GM L87 engine lawsuit centers on a series of nationwide class actions brought against General Motors in 2025. The litigation addresses a critical safety defect found in the 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine that powers many Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac SUVs and trucks manufactured between 2019 and 2024. Plaintiffs allege a latent bearing defect in the crankshaft and connecting rod assembly causes sudden engine seizures or catastrophic failures, often without warning and at low mileage, posing serious safety hazards and costly repair burdens. The case has escalated into multi-district litigation alongside a major recall campaign and regulatory scrutiny.
Background and Origins of GM L87 Engine Lawsuit
The lawsuit emerged after growing consumer reports and complaints about unexpected engine damage tied to the L87 engine. In early 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation, which led GM to announce a recall impacting around 877,000 vehicles. The recall, initiated in April 2025, requires owners either to replace defective engines or switch to higher-viscosity motor oil to mitigate failures. Despite this, plaintiffs argue that the recall remedies fail to address the underlying engineering flaw and that many replacement engines still suffer the same defect. Legal claims intensified as vehicle owners reported additional sudden stalls and expensive repairs, alleging General Motors concealed the defect for years.
Details of Defect and Affected Vehicles in GM L87 Engine Lawsuit
The key defect involves the bearings supporting the crankshaft and connecting rods, which plaintiffs claim are prone to premature wear, cracking, or failure due to a manufacturing or design flaw. This defect causes engine seizure, loss of power, and potential safety risks on highways or public roads. Affected vehicles include popular full-size SUVs and pickups such as:
- 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021–2024 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
Legal Claims and Allegations in GM L87 Engine Lawsuit
- Concealment and Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs assert GM was aware of the defect for years but failed to notify owners and dealerships timely, resulting in preventable accidents and damages.
- Design and Manufacturing Defect: The lawsuit contends the engine’s bearing components are inherently flawed, leading to unsafe vehicle operation and economic losses from repairs.
- Inadequate Recall and Remedies: GM’s recall fix—engine replacement or adjusted oil use—is alleged to be insufficient, as replacement engines reportedly suffer the same failure risk.
- Breach of Warranty and Fraud: Vehicle owners claim breach of implied and express warranties, seeking compensation for diminished vehicle value, repairs, and related expenses.
Litigation Status and Proceedings in GM L87 Engine Lawsuit
The legal actions have been consolidated as multidistrict litigation in federal court in Michigan as of August 2025, with coordinated pretrial discovery and motions underway. The lead case, Houchin et al. v. General Motors LLC, seeks class certification and damages on behalf of affected vehicle owners and lessees. Plaintiffs’ attorneys emphasize the potential for ongoing safety incidents due to GM’s inadequate solutions and delayed disclosure. GM continues to defend itself vigorously, asserting that the recall addresses the issues and that many reported problems result from improper maintenance or unrelated causes.
As litigation advances, courts will assess evidence about the defect’s nature, GM’s knowledge and communications, and the efficacy of corrective measures. The outcomes could include financial restitution for owners, expanded recalls or design changes, and requirements for improved corporate transparency about safety defects.
Frequently Asked Questions About GM L87 Engine Lawsuit
What is the defect in GM L87 engines?
A defective bearing in the crankshaft and connecting rod assembly causes engines to seize or fail suddenly, often without warning, risking accidents and costly repairs.
Which vehicles are covered in the lawsuit?
2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV with L87 6.2L V8 engines.
What did GM do in response?
GM issued a recall requiring engine replacements or the use of higher-viscosity engine oil for affected vehicles, aiming to reduce failure risk.
Why do plaintiffs claim the recall is inadequate?
They argue replacement engines have the same defect, and oil changes only mask symptoms without fixing the design flaw, leaving vehicles at risk.
What remedies are plaintiffs seeking?
Compensation for repair costs, diminished vehicle value, safer engine redesigns, stronger warranty protections, and transparent disclosure of defects.
Conclusion
GM L87 engine lawsuit highlights significant automotive safety and consumer protection issues arising from alleged defective engine components in popular GM trucks and SUVs. The case underscores challenges automakers face in timely defect disclosure and the adequacy of recall remedies to protect public safety. As the litigation unfolds, it may prompt important reforms in manufacturing quality control, corporate accountability, and legal recourse for vehicle owners affected by latent safety defects.
