People Are Suing GM Over Its Defective 6.2-Liter L87 V8 Engine
Key Points
- 11 lawsuits over GM’s 6.2L L87 V8 have been consolidated into a single class action, centered on engine failures tied to crankshaft and connecting-rod defects.
- More than 700,000 GM trucks and SUVs were recalled, but plaintiffs argue the recall fix—engine inspection, oil-spec change, or replacement—does not address the underlying manufacturing flaw.
- Four major law firms will lead the case as it proceeds in federal court in Michigan, following an NHTSA investigation that has already documented 28,000+ complaints, 12 crashes, and 12 injuries related to L87 engine failure.
A legal battle over General Motors' defective 6.2-liter L87 V8 is officially marching on.
Earlier this week, a federal judge consolidated almost a dozen lawsuits from across the country into a single class action and appointed lead counsel—clearing the way for litigation to begin in Michigan.
The consolidated lawsuit—Powell v. General Motors—brings together 11 separate cases filed between February and November, each alleging that GM's L87 engine suffers from a manufacturing defect involving the crankshaft and connecting rods. The issue can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
GM issued a recall earlier this year affecting more than 700,000 full-size trucks and SUVs built between 2021 and 2024— a further 286,000 trucks built between 2019 and 2021 are now being investigated as well.
There are 28,102 field reports tied to the problem; roughly half of those field reports are linked to catastrophic failures, causing a loss of propulsion—the engines went boom, and the trucks stopped going. 42 of the failures were accompanied by fires, along with 12 crashes and 12 injuries tied to engine failure.
The failures are reportedly caused by issues with the crankshaft, connecting rods, and engine bearings—specifically rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and in crankshaft oil galleries, along with out-of-spec crankshaft dimensions and surface finish. The connecting rods came from a supplier in Michigan, while the crankshafts were shipped north from Mexico.
GM’s recall fix involves inspecting the engine and replacing it entirely if necessary. Vehicles that pass inspection are being given a new oil specification—0W-20 was originally recommended, but the recall ups the viscosity to 0W-40. Specifically, it requires dexosR oil, like Mobil 1 Supercar—the same spec as the C8 Corvette Z06.
Plaintiffs argue that these steps are “insufficient,” claiming the internal defect remains uncorrected; all the thicker spec oil really does is mitigate the tolerance issues in the bottom end of the rotating assembly—it can't magically remachine the parts to the correct dimensions. Their lawsuits seek compensation for repairs, diminished vehicle value, and safety concerns.
The class action will move forward in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Southern Division)—a home game for GM’s legal team. With the lawsuits formally merged, the court will begin sorting through evidence, expert testimony, and consumer claims.
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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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