GM Recalling Nearly 600,000 2021-2024 Trucks and SUVs Because of Potential V-8 Engine Failures

We now know how many vehicles GM is recalling because of possible engine failures and the numbers are huge. NHTSA announced today that GM has agreed to recall 597,630 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, Tahoes, Suburbans, Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, GMC Sierra 1500s, GMC Yukons and Yukon XLs. I reported yesterday that GM agreed to recall the vehicles voluntarily. The recall affects trucks and SUVs with the 6.2-liter V-8. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. When NHTSA confirmed in January that it was investigating the trucks and SUVs, it said that there were 877,710 GM vehicles equipped with L87 V-8 engines. It is unclear why the recall only applies to 597,630 of those vehicles. NHTSA paperwork says that it is estimated that 3 percent of the recalled vehicles have the engine issue.

GM’s statement about the recall:

“GM will voluntarily recall certain 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models equipped with 6.2L L87 engines to resolve manufacturing issues affecting some engines. The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to address this matter as quickly as possible.”

According to the NHTSA safety recall report, GM has identified what is causing the engine problem.

“Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.”

The report says that drivers may notice problems before the engine fails.

“Drivers may be alerted to the condition prior to failure from: (a) knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises; (b) illumination of the check engine light; and/or (c) engine-performance issues, including hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, or a no-start condition.”

GM Investigating at Least 28,000 Complaints

According to the Safety Recall Report, “GM’s investigation identified 28,102 field complaints or incidents in the US potentially related to failure of the L87 engine due to crankshaft, connecting rod, or engine bearing failure, of which 14,332 involved allegations of loss of propulsion. These field complaints were received between April 29, 2021, and February 3, 2025. GM identified 12 potentially related alleged crashes and 12 potentially related alleged injuries in the U.S.; all specifically alleged injuries were minor or non-physical, and most were not crash related. GM also identified 42 potentially related fire allegations in the U.S., but in the majority of these cases (a) the causation of these incidents is unclear and (b) the alleged fire damage is contained to the engine compartment and consistent with damage that can occur, in rare instances, during engine failure.”

Engine failure can lead to an increased risk of a crash resulting in injury and/or property damage. A bearing failure can cause the engine to seize, or a bearing failure can cause a connecting rod to even breach the engine block. The V-8 is one of GM’s most popular engines. Buyers often ask to purchase the larger, more powerful power plant. GM is admitting that manufacturing defects can cause the engine to lose power and even fail.

General Motors was the U.S. leader in 2024 auto sales, posting a 4.3% increase in sales for the year, its best performance since 2019. Its Silverado pickup truck was the second-best selling vehicle in the U.S. last year. The Cadillac Escalade is the best-selling luxury SUV and the Chevrolet Tahoes and GMC Yukons are all top sellers.

How GM Will Fix the Problem

GM will start notifying owners on June 9, 2025. They will be told to take the vehicle to a dealer where the engine will be inspected. If there is a problem, technicians will either repair or replace the engine. Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided a higher viscosity oil, which will also require a new oil fill cap, an oil filter replacement, and an owner’s manual insert. Anyone who paid to repair or replace the engine should be reimbursed for the costs. The GM number for this recall is N252494001. The NHTSA number for the recall is 25V-274.

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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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