General Motors finds itself drowning in legal troubles as fresh lawsuits pile up over its troubled 6.2L V8 engine. The automotive giant can’t seem to catch a break from mounting legal challenges that threaten to cost millions.
The company faces multiple class action lawsuits from frustrated owners whose engines failed without warning. These aren’t just minor complaints – we’re talking about complete engine seizures that left drivers stranded on highways.
The Growing Legal Storm Against GM
The latest class action lawsuit, filed in April 2025, alleges that GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 engine is “dangerously defective” and prone to sudden, catastrophic failure. This comes after Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman filed another lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, claiming GM knowingly sold vehicles with defective engines.
The legal battle intensifies as more owners come forward with similar stories. Illinois resident James S. Powell II filed a class action lawsuit for over $5 million after his 2023 GMC Yukon Denali’s engine failed, containing metal shavings in the oil and sustaining damage to the engine block.
What Makes These Lawsuits Different
These aren’t typical automotive complaints. The lawsuits paint a picture of widespread manufacturing defects that GM allegedly knew about but failed to address properly.
General Motors has known of the L87 engine problems since at least 2021, the class action lawsuit alleges. This timeline suggests the company continued selling potentially defective vehicles for years.
The Scope of the Problem
The magnitude of affected vehicles is staggering. GM recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of potential problems with certain parts that could cause engine failure.
The recall targets certain GM vehicles produced during a specific window – March 1st, 2021, through May 31st, 2024. However, some owners report problems with newer models too.
Affected Vehicle Models
The recall covers these popular models:
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
According to recall documents, GM estimates that roughly three percent of the L87 engines impacted by this recall will need to be replaced. That translates to approximately 17,929 engines in the U.S. alone.
The Technical Problems Behind the Lawsuits
Manufacturing Defects Identified
The NHTSA describes the alleged GM engine defect as “internal engine component failure,” resulting from “improper installation of the wrist pin and circlip (a.k.a. retainage clip), or due to missing circlips”.
The problems stem from two main manufacturing issues:
- Rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods
- Out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish
These defects can cause catastrophic engine failure without warning. A GM analysis of more than 28,000 field complaints identified 14,332 incidents involving a loss of propulsion and 12 potentially related crashes.
Warning Signs Drivers Should Watch For
Potential warning signs of imminent engine failure include unusual engine noises such as a knocking, or banging sound; illumination of the “check engine” light; and performance issues such as unusually high RPMs.
However, many failures occur without any warning signs. Drivers report their engines simply stopped working while driving at highway speeds.
GM’s Response and the Oil Change “Fix”
General Motors implemented what many consider a band-aid solution. Vehicles that pass inspection will receive an engine oil and filter change, this time using high-viscosity 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil. The owner’s manual for L87-equipped trucks calls for 0W-20 oil.
This “fix” has sparked another lawsuit over fuel economy concerns. Owners with repaired or replaced 6.2-liter GM V8s say their fuel economy could tank after the fix.
The Fuel Economy Lawsuit
The suit alleges the thicker and stickier oil will result in worse fuel economy in models that have undergone the recall with the updated oil recommendation. Owners claim they’ll purchase hundreds of extra gallons of gasoline they wouldn’t have needed otherwise.
This creates a double burden for affected owners – they deal with engine problems and then face increased operating costs.
Why 2025 Models Aren’t Included
GM told authorities that “A series of crankshaft and connecting rod manufacturing improvements implemented on or before June 1st, 2024, addressed contamination and quality issues. Model-year 2025 vehicles were built after these improvements and are not included in the recall”.
However, some owners report problems with 2025 models too. One owner reported: “I just purchased a 2025 Escalade on December 19th, 2024. My engine failed last week on the highway with 953 miles on it!!”
Questions About the Fix
The exclusion of 2025 models raises questions about GM’s claimed manufacturing improvements. If the company truly fixed the problems, why are some newer vehicles still experiencing failures?
One of the plaintiffs’ complaints that GM will likely take issue with is the claim that “simply replacing the defective engine with the same type of engine does not address the Bearing Defect and leaves consumers subject to the same undisclosed safety risk”.
The Human Cost of Engine Failures
Beyond the legal and financial implications, these engine failures create real safety risks. Drivers report losing power suddenly while driving at highway speeds.
Since the NHTSA began looking into the GM engine issue, more than a thousand complaints of sudden, catastrophic engine failure have been reported, indicating the existence of “a major quality control issue”.
The emotional toll on owners is significant. Many purchased these vehicles expecting GM’s reputation for reliability, only to face expensive repairs and safety concerns.
Dealer Response and Parts Shortages
GM is reportedly so affected by this issue that the automaker has told service centers that it lacks enough replacement parts for repairs. This creates extended wait times for owners needing engine replacements.
Some owners wait months for repairs, leaving them without reliable transportation. The shortage of replacement engines compounds the problem and fuels additional frustration.
What This Means for GM Owners
Immediate Steps for Affected Owners
If you own an affected vehicle, monitor your engine closely for warning signs. Don’t ignore unusual noises or performance issues.
Owner notification letters will be mailed June 9, 2025. However, don’t wait for official notification if you’re experiencing problems.
Legal Options Available
Owners have several legal avenues to pursue:
- Joining existing class action lawsuits
- Filing individual lemon law claims
- Seeking compensation for decreased vehicle value
If you pursue a lemon law claim in California, you can sue for charges specific to your situation and win a vehicle replacement or a repurchase of your vehicle.
The Broader Impact on GM’s Reputation
These lawsuits represent more than just financial liability for General Motors. They threaten the company’s reputation for building dependable vehicles.
Over the past several years, the automaker identified more than 28,000 field complaints and incidents in the U.S. market potentially related to 6.2L V8 engine issues. This scale of problems suggests systemic quality control issues.
Comparison to Previous GM Issues
This isn’t GM’s first major engine problem. The company has faced similar lawsuits over fuel pump defects and oil consumption issues in other engines.
Last year, GM settled a $35 million class action lawsuit concerning defective fuel pumps in GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. The pattern of recurring problems raises questions about GM’s quality assurance processes.
What Happens Next
The legal battles are just beginning. Multiple class action lawsuits are moving through the courts, and more may follow as additional owners come forward.
GM faces potential financial exposure in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The company must also address the underlying manufacturing problems to prevent future issues.
Industry-Wide Implications
These lawsuits could influence how automakers handle manufacturing defectsand recalls. The cases may set precedents for consumer compensation and corporate responsibility.
The automotive industry is watching closely as these cases progress through the legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which GM vehicles are affected by the 6.2L V8 engine problems? A: 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV models.
Q: How many vehicles are included in the recall? A: Nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and approximately 721,000 globally.
Q: What are the main symptoms of engine failure? A: Unusual knocking or banging noises, check engine light, high RPMs, and sudden loss of power while driving.
Q: Does the recall affect 2025 model year vehicles? A: GM claims 2025 models are not affected due to manufacturing improvements, but some owners report problems with newer vehicles.
Q: What is GM’s solution for affected vehicles? A: Engines that pass inspection receive higher-viscosity oil (0W-40), while failed engines are replaced entirely.
Q: Can owners join the class action lawsuits? A: Yes, multiple class action lawsuits are active, and owners can also pursue individual lemon law claims.
Q: How long do engine replacements take? A: Wait times vary significantly due to parts shortages, with some owners waiting several months.
Q: Will the oil change fix affect fuel economy? A: Yes, owners report decreased fuel economy due to the thicker oil requirement, leading to a separate lawsuit.
Q: When will affected owners be notified officially? A: GM planned to mail owner notification letters on June 9, 2025.
Q: What should I do if my engine fails? A: Contact your dealer immediately for inspection and consider consulting with a lemon law attorney about your legal options.