GM Agrees to Recall Popular 2021-2024 Trucks and SUVs Over V-8 Engine Failures

General Motors is recalling its most popular 2021-2024 trucks and large SUVs because of problems with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Owners have been upset about this since January with dozens of complaints about the V-8 engine seizing up. GM has decided to voluntarily recall the vehicles, but NHTSA hasn’t posted anything official at this point. The recall affects 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, Tahoes, Suburbans, Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, GMC Sierra 1500s, GMC Yukons and Yukon XLs. It is unclear how many vehicles are being recalled but it only affects trucks and SUVs with the 6.2-liter V-8. 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.

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.”

NHTSA Investigating at Least 39 Complaints

As I reported in January, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 39 complaints about the vehicles with the V-8 engines saying that the engines can seize up without warning.

NHTSA said owners reported "no detectability prior to the 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. NHTSA did not indicate if there have been any accidents or injuries because of the engine issue.

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. Owners will also be told to change the type of oil they use. GM has been sued a number of times about the engine failures. Anyone who paid to repair or replace the engine should be reimbursed for the costs. The GM number for this recall is N252494001. I’ll update this story when we get more information from NHTSA about the issue and how many vehicles are affected.

Chevrolet Photo

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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