Automotive
NHTSA opens engineering analysis into GM 6.2-liter V-8 engines after reports of recurring failures
Federal regulators expand scrutiny to include additional vehicles after thousands of complaints follow a previous recall remedy.
The short version
- The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation initiated an engineering analysis into General Motors's 6.2-liter L87 V-8 engines.
- Regulators and GM received thousands of complaints indicating engines failed even after receiving previous recall repairs or complete replacements.
- The safety agency expanded its investigation to examine vehicles manufactured outside the initial recall's production range.
Key facts
- The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation launched an engineering analysis investigating GM's 6.2-liter L87 V-8 engines following a prior recall of 597,630 trucks and SUVs.[Car and Driver]
- The original recall remedy included engine inspections, oil filter replacements, new oil fill caps, higher-viscosity oil, or full engine replacements.[Car and Driver]
- The safety agency received 499 complaints of engine failures after remedies were applied, while GM recorded 6,953 post-remedy failure complaints.[Car and Driver]
- The investigation's scope widened after regulators identified 191 engine failures in vehicles manufactured outside the initial recall window.[Car and Driver]
What remains uncertain
- The root cause of the recurring failures across repaired and newly produced engines remains undetermined pending NHTSA's engineering analysis.[Car and Driver]