you drive a large SUV or pickup made in recent years, this could affect you.
A lawsuit claims the automaker knew about a serious engine issue but used the faulty part anyway.
Nearly 600,000 vehicles are now under recall, and some say the fix came too late.
The issue affects the L87 V8 engines, found in several full-size GM vehicles made between 2021 and 2024.
According to a class-action lawsuit filed in early 2025, these engines may suffer from a defect involving the bearings, connecting rods, and crankshaft—critical internal parts. The alleged result? Sudden and total engine failure.
In some cases, the connecting rod reportedly breaches the engine block, causing a full engine seizure without warning.
Which GM vehicles are included in the recall?
Here’s the list of models affected:
Also read: Is your car a ticking time bomb? Urgent recall issued over fire risks!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) formally opened an investigation in January 2025. But complaints go back much further.
Owners began sharing issues in online forums as early as 2023. One GMC owner, James S. Powell II, is the lead plaintiff in the current lawsuit. He says his 2023 Yukon Denali experienced engine failure in less than a year—requiring a full replacement.
But the new engine also failed.
The lawsuit alleges that GM knew about the defect for years—but didn’t alert drivers or dealers. Even worse, the lawsuit claims GM continued to install the same engines in new vehicles, despite mounting complaints.
As of May 2025, the recall involves nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and over 721,000 globally, making it the largest automotive recall of the year so far.
Owners should have received a recall notice by now—but if you’re unsure, you can check your vehicle using the VIN lookup tool on GM’s website or at NHTSA.gov.
Also read: Is your car safe to drive? Software glitch prompts recall of 40,000+ vehicles
GM says it is “taking the recall very seriously” and has outlined several steps for affected owners.
Dealers will begin with an engine inspection to check for any signs of damage or defects.
If issues are found, the engine will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the owner.
If the engine passes inspection, GM will provide preventative updates, including a thicker oil, a new oil filter and cap, and an updated insert for the owner’s manual.
Read next: Urgent vehicle recall: Check if yours is on the list!
Have you experienced problems with your GM engine? Did you receive a recall notice, or are you still waiting for answers? Have you dealt with a costly engine failure? Share your story in the comments below. You could help someone else in our GrayVine community navigate this frustrating situation.
A lawsuit claims the automaker knew about a serious engine issue but used the faulty part anyway.
Nearly 600,000 vehicles are now under recall, and some say the fix came too late.
The issue affects the L87 V8 engines, found in several full-size GM vehicles made between 2021 and 2024.
According to a class-action lawsuit filed in early 2025, these engines may suffer from a defect involving the bearings, connecting rods, and crankshaft—critical internal parts. The alleged result? Sudden and total engine failure.
In some cases, the connecting rod reportedly breaches the engine block, causing a full engine seizure without warning.
If you drive a GMC made in the last few years, this could directly impact you. Image source: Jaunathan Gagnon / Unsplash
Which GM vehicles are included in the recall?
Here’s the list of models affected:
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021–2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021–2024 GMC Yukon (Yukon XL)
Also read: Is your car a ticking time bomb? Urgent recall issued over fire risks!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) formally opened an investigation in January 2025. But complaints go back much further.
Owners began sharing issues in online forums as early as 2023. One GMC owner, James S. Powell II, is the lead plaintiff in the current lawsuit. He says his 2023 Yukon Denali experienced engine failure in less than a year—requiring a full replacement.
But the new engine also failed.
The lawsuit alleges that GM knew about the defect for years—but didn’t alert drivers or dealers. Even worse, the lawsuit claims GM continued to install the same engines in new vehicles, despite mounting complaints.
As of May 2025, the recall involves nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and over 721,000 globally, making it the largest automotive recall of the year so far.
Owners should have received a recall notice by now—but if you’re unsure, you can check your vehicle using the VIN lookup tool on GM’s website or at NHTSA.gov.
Also read: Is your car safe to drive? Software glitch prompts recall of 40,000+ vehicles
GM says it is “taking the recall very seriously” and has outlined several steps for affected owners.
Dealers will begin with an engine inspection to check for any signs of damage or defects.
If issues are found, the engine will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the owner.
If the engine passes inspection, GM will provide preventative updates, including a thicker oil, a new oil filter and cap, and an updated insert for the owner’s manual.
Read next: Urgent vehicle recall: Check if yours is on the list!
