Imagine driving your Chevrolet Silverado or Cadillac Escalade, only for the engine to seize at 70 mph with no warning. This nightmare has hit thousands of GM vehicle owners due to alleged defects in the 6.2L V8 L87 engine. Class action lawsuits claim General Motors knowingly sold trucks and SUVs with faulty engines, risking safety and costing owners thousands. Want to protect your rights? Consult a consumer law attorney today! This blog dives into the GM L87 engine lawsuit in 2025, covering defects, affected models, legal updates, and steps for owners of 2019–2024 GM vehicles.
What Is the GM L87 Engine Lawsuit?
The GM L87 engine lawsuit targets defective connecting rod bearings in the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, used in nearly 900,000 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles from 2019–2024. Multiple class actions, filed in states like Illinois and Pennsylvania, allege:
- Sudden Engine Failure: Bearings fail, causing engine seizure or connecting rods to puncture the engine block, often at highway speeds.
- Safety Risks: Loss of power increases crash risks, with some owners reporting near-misses.
- Financial Harm: Repairs cost $5,000–$10,000, and vehicle values drop due to the defect’s publicity.
- GM’s Knowledge: Lawsuits claim GM knew of the issue since 2021 but failed to warn consumers or fix it effectively.
Case Study: James S. Powell II, an Illinois resident, filed a lawsuit after his 2023 GMC Yukon Denali’s L87 engine failed in 2024, showing metal shavings in the oil. Even after a free replacement, the new engine had the same defect, prompting a $5 million claim.
Expert Insight: “GM’s failure to disclose this defect is a betrayal,” says attorney Steve Berman of Hagens Berman. “Owners deserve compensation.”
For another GM defect case, see our CP4 fuel pump lawsuit blog.
Affected Vehicles and Models
The lawsuits and NHTSA recall (25V-274) cover 597,000–877,000 vehicles in the U.S., including:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–2024): 107,244 units
- GMC Sierra 1500 (2019–2024)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024): 44,802 units
- Chevrolet Suburban (2021–2024): 22,162 units
- GMC Yukon/Yukon XL (2021–2024)
- Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV (2021–2024): 79,747 units
Why It Matters: These are GM’s flagship trucks and SUVs, marketed as “rugged” but plagued by engine issues, per classaction.org.
X Sentiment: Owners on X, like @GuyDealership, warn of “total engine failure” risks, urging drivers to check their VINs.
What’s Wrong with the L87 Engine?
The core issue is defective connecting rod bearings, caused by:
- Manufacturing Flaws: Improper wrist pin or circlip installation, or missing circlips, leads to bearing wear.
- Sediment Buildup: Contaminants in crankshaft oil galleries accelerate damage.
- Thermal Stress: Bearings can’t handle the engine’s heat and load, causing failure.
Symptoms:
- Ticking or knocking sounds
- Check engine light
- Loss of power or misfires
- Complete engine failure, often with metal shavings in oil
Example: A 2022 GMC Sierra owner reported engine seizure at 47,000 miles, stranding them on a highway.
NHTSA Investigation: Launched in January 2025, the NHTSA probe covers 877,710 vehicles after 39 complaints and field reports, noting failures as early as 1,147 miles.
GM’s Response and Recall
GM issued a recall (N252494001) on April 24, 2025, for 597,000 vehicles, offering:
- Inspection: Dealers check for bearing damage.
- Oil Change: Engines passing inspection get thicker 0W-40 oil (from 0W-20) to improve lubrication.
- Engine Replacement: Failed engines are replaced under warranty.
- Reimbursement: Owners who paid for prior repairs may be refunded.
GM’s Defense: GM claims the defect affects only 3% of L87 engines and that 2025 models have improved bearings. They argue thicker oil prevents failures.
Criticism: Lawsuits, like McNamara et al. v. GM, allege the recall is inadequate, as:
- Replacement engines may have the same defect.
- Thicker oil reduces fuel economy by 3–4%, costing owners $1,000 in extra gas over the vehicle’s life.
- Many owners weren’t notified, per consumer complaints.
X Feedback: @FreyerChuck called GM’s fix “inadequate,” reflecting owner frustration.
Key Lawsuit Developments in 2025
Multiple class actions have emerged:
- Powell v. GM (Illinois, April 2025): Seeks $5 million for defective bearings, alleging GM’s knowledge since 2021. Case No. 2:25-cv-10479.
- Hagens Berman (Michigan, May 2025): Represents plaintiffs from Washington and California, focusing on safety risks.
- McNamara et al. v. GM (Pennsylvania, May 2025): Claims thicker oil harms fuel economy, seeking $5 million.
- Cheeley Law Group (Nationwide, May 2025): Reports accidents and injuries tied to engine failures.
Legal Arguments:
- GM violated consumer protection laws by hiding the defect.
- Vehicles are unsafe, breaching implied warranties.
- Owners face financial losses from repairs and depreciation.
Progress: As of June 2025, lawsuits are in discovery, with no settlements announced. NHTSA’s probe may lead to an expanded recall.
How the L87 Lawsuit Compares to Past GM Cases
GM settled a $35 million CP4 fuel pump lawsuit in 2024 for 2011–2016 Silverado and Sierra trucks, where defective pumps caused fuel system damage.
Similarities:
- Both involve engine-related defects in popular GM trucks.
- Lawsuits allege GM knew of issues but delayed action.
- Safety risks (e.g., highway stalls) drive claims.
Differences:
- L87 affects newer models (2019–2024) and a broader range (SUVs included).
- CP4 offered cash payouts (up to $12,712); L87 focuses on repairs and depreciation.
- L87 recall is ongoing, while CP4 was settled.
Learn more in our Silverado CP4 settlement guide.
What Can Affected Owners Do?
If you own a 2019–2024 GM vehicle with an L87 engine, take these steps:
1. Check Your VIN
- Visit GM’s recall site or nhtsa.gov with your Vehicle Identification Number to confirm eligibility.
- Recall letters are mailed by June 9, 2025.
2. Schedule a Dealer Inspection
- Contact a GM dealer for a free inspection and oil change or engine replacement if needed.
- Note delays due to parts shortages, per owner complaints.
3. Document Everything
- Save repair records, invoices, and GM communications.
- Note symptoms (e.g., ticking, power loss) with dates and photos.
- Read our guide to documenting defects.
4. File Complaints
- Report issues to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov to support the investigation.
- Contact your state’s Attorney General or BBB for consumer complaints.
5. Consult a Consumer Law Attorney
- Firms like Hagens Berman or Valero Law offer free consultations to join lawsuits or pursue lemon law claims.
- Attorneys can seek compensation for repairs, depreciation, or injuries.
Expert Tip: “Documented evidence is critical,” says attorney Joshua Valero. “It strengthens your claim.”
Benefits of Joining the Lawsuit
- Compensation: Recover repair costs, fuel expenses, or vehicle value loss.
- Safety Advocacy: Pressure GM for better fixes or recalls.
- Collective Power: Class actions amplify small claims against big corporations.
Risks:
- Lawsuits may take years, with no guaranteed payout.
- Some claims (e.g., fuel economy) may not apply to all owners.
Challenges for Owners
- Parts Delays: Dealers lack engines or oil caps, leaving owners waiting months.
- Depreciation: L87 issues lower resale values, per lawsuits.
- GM’s Pushback: GM denies widespread defects, blaming low failure rates (3%).
- Time Limits: Lemon law or warranty claims have deadlines (e.g., 3–4 years in California).
Reddit Insight: Owners on r/GMC report frustration with GM’s “replace with same engine” approach, fearing repeat failures.
Why Consult an Attorney?
A consumer law attorney can:
- Evaluate your eligibility for the lawsuit or lemon law.
- Maximize compensation for repairs or losses.
- Navigate complex recall rules and state laws.
Expert Advice: “Attorneys level the playing field,” says attorney Sean Matt. Contact a firm today.
For another class action, see our Omega XL lawsuit blog.
The GM L87 engine lawsuit reveals serious defects in 2019–2024 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, posing safety risks and incurring substantial repair bills for owners. With nearly 900,000 vehicles affected, class actions demand accountability for faulty bearings and inadequate recalls. If you own an L87-equipped truck or SUV, check your VIN, document issues, and consult a consumer law attorney to secure compensation. Share your story below, and stay updated on GM’s legal battles in 2025!
Sources
- GM Authority: “GM 6.2L V8 L87 Engine Lawsuit Filed in Illinois” (gmauthority.com, April 13, 2025)
- Hagens Berman: “General Motors (GM) L87 Motor Engine Failure Defect” (hbsslaw.com, May 19, 2025)
- The Lemon Law Experts: “GM L87 Engine Lawsuit: Do You Have a Claim?” (lemonlawexperts.com, April 18, 2025)
- ClassAction.org: “Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over ‘Dangerously Defective’ GM 6.2L V8 L87 Engine” (classaction.org, April 5, 2025)
- Valero Law: “Understanding the GM L87 Engine Class Action Lawsuit” (valerolaw.com, April 8, 2025)
- CarComplaints: “GM L87 Engine Lawsuit Says Engine Recall Not Good Enough” (carcomplaints.com, May 18, 2025)
- Counsel Stack: “GM L87 Engine Lawsuit” (counselstack.com, May 23, 2025)
- X Post: @GuyDealership, May 20, 2025
- X Post: @FreyerChuck, June 13, 2025
