(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Federal safety regulators are investigating reports that General Motors vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine are experiencing engine failures even after recall repairs were completed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a new recall query to examine the effectiveness of a General Motors recall issued last year covering nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs.
According to NHTSA documents, the action follows 36 consumer complaints alleging catastrophic engine failures after dealer inspections or repairs meant to address the defect.
The original recall applied to certain 2021 through 2024 model-year vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. Regulators said the recall addressed manufacturing defects involving connecting rods and crankshafts that could lead to sudden engine seizure.
Under the recall remedy, dealers were instructed to inspect engines. Vehicles either received a full engine replacement or were switched to thicker 0W-40 synthetic oil, along with a revised oil cap indicating the new requirement. NHTSA said complaints allege engine failures occurred after both types of repairs.
Some drivers reported sudden loss of power at highway speeds, raising concerns about the risk of engine failure while driving.
NHTSA is also conducting a separate engineering analysis into additional L87 engine failures outside the original recall population. The investigation comes as General Motors faces a class-action lawsuit alleging the recall remedy has caused confusion and may not prevent engine failures.
Federal regulators said the new inquiry will determine whether GM's recall repair adequately addresses the defect and whether further action is necessary.