General Motors Is Being Sued For Selling Faulty V8 Engines
General Motors is now facing legal action following the recall of nearly 900,000 vehicles equipped with its failing 6.2-liter V8 engine.
Key Points
- A class action lawsuit alleges GM knowingly sold vehicles with defective 6.2-liter V8 engines linked to rod-bearing damage and crankshaft machining issues.
- The defect affects 2021–2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC trucks and SUVs, including the Escalade, Silverado, Tahoe, and Yukon.
- Plaintiffs claim GM was aware of the issue by early 2023 but failed to warn customers, despite issuing internal guidance to dealers.
A class action lawsuit filed in Michigan alleges GM was aware of the defect internally and that it knowingly sold trucks and SUVs to customers with engines prone to failure.
At the center of the issue are two separate mechanical faults—debris accumulation in the oil passages of the crankshaft and connecting rods, likely due to poor quality control during the machining process, and crankshaft specifications that fall outside acceptable tolerances. Either defect can result in complete engine failure.
The lawsuit cites internal GM documents that allegedly demonstrate the automaker’s awareness of the issue as far back as March 2023. A bulletin published to GM’s Techlink platform—a communication channel for dealer service personnel—described a “no crank” condition in certain models and warned that sounds such as knocking or thumping could point to crankshaft bearing problems.
The 6.2L V8, designated L87, is used in a wide range of full-size GM vehicles, including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, and the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL. Affected model years span from 2021 through 2024.
While GM has issued a recall, the legal complaint argues the automaker didn't act until it was too late for many owners who were forced to experience costly breakdowns and subsequent repairs. The suit seeks damages and a jury trial.
With growing scrutiny on its quality control processes, GM must also face flagging consumer trust in its most profitable lineup—high-margin trucks and full-size SUVs remain a core foundation of the company’s bottom line—paying for the development of everything from Corvettes to electric vehicles. These products are so integral to the company's success it just announced nearly $900 million in investments to develop the next generation of small-block V8s.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Same thing happend back in I believe 2005-2008..faulty #2 coils in cars and trucks. Sold them anyway, never recalled one, but did extend the warranty after 100 k miles.
It's not just these. GM Lost a class action suit for the 5.3l 2014 onward, yet the losers are appealing it. I have a2018 silverado with 5.3l, 80k, sitting on the side of the house with collapsed lifters. GM needs to replace all the engines. They're garbage.