General Motors is grappling with a safety crisis affecting nearly 600,000 U.S. vehicles after a dealer stop sale order and persistent federal scrutiny over engine failures. Owners of luxury trucks and SUVs report breakdowns even after following repair instructions, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the previous recall. One owner told automotive forums that “the engine quit after just a few miles,” highlighting the potential danger. Here’s what’s happening as the situation unfolds.
Stop Sale Highlights Risky Vehicles
In April 2025, GM issued a stop sale halting deliveries of 597,630 U.S. vehicles with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, part of a global total exceeding 721,000, according to NHTSA records. Affected models include 2021–2024 Escalade, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, and Yukon, many priced between $90,000 and $120,000. These trucks, designed for towing and long trips, now carry uncertainty despite their high cost. Owners who invested heavily in reliability are left questioning whether their vehicles are truly safe. Reports indicate dealer inventories remain limited, leaving some buyers in limbo.
Flaws Traced to Canadian Factory
GM previously investigated L87 engine issues three times—February 2022, June 2023, and July 2024—before the April 2025 recall, per the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report. Engines produced from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024, were affected by sediment contamination in connecting rods and crankshaft oil galleries at GM’s St. Catharines Propulsion Plant in Ontario. Crankshaft surfaces also fell below specifications. GM claimed the problem was fixed by June 1, 2024, yet reports of failures continue, leaving experts and owners questioning whether the factory corrections fully resolved the underlying defects.
Complaints Spotlight Safety Dangers
Prior to the recall, GM received 28,102 U.S. field reports linked to L87 issues, including 14,332 propulsion-loss incidents while driving, according to NHTSA documentation. The tally included 12 crashes, 12 injuries, and 42 fires. One widely reported case involved an engine quitting after just 4 miles, with mechanics finding connecting rods puncturing the block and spilling oil. Drivers described being stranded on highways amid rain, guardrails, and heavy trucks, demonstrating how sudden power loss can escalate risks. These accounts continue to raise questions about the recall’s sufficiency.
Remedy Under Federal Scrutiny
GM’s fix involved inspecting engines: units that passed received 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil, a new cap and filter, and updated manuals, while defective engines were replaced. The higher-viscosity oil aimed to reduce wear but did not repair rods or crankshafts. By January 2026, NHTSA reported 36 new complaints of post-remedy failures, including in replacement engines. This prompted a federal investigation into the adequacy of GM’s actions. Meanwhile, limited replacement supply has created 60–90 day dealer waits, forcing some businesses to trade vehicles to resume operations.
Market Impact and Owner Losses
Trade-in values dropped sharply, with owners reporting $10,000–$25,000 shortfalls compared with non-recalled peers, even after repairs. Escalades faced steep depreciation penalties, trapping financed buyers in negative equity. The recall excluded 2019, 2020, and 2025 models, though similar failures were reported. Collision shops now check recall status upfront, delaying bodywork amid engine shortages. Class-action lawsuits led by Hagens Berman and DiCello Levitt cite financial losses, extra maintenance, and downtime, amplifying pressure on GM to resolve both safety and economic concerns.
GM Responds as Questions Remain
GM emphasized customer safety as a top priority and cooperation with NHTSA, extending special coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles under Technical Service Bulletin N252494003. No buybacks have been issued. Failures traced to one plant over 39 months continue to draw scrutiny of quality controls. As NHTSA evaluates the remedy, outcomes could include expanded recalls or repeat stop sales, leaving owners and dealers awaiting clarity on vehicle safety. The saga highlights how design flaws, remedial efforts, and market fallout intersect in the modern automotive industry.
Sources
Safety Recall N252494001 L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, April 24, 2025
NHTSA Investigating Post-Recall GM 6.2L L87 Engine Failures. GM Authority, January 16, 2026
Federal Government Opens New Investigation Into GM’s 6.2-Liter V-8. Road & Track, January 16, 2026