General Motors has issued a major safety recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles due to a manufacturing defect that may lead to sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion. The recall follows a federal investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in early 2025. If your GM vehicle has experienced engine trouble, Lemberg Law can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation where appropriate.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving 39 complaints involving engine failure in GM vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine. Many reports described sudden loss of power without warning. ODI noted that the failures involved “a bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod” (INOA-PE25001-10002.pdf).
February to April 2025 — Data Review and Manufacturer Response
On February 12, 2025, NHTSA issued a formal request for documents, warranty records, and internal testing data. In its response, GM cited “the sheer volume of data that needs to be assessed for over a million vehicles that span six model years” (INRE-PE25001-10021.pdf).
GM ultimately identified two manufacturing defects that could cause engine failure:
“Rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries”
“Out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish” (RCLRPT-25V274-1938.pdf)
These flaws were traced to supplier quality issues during the production of the L87 engine.
GM’s own recall report admits the root of the problem was due to flawed manufacturing processes. According to its findings:
“Engine teardown analysis identified two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish.”
April 17, 2025 — GM Issues Safety Recall
GM’s internal Safety Field Action Decision Authority approved a recall of nearly 600,000 vehicles after determining that the defect posed a safety risk. According to the recall report,
“If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash” (RCLRPT-25V274-1938.pdf).
May 23, 2025 — GM Issues Special Coverage Bulletin
On May 23, 2025, GM issued Special Coverage Bulletin N252494003, extending warranty coverage for vehicles affected by the engine defect recall. This bulletin does not broaden the recall but sets conditions on who qualifies for free repairs or reimbursement.
Coverage is limited to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date. Dealers are required to verify eligibility through GM’s internal Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) system and confirm that prior recall bulletins were completed. In certain cases, dealers must conduct diagnostic procedures, including engine inspections or PicoScope testing, before approving repairs.
Recalled Vehicles
This recall affects 2021 through 2024 model year GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine. The following table lists the included makes and models.
The affected vehicles may contain connecting rods or crankshafts with dimensional defects or contamination from debris. These flaws can lead to internal engine damage, unexpected engine failure, and loss of propulsion while driving.
General Motors identified two root causes tied to supplier quality issues:
Sediment contamination in the crankshaft oil galleries and connecting rods
Out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish
According to GM’s recall report, over 28,000 field complaints were linked to engine performance problems. That includes more than 14,000 reports of propulsion loss while the vehicle was in motion. GM also acknowledged 12 potentially related crashes and 12 injuries, though none were serious or physical in nature.
Important: GM may deny warranty coverage if it determines that the engine failed due to owner neglect, such as low oil levels, missed maintenance, or hydrolocking. To protect your rights, keep detailed records of routine service and oil changes.
What Will Dealers Do?
GM outlined different repair paths depending on the vehicle’s condition and diagnostic results. Dealers must first check each vehicle’s eligibility using GM’s internal Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) system.
If the engine shows signs of internal damage or triggers diagnostic trouble code P0016, the dealer must replace the engine under bulletin N252494002.
If the engine passes inspection and shows no signs of failure, the dealer will:
Replace the oil with 0W-40 high-viscosity oil
Install a new oil fill cap labeled for 0W-40
Add an insert to the owner’s manual explaining the updated oil recommendation This procedure is outlined in bulletin N252494001 and applies to vehicles in dealer inventory only.
When a vehicle qualifies for engine replacement, GM instructs dealers to fill the new engine with dexos-approved 0W-20 oil and reuse the original 0W-20 oil cap. This applies only to the replacement engine, not to vehicles that passed the initial inspection.
Dealers may also check the build date of previously replaced engines. If the replacement engine was built before April 1, 2024, it may still be defective and qualify for another replacement.
Breaking Down the Recall Bulletins: N252494000, 001, 002 & 003
GM issued four distinct technical bulletins for this recall so far. Each bulletin outlines a different repair path based on the vehicle’s diagnostic results, inspection status, or prior repair history. Knowing which one applies to your vehicle can affect whether you’re entitled to an engine replacement, reimbursement, or extended warranty coverage.
N252494000
This is the master recall code that initiated a stop-sale and stop-delivery order on April 24, 2025. All affected vehicles are flagged under this bulletin until a dealer verifies the required next steps through GM’s internal Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) system.
N252494001
Applies to vehicles that pass inspection and show no signs of internal engine damage. Dealers will:
Replace the engine oil with higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil
Install a new oil fill cap
Provide a printed insert for the owner’s manual
This bulletin covers vehicles in dealer inventory only. If the vehicle displayed diagnostic trouble code P0016, it was not eligible under this bulletin and had to be quarantined.
Dealers must replace the engine in vehicles that fail inspection or that GM flags for internal damage. Vehicles with diagnostic code P0016 or confirmed engine defects fall into this group. If the vehicle already received a replacement engine, the dealer must check its build date. Engines built before April 1, 2024, may still qualify for another replacement.
A special coverage bulletin that provides extended warranty coverage for engine failures caused by the defect. Coverage lasts for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also allows vehicle owners to request reimbursement for past engine repair expenses, but:
Only vehicles that previously received service under bulletins 001 or 002 qualify
Reimbursement must be submitted by the customer directly
GM does not allow claims from third-party service contract providers
The deadline to file for reimbursement is May 31, 2026
Bottom line: Engine replacements are not automatic. Dealers must confirm eligibility through GM’s IVH system. Consumers should keep records of all maintenance and repairs in case questions arise about coverage or reimbursement.
Timeline for Owner Notifications
General Motors is notifying dealers and vehicle owners in phases:
April 24, 2025 – GM issued a stop-sale and stop-delivery order for affected vehicles under bulletin N252494000. These vehicles may not be sold, leased, or delivered until repaired under the appropriate recall bulletin.
May 2025 – Dealers began receiving updated technical instructions under bulletins N252494001, 002, and 003.
June 9 to September 30, 2025 – GM will mail recall notification letters to affected vehicle owners in waves.
If your vehicle is still on a dealer lot, the dealer is legally prohibited from delivering it until the required repairs are completed. If you already own or lease the vehicle, you should receive a notice by mail or can check eligibility using your VIN.
Legal Options Beyond the Recall
You may be entitled to compensation beyond the basic recall remedy if you:
Paid out of pocket for engine repairs before this recall
Lost significant time with your vehicle in the shop
Had your vehicle out of service for an extended period
Advocate for clients with prolonged vehicle downtime or service delays
We have helped over 40,000 consumers recover more than 250 million dollars in claims against manufacturers and large corporations.
Note: This is a rapidly developing situation. GM’s guidance, NHTSA actions, and recall procedures may evolve. We will continue to monitor updates closely and do our best to keep the information on this page current.
Check if Your Vehicle Is Included in the Recall
If you own a GM vehicle and are concerned it may be affected by this recall, you can take a few quick steps to confirm:
1. Locate Your VIN
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that can be found:
On the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield
On your vehicle registration or insurance documents
Inside the driver’s door jamb
2. Use the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool
Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle has any open recalls, including this one.
3. Check GM’s Recall Portal
You can also enter your VIN at GM’s recall site: https://experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls
Contact Us Today
Have you owned or leased a recalled GM truck or SUV? Has your engine failed, stalled, or required multiple repairs?
Call Lemberg Law or request a free case evaluation today. You do not pay unless we win.
About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
