- GM recalled nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs after reports of serious 6.2-liter V8 engine failures.
- The recall fix mainly involved oil changes and minor updates, which many owners say didn’t solve the problem.
- More than 1,000 complaints led to an NHTSA investigation and the large-scale recall.
- Multiple owner lawsuits have now been merged into one major class-action case in Michigan.
In April 2025, General Motors issued a recall of nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs after receiving more than 1,000 consumer complaints about engine failures. The crankshaft, bearings, and connecting rods may have manufacturing defects that could cause engine damage or failure.
The recall affected certain 2021-2024 trucks and SUVs equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 gas engine. To resolve the issue, GM asked its dealers to add higher-viscosity oil, install a 6-oil-fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner’s manual.
However, instead of fixing the problem, it created additional issues. Many owners argue that GM’s fix is insufficient to resolve the issue. As a result, several lawsuits were filed against GM.
Those separate cases have now been combined into a single lawsuit, making it a more serious legal challenge for the company.
What is the Complete Story Behind the GM V8 Engine Recall?
It began when the U.S. safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation after receiving more than 1,000 owner complaints involving GM’s L87 V8 engines.
Following the investigation, NHTSA’s involvement prompted GM to recall approximately 597,571 trucks and SUVs due to manufacturing defects in crankshaft components that could cause engine damage or failure.
According to the Safety Recall Report submitted on April 24, the recall affected certain 2021-2024 vehicles equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 gas engine. It involved:
- Cadillac Escalade (Cadillac Escalade recall report (2020–2026))
- Cadillac Escalade ESV (Cadillac Escalade ESV recall report (2020–2026))
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recall report (2020–2026))
- Chevrolet Suburban (Chevrolet Suburban recall report (2020–2026))
- Chevrolet Tahoe (Chevrolet Tahoe recall report (2020–2026))
- GMC Sierra 1500 (GMC Sierra 1500 recall report (2020–2026))
- GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
Multiple Lawsuits Filed Against General Motors
Instead of fixing the problem, GM’s recall caused more trouble. Many owners claimed that the fix or recall, mainly changing the type of engine oil, is not enough to solve the issue. As a result, several lawsuits were filed against GM.
By August 2025, a Federal judge decided to combine these lawsuits into one single large case, known as the Powell lawsuit. Since then, another has been added to the list of complaints against the company.
Consolidating the lawsuits makes the process easier and faster. Instead of presenting the evidence multiple times in different courts, Plaintiffs can present evidence in a single proceeding.
The court will examine the extent to which GM fixed engine problems and whether the plaintiffs deserve extra compensation beyond the repairs already offered through the recall.
How the Lawsuit Will Impact the GM and the Affected Owners
This major lawsuit will be a serious threat to General Motors. And losing the lawsuit could result in increased warranty costs, damage to GM’s brand image, and financial liability for the company.
On the other hand, for the affected owners, the lawsuit may ultimately result in monetary compensation if the court rules in their favor. Additionally, the court decision could also set an example for how automakers respond to similar recalls in the future.
Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of GM trucks and SUVs on the roads, whose owners still believe that their vehicles’ engines are not entirely fixed by the recall. The outcome of the lawsuit will help to determine if these beliefs are valid and whether GM will need to take additional measures beyond the current recall program to resolve the issues.
The lawsuit could also increase pressure on automakers industry-wide to provide more permanent fixes instead of software updates or temporary mechanical work.
What are Your Thoughts?
Now, I want to hear from you:
- Do you own a GM truck or SUV affected by this recall?
- Do you think changing the engine oil is sufficient to resolve this issue?
- Should GM offer full engine replacements instead of a recall fix?
- Do you trust GM’s recall solution after reading this case?
- Do you believe owners deserve compensation beyond free repairs?
- Will this lawsuit affect your future vehicle-buying decisions?
Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.
