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 recalled vehicles may contain a crankshaft or connecting rod that was manufactured with dimensional defects or contamination. These problems can result in internal engine damage and sudden failure while the vehicle is in motion.
GM’s investigation found more than 28,000 field complaints, including over 14,000 allegations of loss of propulsion. “GM identified twelve potentially related alleged crashes and twelve potentially related alleged injuries in the United States. All specifically alleged injuries were minor or non-physical” (RCLRPT-25V274-1938.pdf).
What Will Dealers Do?
GM dealers will:
Inspect the engine for internal damage
Replace the engine if defects are found
For vehicles that pass inspection, apply the following:
Originally, GM’s recall bulletin N252494001 instructed dealers to install higher viscosity engine oil (0W40) as a precautionary measure, along with a new oil cap and owner’s manual insert. However, in a revised version of the bulletin released in May 2025, GM walked back that recommendation.
The updated bulletin now directs dealers to refill replacement engines with the original 0W20 Dexos-approved oil, stating:
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.
How to 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."
