According to Eric Stafford of Car and Driver, General Motors is initiating a massive recall impacting approximately 721,000 full-size trucks and SUVs equipped with its 6.2-liter V8 engine, known as the L87. This voluntary recall, paired with a stop-sale order, affects many of GM’s most iconic models – including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Sierra.
These vehicles, manufactured between 2021 and 2024, may suffer from engine failure stemming from defective internal parts like crankshafts and connecting rods. It’s a sweeping move that underscores the seriousness of the defect and GM’s attempt to get ahead of what could become a public relations and mechanical nightmare.
What Exactly Went Wrong?
Don, the host of the YouTube channel Donslife, breaks down the mechanical flaw with the kind of clarity car owners need but rarely get from manufacturers. The issue, he explains, lies in the precision, or lack thereof, of the machining process for internal engine components. Improper surface finishes or tolerances compromised the integrity of the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings, which in turn can lead to weakened oil film strength. That means increased friction, abnormal wear, and eventual catastrophic failure. It’s a reminder that modern engines, especially those engineered for performance, depend on meticulous tolerances that leave little room for error.
Pinpointing the Problem
As Donslife reports, this didn’t come out of nowhere. GM first noticed an unusual pattern of engine failures in late 2022. After investigating warranty returns and tearing down failed engines, engineers narrowed the defect to engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2023, at a specific engine plant in St. Catharines, Ontario. This allowed GM to surgically target which engines are at risk, avoiding an even larger recall. Don’s own 2021 GMC Sierra AT4, for example, narrowly avoided the recall due to its build date being outside that defective window, while his wife’s 2022 Cadillac Escalade wasn’t so lucky.
How Widespread Is the Damage?
According to Stafford’s Car and Driver report, only a small percentage of engines, estimated at 3%, are likely affected by the internal defects. While that number might sound small, 3% of 721,000 is still over 21,000 vehicles that could experience total engine failure. For drivers, that means potential loss of power on the highway, unexpected breakdowns, and massive inconvenience. Worse yet, some owners might not even be aware they’re affected until their vehicle starts throwing codes or making worrisome knocking sounds.
What Will GM Do About It?
Both Stafford and Don confirm that GM has committed to inspecting all affected vehicles. For those that pass inspection, dealers will change the oil to a higher-viscosity 0W-40 formula, replace the oil filter and oil filler cap, and update the owner’s manual. For engines that don’t pass, GM will either repair or replace them. While the fix sounds reasonable, it raises questions about longevity, resale value, and whether this oil change workaround is just a temporary Band-Aid. Don questions the effectiveness of the “preventative” oil change strategy, wondering whether it truly addresses the deeper mechanical issues.
The Notification Delay
A major point of frustration for affected owners is the long wait for official communication. According to Donslife, GM doesn’t plan to send out owner notification letters until June 9, 2025. That’s more than a year after some owners may have already started experiencing symptoms. As Don candidly notes, “If you haven’t heard anything, it’s not a mistake – it’s based on this timeline.” In the meantime, GM has told owners to keep an eye on warning codes like P0016 and to contact dealerships for inspection eligibility.
Confusion at the Dealership
Another hurdle is dealer readiness. As Don points out, dealerships may not be prepared to handle the volume of inspections or repairs until after official notifications go out. If you’re expecting an immediate resolution by calling your local GM service center, you might be in for disappointment. Don encourages patience but also stresses the importance of staying proactive: check your VIN using GM’s recall website, the NHTSA site, or the MyChevrolet or MyGMC app.
What If You Already Had Engine Trouble?
Stafford’s article notes that the recall specifically covers defective components outlined in GM’s internal bulletin. If your engine failed before this recall was announced, you’re not automatically entitled to reimbursement. Don makes it clear that the burden of proof falls on the owner. You’ll need service records, part numbers, and detailed documentation to prove your failure stemmed from the same defect. Even then, GM may place limits on reimbursement based on mileage or date of failure, none of which are finalized yet.
Does This Override Your Warranty?
Fortunately, as Don explains, recalls like this are governed by federal law under the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. That means GM must repair the issue at no cost to you – even if your 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty has expired. However, only the specific defective parts outlined in the recall are covered. If your VIN isn’t listed, even if your symptoms match, you might be left footing the bill unless you can prove otherwise.
What Should Owners Do Now?
Both sources agree: don’t ignore this. Don recommends checking your VIN, keeping detailed maintenance records, and reporting issues to the NHTSA to increase public pressure. “Be firm but be polite,” he advises when dealing with dealerships. And if you hit a wall? Escalate the issue to GM corporate. This is about more than just an oil change – it’s about preserving your investment in a vehicle that may be your family’s main mode of transportation.
The Bigger Picture
This recall highlights a larger concern: even in the age of high-tech engines and meticulous quality control, manufacturing defects still slip through the cracks. The fact that this issue stems from a single plant over a specific timeframe is both comforting and alarming. It shows GM was able to isolate the problem – but it also reminds us how one oversight can ripple across an entire product line. As Don puts it, “It’s crazy that this slipped by, but at least now they’re owning it.”
A Wake-up Call
GM’s massive 6.2L V8 recall is more than just a technical bulletin – it’s a wake-up call for owners, dealers, and automakers alike. Eric Stafford’s reporting in Car and Driver gives us the numbers, while Don’s firsthand breakdown adds a relatable human voice. Together, they paint a full picture of what’s happening and what’s next. If you own a 2021–2024 GM truck or SUV with a 6.2L L87 engine, now’s the time to act – before your engine does.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.