GM faces lawsuit over controversial fix to V8 engine recall

A group of GM truck owners have joined forces to sue the Detroit automaker—stemming from a massive recall for problems associated with its L87 6.2-liter V8 engines. 

The details: The suit—McNamara et. Al. v. General Motors, filed in Pennsylvania Eastern District of the United States District Court—alleges that a GM fix for the issue for the recalled vehicles that don’t qualify for a full engine replacement could impact their truck’s fuel economy.

• The remedy for the recall—which covers 600,000 Chevy Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles from 2021-2024—includes changing the oil grade to a thicker one to help mitigate the engine issue.

• Plaintiffs in the case contend that the thicker oil will decrease the trucks’ overall fuel economy, requiring owners to have to kick out more cash for hundreds of extra gallons of gasoline over their vehicles’ lifespan.   

The engine-related recall—first reported May 10—is rooted in a defect with the connecting rods and/or the crankshaft, which can lead to an engine failure, causing an accident. To date, GM has identified 12 crashes and 12 injuries that could be potentially tied to the L87 engine issue. 

Why it matters: By designing engines that require ultra-thin oils to meet EPA standards, manufacturers have created systems with less margin for error, potentially sacrificing durability for regulatory compliance. 

Between the lines: McNamara et. Al. v. General Motors is just the tip of the iceberg for GM regarding the automaker’s troubles tied to the L87 6.2-liter V8 engines, the latest in several mounting concerns expressed by owners.

• On Feb. 18, a lawsuit filed in Michigan on behalf of plaintiff James S. Powell II cites problems that Powell had with the first L87 V8 engine in his 2023 GMC Yukon Denali as well as the replacement engine. 

• A poll posted by GM Authority earlier this month probing its reader base about the severity of the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine issue found that most thought the issue was serious as opposed to minor. 

Bottom line: No customer should have to choose between their vehicle’s reliability and the efficiency that was advertised.

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