The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened Engineering Analysis EA26005 to investigate reports of continued engine failures in General Motors vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine, even after recall repairs were completed.
The investigation follows concerns that the remedy provided under Recall 25V-274 may not be preventing engine failures in all affected vehicles.
Vehicles Included in the Investigation
The investigation covers the following vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine:
- 2021–2026 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021–2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2021–2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2025–2026 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
- 2021–2026 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021–2026 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021–2026 GMC Yukon
- 2021–2026 GMC Yukon XL
Why Is NHTSA Investigating?
GM’s Recall 25V-274 addressed certain L87 engines manufactured between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. According to GM, the issue stemmed from a supplier manufacturing and quality problem.
Depending on inspection results, dealers performed one of two repairs:
- An engine oil viscosity change, or
- A complete engine replacement.
Despite these repairs, NHTSA says it continues to receive reports of engines failing after the recall work was completed.
What Has NHTSA Found?
To date, NHTSA has received 499 complaints involving post-recall engine failures, including:
- 473 vehicles that received the oil viscosity change.
- 26 vehicles that received a replacement engine.
In addition, investigators have received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines built after the production period covered by the original recall. GM has also reported receiving 6,953 complaints involving engine failures after recall repairs.
These reports have prompted NHTSA to broaden its investigation beyond the engines originally covered by the recall.
What Happens Next?
NHTSA has expanded the investigation to include newer L87 engines built outside the original recall period. During this Engineering Analysis, investigators will review additional failures and determine whether further action—including an expanded recall or additional remedies—may be necessary.
What Should Owners Do?
Owners of any of the vehicles listed above should pay close attention to symptoms that could indicate engine trouble, including:
- Engine knocking or unusual noises
- Loss of power
- Engine stalling
- Engine seizure
- Check engine light accompanied by drivability issues
If your vehicle experiences any of these symptoms—even if it has already received recall repairs—it should be inspected as soon as possible. Keep copies of all repair orders, diagnostic reports, and communications with the dealership.
If repeated engine failures continue despite repair attempts, you may have rights under your state’s lemon law. Depending on the laws in your state, you could be entitled to a vehicle buyback, replacement, or other compensation if the manufacturer cannot permanently correct the defect.
