General Motors (GM) is recalling 721,000 vehicles globally, including approximately 598,000 in the United States, due to a potentially serious engine defect involving the 6.2-liter V8 L87 gasoline engine. The issue could lead to complete engine failure, prompting both a voluntary recall and a stop-sale order for affected vehicles.
The defect has raised concerns after multiple consumer complaints and a federal investigation, with some vehicles already linked to dozen suspected crashes and injuries.
🧩 What’s the Problem?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from manufacturing defects in the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, vital components inside the engine. These damaged parts can cause premature wear, strange noises, reduced performance, and in some cases, a total loss of propulsion while driving—a critical safety hazard.
Some drivers may notice symptoms such as:
- Knocking or banging sounds
- Hesitation while accelerating
- Check engine light activation
- Abnormal transmission shifting
- Engine stalling or failure
These conditions increase the risk of a crash, particularly if the engine loses power while the vehicle is in motion.
🚘 Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall impacts several of GM’s most popular 2021–2024 full-size trucks and SUVs, including:
- Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
Only vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine are included in the recall. According to GM’s production records, the affected vehicles were manufactured between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.
🛠️ What Is GM Doing About It?
GM dealerships will conduct engine inspections free of charge. If the engine passes, dealers will:
- Replace the oil filter
- Install a new oil fill cap
- Refill the engine with higher-viscosity 0W-40 synthetic oil
- Provide an updated owner’s manual insert
If the engine does not pass inspection, it will be repaired or completely replaced, again at no cost to the owner.
GM confirmed to Car and Driver that manufacturing improvements implemented around June 1, 2024, corrected the defect in current and future production.
📬 What Should Owners Do?
Vehicle owners should not wait for symptoms to appear. GM will begin sending out official recall notifications by mail on June 9, 2025.
In the meantime, you can:
- Contact Cadillac at 1-800-333-4223
- Contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020
- Contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782
- Reference Recall Number N252494000
To check whether your vehicle is affected, use the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
🧾 Background: NHTSA Investigation & Customer Complaints
The recall follows a formal investigation launched by NHTSA in early 2025. The agency received 39 complaints regarding power loss and engine breakdowns. Some drivers reported that their vehicles shut down unexpectedly during highway driving, a situation that could have deadly consequences.
So far, 12 crashes and 12 injuries have been linked to the defect, although GM says most of the injuries were minor and not crash-related.
🧮 Scope of the Recall
Out of the 721,000 vehicles impacted globally:
- 174,208 are Chevrolet vehicles
- 297,395 are GMC vehicles
- 126,027 are Cadillac vehicles
This makes it one of the largest safety recalls issued by GM in recent years. The recall and stop-sale order apply not only to vehicles already sold but also to unsold inventory at dealerships.
🔁 How Does This Compare to Other Recent Recalls?
This is not the only major recall hitting the automotive market recently. For example:
- Porsche recently recalled 18,000 vehicles due to airbag and rearview camera issues.
- Audi also recalled over 44,000 vehicles due to a software glitch affecting speedometer display.
GM’s move to recall such a large volume of vehicles proactively is being seen as a positive safety initiative, even as it grapples with reputational and financial impact.
📣 Final Takeaway
If you drive a GM vehicle from the 2021–2024 model years equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine, now is the time to act. A quick VIN lookup can tell you whether your vehicle is included in the recall. GM will cover all costs for inspection, repairs, or engine replacement.
Don’t ignore potential warning signs, and don’t delay a service visit if your vehicle is listed.
For full recall details, visit the official NHTSA database or consult GM’s press release via Fox Business.
