Internal documents reveal that almost 30,000 GM V8 engines had already malfunctioned before a recall was issued.

      Cadillac

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      For several months, it has been clear that General Motors' service network has struggled to meet the demand for replacement V8 engines, amidst reports of engine failures related to some critical components. However, recent documentation required by the federal authorities following last week’s major truck and SUV recall reveals that GM is facing a more significant issue than previously understood.

      As part of their reporting to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), automakers must provide detailed accounts of any related internal investigations. In this scenario, the detailed timeline is truly revealing. The NHTSA initiated its investigation due to nearly 350 customer complaints about engine failures—a substantial number that warranted the scrutiny of investigators. However, an even more concerning figure comes from GM itself: the company recorded close to 30,000 complaints of L87 V8 engine failures due to this issue between April 29, 2021, and February 3, 2025.

      “The investigation by GM found 28,102 field complaints or incidents in the United States potentially linked to L87 engine failures stemming from crankshaft, connecting rod, or engine bearing issues, of which 14,332 reported loss of propulsion,” GM’s report stated.

      “Drivers might notice symptoms before failure, such as: (a) knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises; (b) the check engine light turning on; and/or (c) issues with engine performance, including hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifts, diminished propulsion, or failure to start,” the report continued.

      However, having raw numbers alone does not guarantee that a defective component will trigger a recall. For regulators to act, there must be strong evidence that the defect presents a safety risk, whether to the driver, passengers, or the general public. A body count isn't necessary; merely the potential for danger is sufficient for NHTSA's extensive bureaucracy to initiate action. In this instance, the inquiry uncovered 12 possible accidents and a corresponding number of injuries linked to GM trucks losing power due to unexpected engine seizures.

      To make matters worse, 42 of the failures were accompanied by fires. While GM states that it cannot definitively establish that any of these were directly caused by engine failures, the company included them in its report because the possibility could not be dismissed.

      The recall campaign includes the 2021–2024 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, as well as GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles that feature the 6.2L V8 gas engine. Owners can expect to receive notifications from dealers in the coming months, with instructions on how to obtain reimbursement from GM if they had to incur out-of-pocket expenses to fix issues directly linked to the defect. Considering that a replacement L87 outside of warranty is reported to cost around $10,000, it’s likely that many customers will be seeking financial compensation from GM.

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