GM Confronts Wave of Lawsuits Regarding V8 Engines That May Fail Suddenlly | Carscoops

      Complaints range from accidents and fires to tens of thousands of damaged vehicles.

      17 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      A lawsuit alleges that GM trucks equipped with L87 V8 engines are susceptible to severe engine failures. The plaintiffs contend that GM’s recall solution is inadequate, even when engines are replaced. This case adds to several V8-related lawsuits, including a recent $150 million settlement regarding the LC9.

      General Motors is encountering an increasing number of lawsuits related to its V8 engines, as more owners report significant mechanical issues and unsatisfactory resolutions.

      A new class action lawsuit against General Motors claims that the company was aware of the defects in its L87 V8 engines from the beginning. Plaintiffs assert that the rod bearings are likely to fail, leading to engine seizures or pistons exiting the block. They are seeking to achieve outcomes similar to recent successful lawsuits against GM.

      Additionally, a separate lawsuit suggests that GM’s proposed solution will not prevent the V8 from failing.

      The L87 is a 6.2-liter small block V8 engine used in various large trucks and SUVs, including the GMC Sierra, Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, and Cadillac Escalade. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, relies partly on a GM recall affecting 597,630 vehicles, claiming that the remedy provided is inadequate.

      The proposed remedy includes engine replacement if necessary, based on inspection failure. Vehicles that pass inspection receive a thicker oil, a new oil filter, and a new oil cap. Owners are justifiably concerned that their V8 might pass inspection yet still fail over time and mileage. The lawsuit argues that replacing the engine is not a satisfactory fix either, as the replacement will also be an L87.

      Alongside concerns regarding the mechanical remedy, the plaintiffs are pursuing compensation for decreased vehicle value and loss of use.

      Notably, this is just one of at least two ongoing lawsuits against GM regarding the L87. Another case, first reported by CarComplaints, contains similar complaints but also raises issues with crankshaft dimensions and surface finish, and it has been filed in the Eastern District of Michigan.

      Moreover, these are not the only recent V8 lawsuits facing General Motors. Earlier this month, GM settled a lawsuit concerning the LC9 V8, which was alleged to have defective piston rings and assemblies. This settlement was significant due to the $150 million awarded to plaintiffs; however, attorneys received $57 million, while the three most affected plaintiffs received only $30,000.