The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001) into potential safety issues related to General Motors’ 6.2L V8 engines, designated as the L87. This investigation targets engine failures in over 877,000 vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2024, including popular GM truck and SUV models such as the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade.

GM V8 Engine Failure Investigation – Affected Vehicles

The NHTSA’s inquiry covers vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine, specifically:

  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019-2024)
  • Chevrolet Tahoe (2021-2024)
  • Chevrolet Suburban (2021-2024)
  • GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-2024)
  • GMC Yukon/Yukon XL (2021-2024)
  • Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV (2021-2024)

6.2L V8 Failure – Problem Description

The investigation was prompted by 39 complaints and field reports related to engine failures caused by connecting rod bearing issues. These failures may lead to catastrophic engine damage, such as:

  • Engine seizure
  • Connecting rod breaches in the engine block

Importantly, complainants noted the failures occurred without any warning signs, such as unusual noises or dashboard alerts, making the problem unpredictable. The failure typically results in a sudden loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Statement from General Motors

GM-Trucks.com has reached out to GM for a statement and will update this article with any response.

Scope of Investigation

While no crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities have been reported, the NHTSA has opened this investigation to evaluate:

  • The frequency of reported failures
  • The potential safety risks posed by this issue
  • Whether a safety-related defect exists that warrants corrective action

The findings of this evaluation could lead to further actions, such as a recall or additional engineering analysis.

What 6.2L V8 Engine Owners Should Know

If you own one of the affected models, monitoring communications from General Motors and the NHTSA as the investigation progresses is essential. For now, there’s no official recall or repair campaign, but owners are encouraged to:

  • Report engine-related issues to the NHTSA via their Vehicle Complaint Form on NHTSA.gov
  • Visit their local GM dealership for inspections if they experience unusual engine performance.

The NHTSA’s investigation will assess the extent of the issue and determine whether a recall or other corrective measures are necessary. GM truck and SUV owners should stay tuned to GM-Trucks.com to be informed as the inquiry unfolds.