GM recalls nearly 600,000 vehicles with 6.2L V8 engine

General Motors is recalling nearly 600,000 of its Model Year 2021-2024 full-size trucks and SUVs in the U.S. after discovering a major issue with its 6.2L V8 L87 small-block gas engine. A total of around 721,000 vehicles are affected worldwide.

The affected pickups include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (107,244 affected) and GMC Sierra 1500 (153,630 affected). SUVs comprise the rest of the voluntary recall, and include the Cadillac Escalade and ESV, Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

Signs of the defect, estimated to exist in 3% of the listed models, may include knocking or banging in the engine, an illuminated check engine light, and performance issues such as high RPM, abnormal shifting, engine hesitation or reduced propulsion, and a no-start condition.

According to the NHTSA safety recall report, a manufacturing defect related to the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components may lead to engine damage and failure. If the engine fails on the road, that would increase the risk of crash, the report noted.

To fix the issue, dealer technicians will inspect the recalled vehicles’ engines, with failure leading to repairs or replacement. Engines that pass will be given a higher viscosity oil, new oil fill cap, and new filter.

GM’s investigation began on Jan. 16 after being notified by NHTSA of potential engine failures. The report said GM had previously opened and closed investigations related to similar issues in 2022, 2023, and 2024. During the engine teardowns to locate the problem, General Motors found two root causes: rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries, and out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.

Since 2021, GM discovered 28,102 incidents stemming from the L87, with about half reporting loss of propulsion. Twelve crashes (resulting in minor injuries) are possibly linked to the defect.

Dealers were notified April 24 and owners will be notified June 9. To find out if your vehicle is part of the recall, you can enter your VIN in the NHTSA database.