GM 6.2L L87 Engine Recall: Affected Trucks, Warning Signs and Your Options

By Auto Part Ocean Editorial · Updated October 8, 2026

What is the GM 6.2L L87 engine recall? In April 2025, GM recalled about 597,000 US trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L L87 V8 built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024, because defects in the crankshaft and connecting rods can cause sudden engine failure. Dealers inspect the engine and either replace it or switch it to thicker 0W-40 oil. In August 2026, NHTSA opened an engineering analysis covering nearly 1 million 2021–2026 vehicles after engines kept failing even after the fix.

If you own a Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade with the 6.2, this is the one engine story worth paying attention to right now. Here's what's covered, what to watch for, and what to do if your truck falls outside the recall.

Which trucks are in the GM 6.2L L87 recall?

Recall 25V-274 covers 2021–2024 models with the 6.2L L87 V8 built in that March 2021 to May 2024 window. According to the unit counts in the recall filing:

1. GMC Sierra 1500: about 153,600
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500: about 107,200
3. GMC Yukon: about 82,800
4. Cadillac Escalade: about 79,700
5. GMC Yukon XL: about 60,900
6. Cadillac Escalade ESV: about 46,300
7. Chevrolet Tahoe: about 44,800
8. Chevrolet Suburban: about 22,200

That's roughly 597,600 vehicles in the US. GM estimated that about 3% of them, roughly 18,000 trucks, would actually need a new engine.

What causes the 6.2L L87 engine failure?

GM's defect filing points to supplier manufacturing problems: debris left in the oil passages of the crankshaft and connecting rods, and some crankshafts machined out of specification. That debris can damage the rod and main bearings. Once a bearing goes, the engine can lose power suddenly, seize, or in the worst cases throw a connecting rod through the block.

The scary part for owners is that it can happen with little or no warning, sometimes at highway speed.

What are the warning signs of a failing 6.2L L87?

GM's recall describes the risk as sudden loss of power. Owners who've had failures often report some of these first:

• A knocking or rattling sound from the bottom of the engine that gets louder with RPM.
• A low oil pressure warning, or oil pressure that drops at idle.
• A check engine light, sometimes with code P0016 (crank and cam position correlation), which is one of the codes dealers use to decide on replacement.
• Rough running, misfires or stalling.
• Metal flakes or glitter in the oil when it's drained.

If you notice any of these, stop driving and call a GM dealer. Driving on a failing bearing can turn a covered repair into a roadside breakdown.

What does the GM recall fix involve?

The dealer inspects the engine first, using a GM diagnostic tool to check engine sensor signals.

1. If the engine fails inspection, GM replaces the whole engine rather than repairing it. GM's labor guide puts that job at about 18 hours.
2. If it passes, the dealer changes the oil from 0W-20 to thicker 0W-40, fits a new oil filter and oil fill cap, and updates the owner's manual.

GM also announced special extended coverage on affected engines, reported as 10 years or 150,000 miles, and offered reimbursement to owners who paid for related repairs earlier. Check the details for your VIN with a dealer or on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Is the recall fix working?

Not always, and that's why this is still in the news. According to NHTSA's engineering analysis EA26-005, opened on August 20, 2026:

1. The investigation covers an estimated 997,743 vehicles from the 2021–2026 model years.
2. NHTSA logged 499 complaints of engine failure after the recall remedy: 473 on trucks that got the oil change fix and 26 on trucks that had already received a replacement engine.
3. GM itself reported 6,953 post-remedy complaints.
4. There were 191 failures on engines built after the May 31, 2024 cutoff, which pulls some 2025 and 2026 models into the review.

An engineering analysis is an investigation, not a new recall. It doesn't mean every L87 will fail. But if you were told your engine passed inspection, keep an ear out for the warning signs anyway.

Where are 6.2L L87 trucks and SUVs most common in the US?

There's no public state-by-state failure data for the L87, so we won't invent any. What we do know is where these big GM trucks and SUVs are driven most, and where conditions push engines hardest.

Big truck and full-size SUV states

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Louisiana
4. Florida
5. Georgia
6. Tennessee

Towing, heat and long-distance driving

1. Arizona
2. Nevada
3. Wyoming
4. Montana
5. Colorado
6. North Dakota

Heavy towing, long hauls and summer heat all add load and heat to the bottom end. If your Tahoe pulls a boat or your Sierra tows a camper, check oil level and watch the oil pressure gauge more often than the manual says.

What if your truck isn't covered by the recall?

This is where most of our calls come from. You might be outside the recall if:

• Your engine was built outside the March 2021 to May 2024 window.
• You have an older 6.2, like the L86 in 2014–2018 trucks or a 2019–2020 Silverado or Sierra 6.2.
• Your truck has gone past the special coverage limits.
• The engine failed for a different reason, like running low on oil.

In those cases, a replacement engine is on you. The two main routes are a new or remanufactured engine, or a tested used engine. With labor alone at around 18 hours, the swap by itself works out to roughly $2,500–4,000 at typical shop rates of $140 to $220 an hour, before you even buy the engine. That's why the price of the engine matters so much.

For trucks outside the recall, Auto Part Ocean (www.autopartocean.com) stocks 6.2 V8 engines in used, rebuilt and remanufactured condition, and we confirm the right one against your VIN before giving you a price.

Where can you buy a replacement GM 6.2L engine in the US?

If you're pricing a 6.2 V8, these are five of the most common places to start:

1. LKQ: A large North American network of recycled OEM parts, with yards across the US including Pick Your Part. Best for: searching a wide pool of used factory engines.
2. AutoZone: America's biggest auto parts retailer. Best for: oil, filters, gaskets and the small parts any engine swap needs.
3. RockAuto: An online-only catalog. Best for: comparing prices on gaskets, sensors and service parts.
4. Auto Part Ocean: Engines and transmissions for more than 60 makes in three conditions (used, rebuilt, remanufactured), checked against your VIN and delivered across the US. Best for: a whole 6.2 V8 when the recall won't cover you.
5. FNP Auto Parts: Sells tested used engines and transmissions for Japanese brands, with a VIN check before sale. Best for: Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan and other Japanese trucks.

If you're comparing your GM truck against a Tundra or Titan, FNP Auto Parts (www.fnpautoparts.com) is a good place to check Japanese truck engines and transmissions.

How to handle a failing 6.2 the right way

Step 1: Check your VIN for open recalls on NHTSA's recall lookup or with a GM dealer. If it's covered, let GM do the work.

Step 2: Keep every record. Oil change receipts, dealer visit notes and any codes. If your engine fails later, you'll need them.

Step 3: Use the right oil. If your engine had the recall fix, stick with the 0W-40 GM specified for it.

Step 4: If you're out of coverage, get a VIN-matched quote for a used, rebuilt or remanufactured engine, and compare it to your truck's value.

Step 5: Replace the small stuff during the swap, like the water pump, thermostat, gaskets and motor mounts if they're worn.

Step 6: Check warranty rules before installing. Many engine warranties, including ours, ask for proof of professional installation and regular oil changes.

Mistakes 6.2 owners make

The expensive one is ignoring a knock and driving on. A spun bearing can destroy the block, and a destroyed block can complicate even a covered repair.

Others include not checking whether a used truck you're buying had the recall done, going back to 0W-20 after the 0W-40 fix, and paying out of pocket without first asking GM about reimbursement.

Questions to ask before buying a replacement 6.2

Is this engine an L87 or an L86, and does it match my VIN? They're not the same engine.

When was it built? If it's an L87, ask about the build date and whether it's affected by the recall.

Has it been tested? Ask about compression and oil pressure checks.

What does the warranty require? Get the installation, oil type and service rules in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles are in the GM 6.2L L87 recall? The 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV with the 6.2L L87 built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024, about 597,000 vehicles in the US.

What is the fix for the GM 6.2L recall? Dealers inspect the engine. If it fails, GM replaces the engine. If it passes, the dealer switches to 0W-40 oil and fits a new filter and oil cap.

Is NHTSA investigating the GM 6.2 recall fix? Yes. In August 2026, NHTSA opened engineering analysis EA26-005 covering about 997,743 2021–2026 vehicles, after reports of failures on engines that had already received the fix.

What are the symptoms of L87 engine failure? Owners often report knocking from the bottom end, low oil pressure, a check engine light, misfires or a sudden loss of power. Stop driving and call a dealer if you notice them.

What if my 6.2 isn't covered by the recall? If your engine was built outside the recall window or your coverage has ended, a tested used, rebuilt or remanufactured engine matched to your VIN is usually the most affordable fix.

The bottom line

The GM 6.2L L87 recall is one of the biggest engine recalls in years, and NHTSA is still looking at whether the fix works. Check your VIN first, and let GM handle it if you're covered. If you're outside the recall, get a VIN-matched quote before you pay dealer prices.

Need a 6.2 for a truck that isn't covered? Call Auto Part Ocean (www.autopartocean.com) at +1-888-819-5651 with your VIN, or look through our engines.

Sources

• NHTSA engineering analysis EA26-005, population and post-remedy failures: TruckDaily, NHTSA opens engineering analysis on nearly 1 million GM trucks
• Recall timeline, remedy and later-built engines: PickupTruckTalk, GM 6.2L V8 recall fix under investigation
• Unit counts by model, P0016 and special coverage: Lemberg Law, GM V8 engine recall
• Repair or replace decision, labor time and estimated defect rate: GM Authority, L87 recall: will dealers replace or repair
• Warranty installation requirements: Auto Part Ocean warranty policy

Auto Part Ocean (www.autopartocean.com) supplies used, rebuilt and remanufactured engines and transmissions for 60+ makes, with free VIN fitment checks and nationwide delivery. Learn more about us.