General Motors is under fire after federal regulators flagged its 6.2‑liter V8 for sudden seizures that could stall popular Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC models built since 2021.
General Motors, one of Detroit’s “big three,” must recall roughly 600,000 large SUVs and pickups in the United States—721,000 worldwide—after reports that the L87 V8 can lock up without warning. The same defect sits at the heart of a newly filed class‑action lawsuit, Case No. 2:25‑cv‑10479, which accuses GM of selling engines it allegedly knew were risky.
Who is most affected? Owners and lessees of 2021‑2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500; GMC Yukon and Sierra 1500; and the Cadillac Escalade. Dealers must replace or repair the engines free of charge, but the clock is ticking.
Why the massive GM recall over silent V8 engine seizures matters now
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Recall 25V‑274 says GM was alerted to random seizing nearly three years ago. Yet production continued, and the company only issued a recall after complaints piled up.
That delay fuels the lawsuit, which claims drivers had “no advance warning” before losing power—an alarming prospect on a busy interstate, don’t you think? Below is a snapshot of the vehicles in question:
| Model | Model years | Engine code | Approx. U.S. units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 2021‑2024 | L87 V8 | 140,000 |
| GMC Yukon | 2021‑2024 | L87 V8 | 90,000 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2021‑2024 | L87 V8 | 160,000 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2021‑2024 | L87 V8 | 130,000 |
| Cadillac Escalade | 2021‑2024 | L87 V8 | 80,000 |
GM says replacement parts will start arriving in July, but many owners worry repairs could drag on through fall.
Key steps and deadlines every Chevy, Cadillac and GMC owner should remember today
First things first: check your VIN on the NHTSA website or GM’s dedicated portal. If your vehicle is listed, schedule a service visit immediately; towing will be covered if the engine has already failed.
What else should you do?
- Document symptoms such as rough idling or sudden power loss.
- Save repair invoices if you paid out‑of‑pocket before the recall—reimbursement is available.
- Watch for lawsuit updates; affected drivers may be eligible for additional compensation.
- Stay in touch with your dealer for parts‑availability alerts.
Remember, the initial notification letters hit mailboxes the week of June 24. Miss that envelope, and you could miss a repair slot.
What’s next for GM?
The automaker—valued at roughly $46.9 billion—faces steep recall costs and the prospect of punitive damages if the court finds willful negligence. Analysts warn that repeated quality lapses could erode consumer trust just as electrified competitors vie for market share. Still, GM has weathered storms before; swift, transparent action may help it retain loyal truck and SUV buyers.