I Was Told GM Might Replace Every L87 6.2L Engine for the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, But I’m Wondering If They’re Really Ready for That

What started as a simple oil change recall on GM’s popular L87 6.2L engines may now be snowballing into something much bigger, and something that's much more expensive. According to a surprising update from one owner, the solution might no longer be about oil at all. That's what I saw from a post today by Abraham Conn in the “2019 - 2025 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners” group. Abraham had just walked out of his dealership, where he was told something shocking: GM might be abandoning the oil change remedy for the L87 6.2L engine recall and instead preparing to replace engines outright for every affected Silverado and Sierra. He left the dealership shaking his head in disbelief, and honestly, I don’t really blame him.

Here’s how he put it:

“Update to post below! Just got off the phone with the dealership! As I stated yesterday and just confirmed again! The testing for our 6.2 L L87 engines will not happen and they have recalled the oil change solution. They will be putting out the new remedy soon. It’s what I was told, but basically I’m thinking it's going to be a wait until our engines blow then they will replace our engines. I’m curious so please let me know if you get the inspection and the higher viscosity oil. You just have to laugh at this. 2025 and this is the solution. Lol.

The Update: Just left my dealer 10 mins ago on 2:25 pm 5/5/2025. They said that GM hasn't put the word out yet officially because they have to figure out how to deal with it. The oil change deal is going to be out! They are saying that every 21-24 L87 6.2 truck in the recall will be getting/needing a new engine. All I could do was laugh and shake my head. Imagine them ordering 800,000 engines. Too funny!”

So How Did We Get Here?

Abraham’s experience highlights something that’s becoming increasingly familiar to GM truck owners: confusion. It’s not the first time owners have felt left in the dark by incomplete communication, shifting strategies, and what appears to be reactive rather than proactive problem-solving. And if what his dealership said turns out to be accurate, the implications for the automotive world could be massive.

To fully understand the gravity of this situation, let’s rewind a bit. GM initially issued a recall covering nearly 600,000 vehicles powered by the L87 6.2L V8 due to potential issues with oil pressure and internal engine failure. The original remedy included inspecting certain components and switching to a thicker, higher-viscosity oil. This was a move that many saw as a temporary patch and not a permanent fix. General Motors officially acknowledged the risk of engine failure in these popular trucks and SUVs.

But now? According to Abraham, dealers are hinting that GM may be quietly scrapping that oil change strategy altogether. If the replacement path is truly leading toward new engines for most affected vehicle, we’re looking at what could be one of the most expensive and logistically daunting automotive remedies in recent memory.

Owners React: Confusion, Confirmation, and Concern

That brings us to the reactions from the community.

Jonathan Larson chimed in, saying, “I heard the same thing from one of my local dealers today also.”

It’s one thing for one dealership to go rogue with its messaging, but when multiple owners are reporting the same conversation happening across different states, it adds serious credibility to the idea that a behind-the-scenes shift could be underway.

Chris Alcott added another layer of uncertainty. “Called the other day for my ‘24 I purchased in January, and they said it’s not on it yet. They have no clue.”

That response is troubling on a whole different level. If owners of newly purchased 2024 Silverados are being told the fix hasn’t even been rolled out or understood at the dealership level, how are they supposed to trust that their trucks are safe? Especially after some have already dealt with serious mechanical concerns early in ownership, like this 2024 Chevy 2500 HD owner who returned their truck after just one week of issues.

Then there’s Joseph James, who brought in a dose of realism that many longtime GM owners are feeling right now: “They will be on backorder for 10 years like everything else.”

This isn’t just a snarky comment. Parts shortages have been crippling the industry for years. If GM really does plan to replace hundreds of thousands of engines, the question isn’t just how, but when. Many owners are already tired of the delays, like this Silverado 1500 driver who went through three transmissions in 100,000 miles and lost trust in the brand.

Finally, Sloan Amy raised a broader concern: “Would this include the 2021 1500 diesel? Called the dealer and they said nothing as of yet. I called GM and they said nothing yet too. We heard possibly by June they will start mailing those that are affected. We can't find anything on the diesel. Can anyone find any info? Thanks for any help.”

This comment is important because it shows that while GM is focused on the L87 V8s, other powertrains might be suffering from a similar lack of transparency. Owners of Duramax diesels for example, are watching the situation unfold closely and wondering if they might be next. Let's certainly hope not! 

A Crisis of Confidence in Communication

In the background of all this is a growing frustration among owners that the messaging from GM has been inconsistent and reactive like I mentioned earlier. When customers spend big money on a new truck, they expect a solution that doesn’t sound like a “wait until it breaks, then we’ll fix it" kind of solution. But that’s exactly what many feel they’re being told.

We’ve already seen examples of what happens when fixes go wrong. One Silverado 2500 HD owner reported that their dealer botched a transmission service, leaving them stranded with a broken loaner and no clear timeline. With stakes this high, confidence in GM’s service network and communication strategy has never been more important.

I can’t help but look at this whole ordeal as a lesson in scale and responsibility. Automakers like GM know that engine recalls are expensive and damaging to their brand image, but the real damage comes from mismanaging expectations. If the oil remedy really is being abandoned, and engine replacements are being considered as the true fix, then GM owes it to every customer as soon as possible. Leaving people in limbo just erodes the loyalty that brands spend decades building.

I think the takeaway here isn’t just about engines or oil weight or whether a truck blows up next week. It’s about trust, and when trust erodes, even the best trucks in the world start to feel like a gamble.

Key Takeaways for Silverado and Sierra Owners:

• Monitor the Recall Closely: If you own a 2021–2024 Silverado or Sierra with the 6.2L L87 engine, stay in frequent contact with your dealership. Things are changing fast, and unofficial updates may surface before GM issues a formal statement.
• Document Everything: If you’ve had repairs done, keep all paperwork. If your truck starts showing symptoms, get them on record early. The more evidence you have, the better your position if a full engine replacement becomes necessary.
• Don’t Wait Until It Breaks: The idea that you should drive until failure isn’t comforting. Ask your service department for updates and push for written confirmation if possible. If your dealership seems uninformed, don’t hesitate to contact others or even escalate to GM directly.
• Learn from Other Owners: Shared experiences, like those found on Facebook groups or Torque News articles about GM reliability struggles, are valuable. They offer both insight and reassurance that you’re not alone in navigating this mess.
• This Might Be Bigger Than Just One Engine: If you own diesel or a different trim that hasn’t been officially recalled, pay attention anyway. The silence from GM doesn’t always mean your vehicle is unaffected as it just might mean that they haven’t made it public yet.

What Have You Heard?

Do you think GM is ready for this kind of recall?

And if you own one of these trucks, are you still planning to drive your truck as-is, or are you considering trading it in before anything major happens?

Let me know your thoughts and how you think GM should handle this in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Chevrolet Gallery