GM L87 Engine Lawsuit: Issues, Claims & Updates
The GM L87 is a 6.2-liter V8 engine used in several General Motors vehicles. It is part of the
The GM L87 is a 6.2-liter V8 engine used in several General Motors vehicles. It is part of the company’s EcoTec3 engine family.
This engine is known for its power and is commonly found in full-size trucks and SUVs. Some models that use the L87 engine include the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. The engine includes features like Dynamic Fuel Management, which helps save fuel.
What Went Wrong with the L87 Engine?
Several drivers reported that the L87 engine failed without warning. The most serious issue involves the connecting rod bearings.
These bearings support moving parts inside the engine. If the bearings get damaged or wear out too quickly, the engine can fail completely. In many cases, this has led to engine seizure while driving, which is dangerous.
Many users also noticed metal shavings in the engine oil. This is a sign that internal parts are wearing down too fast. In some cases, drivers heard knocking sounds or saw the check engine light. Others had no warning signs before the engine shut down.
Why Are People Suing GM?
Owners of affected vehicles believe General Motors sold these vehicles even though it knew the engines had a defect. Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed. The lawsuits say GM failed to tell customers about the problem. They also claim that the company’s fix for the issue is not enough.
Some owners had their engines replaced under warranty. But even the replacement engines failed in the same way. Others were told to change their oil type and continue using the vehicle. This led to frustration and more lawsuits.
What Vehicles Are Affected?
The problem mostly affects GM vehicles made between 2019 and 2024 with the L87 engine. These include:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
GMC Sierra 1500
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Cadillac Escalade
The lawsuits claim that over 800,000 vehicles may have defective engines. Many of these vehicles are still on the road.
What Has GM Done About It?
In April 2025, General Motors announced a recall for some vehicles with the L87 engine. Under the recall, dealerships will inspect the engine. If a fault code is found, they may replace the engine. If no code is found, they will change the oil to a thicker type (0W-40) and update the oil cap.
GM says the problem is linked to engines made during a specific period. The company believes it was caused by a mistake in the manufacturing process. GM also says that new engines made after May 2024 have been fixed and are safe.
What Do the Lawsuits Say?
Several law firms across the United States have filed lawsuits against GM. Each lawsuit tells the story of a different customer. Many say they had engine failure within the first 20,000 miles. Others say they had no warning and had to tow their vehicles.
Some lawsuits argue that changing the oil type does not fix the real problem. They say GM should recall all affected engines and replace them. Others say that even replacement engines are not safe if they were made during the faulty production window.
One case from Missouri says the customer’s engine failed twice in one year. Another case from Illinois says the vehicle broke down after only a few thousand miles.
What Is the Main Defect?
The key issue in the GM L87 engine is the connecting rod bearings. These parts help the crankshaft rotate smoothly. If the bearing wears out, the rod can break or become loose. This leads to engine failure. Experts believe poor manufacturing caused the bearings to be installed with the wrong clearances. This means the gap between moving parts was too tight or too loose.
Another concern is oil contamination. Metal shavings from the engine can mix with oil and cause more damage. Some customers found these metal pieces during oil changes.
How to Know If Your Vehicle Is Affected
You can check if your vehicle is part of the recall by visiting GM’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall page. You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is usually found on the driver’s side dashboard or on your insurance papers.
If your vehicle is included, GM will inspect it for free. If they find problems, they may replace the engine. If not, they will change the oil and install a new oil cap.
What You Can Do as a Vehicle Owner
If you own a GM vehicle with the L87 engine and had engine problems, you should do the following:
- Save all service records, receipts, and repair documents.
- Check if your VIN is included in the recall.
- Contact your dealership to request an inspection.
- If your vehicle already failed, talk to a lawyer about joining a class action lawsuit.
- Report the issue to NHTSA. This helps create a public record of complaints.
Some law firms are helping customers get refunds or new vehicles. You do not need to pay upfront fees to join most class action lawsuits.
How This Affects Resale Value
Many owners say that their vehicle’s value dropped because of the engine issue. Some buyers are afraid to purchase used vehicles with the L87 engine. Others are asking dealers for extra warranty coverage. These changes have affected how people buy and sell trucks and SUVs with this engine.
What Legal Experts Are Saying
Legal experts say GM may face big financial penalties. If courts find that GM knew about the defect and hid it, the company may be forced to pay damages. Some lawyers say this could become one of the biggest auto lawsuits in years. Others say the lawsuits are still early, and it may take time before any money is paid.
The lawsuits also bring attention to how recalls are handled. Some experts argue that simple fixes like oil changes do not solve deep engine problems. They want stronger rules for car companies.
What Drivers Are Saying
Drivers who experienced engine failure say they feel unsafe. They say they lost trust in the brand. Some were left stranded on highways. Others had to wait weeks for parts and repairs. Many say they would not buy another GM vehicle.
Owners of vehicles not yet affected are also worried. They fear their engines might fail at any time. Some are trying to sell their vehicles before problems begin.
