Automotive
NHTSA probes continued GM 6.2-liter V8 engine failures after recall repairs
Federal regulators have expanded an investigation to nearly 1 million vehicles after hundreds of post-recall engine failures were reported.
The short version
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an Engineering Analysis into nearly 1 million General Motors trucks and SUVs following ongoing 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine failures.
- The probe affects owners of Chevy Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe models, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon models, and Cadillac Escalades.
- Engine failures persist despite a prior recall of nearly 600,000 units that involved engine inspections, replacements, and switching to higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil.
- NHTSA's Engineering Analysis represents the final preliminary step before the agency can request or order a secondary safety recall.
Key facts
- NHTSA opened an Engineering Analysis covering 997,743 GM vehicles through model year 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of a previous 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine recall.[Jalopnik]
- The initial recall involved nearly 600,000 engines following reports of crankshaft, connecting rod, or engine bearing failures.[Jalopnik]
- The original recall remedy required engine replacements or inspections, alongside a switch from 0W-20 to 0W-40 oil to protect against manufacturing defects.[Jalopnik]
- NHTSA has received 499 reports of post-recall engine failures, which include 473 engines switched to thicker oil and 26 replacement engines.[Jalopnik]
- General Motors separately logged 6,953 reports of engine failures following recall repairs.[Jalopnik]
- Regulators noted 191 reported failures in engines manufactured after the initial recall cutoff date of May 31, 2024.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- Whether NHTSA will order a new recall or mandate a different technical remedy for the affected GM engines remains undetermined.[Jalopnik]