General Motors Has A 6.2-Liter Headache

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports of defects with GM's 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, while dealerships and independent repair shops struggle to source replacement engines, leaving some owners with vehicles they can’t repair.

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation launched a probe earlier this year into 877,710 vehicles equipped with GM's 6.2-liter L87 engine following complaints of catastrophic failures. The investigation includes the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, and GMC Yukon, spanning the 2019-2024 model years.

While the root cause remains under examination, suspected issues include defective rod bearings or connecting rod bearing caps that may not meet durability standards. Some have also pointed to long-standing problems with lifters, raising concerns that similar failures could extend to GM’s 5.3-liter V8.

The L87, intended as a high-performance alternative to GM’s 5.3-liter V8, is under scrutiny due to catastrophic engine failures. Reports suggest that rod bearings are failing prematurely, leading to connecting rods breaching the engine block. While some speculate that cost-cutting in bearing materials may be the culprit, others argue that persistent lifter issues in GM’s pushrod V8 lineup could also be a contributing factor.

Regardless of the cause, the investigation isn’t helping customers who have experienced engine failures and need immediate repairs. Reports indicate a severe parts bottleneck, with GM unable to provide enough replacement engines from the Tonawanda Engine Plant in Buffalo, NY, to meet demand.

According to The Drive, some dealerships are reportedly prioritizing in-warranty claims and fleet customers, leaving individual owners waiting weeks—or even months—for an engine replacement. Even after securing a quote for a replacement engine, owners are being told there are no engines currently in stock—or so the story goes.

Meanwhile, independent repair shops are struggling to obtain engines at all, with some resorting to rebuilding the damaged L87 units—a temporary solution that still relies on limited parts availability. In response to the growing crisis, GM issued a directive to its dealerships limiting orders to cases with a verified Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

A leaked dealer memo states:

“Dealers should place engine orders CSO (Customer Special Order) and upgrade to [Special Parts Acquisition Code] with a [Vehicle Identification Number]. All orders will be reviewed prior to being filled. All CSO’s will be cancelled daily. Only SPAC orders with a valid VIN associated with the vehicle engine listing will be released. Due to limited parts availability, parts may have quantity limiters in effect.”

This policy effectively prevents dealerships from ordering engines for shelf stock, prioritizing immediate customer needs instead.

For now, GM owners facing L87 engine failure have limited options. Engines are available on the secondary market, but prices are climbing, with used L87 units selling for at least $7,000. Maybe people will finally start buying the 2.7 Turbo.

The ongoing NHTSA investigation could lead to a recall, further complicating the parts situation. If a recall is issued, GM may be required to source even more engines—from somewhere—exacerbating an already strained supply chain.

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