General Motors (GM) is recalling nearly 600,000 full-size trucks and SUVs across the United States due to a manufacturing defect in the components of its L87 V8 engines.
This issue affects critical parts such as the connecting rod and crankshaft, and may cause the engine to fail suddenly, posing a heightened risk of accidents while driving.
According to CBS News, which reported the recall based on official government documentation, the problem was detailed in documents posted Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stating that the defect “can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”
Defect Affects Core Engine Components
The issue stems from manufacturing problems in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft of the L87 V8 engines, which are critical to engine performance. When these parts malfunction, they can cause the engine to stop working abruptly.
According to the NHTSA, the recall “comes amid an investigation by U.S. auto safety regulators following reports of engine failure” involving some of GM’s most popular models.
The affected engines were assembled at Tonawanda (New York), Spring Hill (Tennessee), and St. Catharines (Ontario). GM confirmed that it will offer free inspections and, if needed, repairs or full replacements at its authorized service centers.
Models Covered Under the Recall
The recall covers a wide range of GM vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine from the 2021 to 2024 model years. Affected models include :
- Cadillac : Escalade, Escalade ESV
- Chevrolet : Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
- GMC : Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL
These trucks and SUVs represent key segments of GM’s lineup, especially the high-volume Silverado and Yukon, which are best-sellers in their categories. The broad range of models impacted highlights the scale of the issue.
Ongoing Investigation and Reported Complaints
The recall follows a formal investigation launched by the NHTSA in January 2025. The agency began reviewing an estimated 877,710 vehicles after receiving 39 complaints from owners of GM vehicles equipped with L87 V8 engines.
These complaints consistently described abrupt engine failure events, prompting regulators to scrutinize the issue.
Though the exact number of defective engines is unclear, GM acknowledged that the suspect components were produced during a specific period at the three identified facilities.
Customer Guidance and Notification Schedule
Owners will begin receiving notification letters from GM starting June 9, 2025. Until then, concerned owners can contact the following numbers:
- Cadillac: 1-800-333-4223
- Chevrolet: 1-800-222-1020
- GMC: 1-800-462-8782
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 or nhtsa.gov
The GM recall reference number is N252494000, and the NHTSA recall ID is 25V-274. Owners can use these identifiers to check their vehicle status or schedule an inspection.
