Massive Stop-Sale Hits 2021–2024 Models Amid NHTSA Investigation and Customer Complaints
General Motors is hitting the brakes—hard—on its popular full-size trucks and SUVs equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. Following a growing wave of catastrophic engine failures and a federal safety probe, GM has announced a stop-sale and full recall of all 2021–2024 models powered by the L87 6.2L V8.
The recall impacts a wide range of high-profile vehicles: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL; and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. All of them share one troubled heart—the L87 engine—now under fire for potentially defective crankshaft and connecting rod components.
Engine Trouble That Can Lead to Danger
According to internal bulletins shared on enthusiast forums like gmc-trucks.com, the engines may suffer from serious manufacturing defects. GM warns that under certain conditions, these flaws could cause total engine failure. The result? Sudden loss of power and propulsion—dangerous in any driving situation.
“If the engine fails during vehicle operation,” the bulletin states, “the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.”
GM’s Official Statement and Next Steps
A GM spokesperson confirmed the voluntary recall, emphasizing the company’s commitment to customer safety:
“The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to address this matter as quickly as possible.”
Dealers have been told to immediately stop the sale of affected vehicles. Those that pass inspection will be retrofitted with a new oil fill cap, a change to 0W-40 oil (from the factory-standard 0W-20), and an insert for the owner’s manual. Only then can they return to inventory.
What Sparked the Recall?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating earlier this year after receiving nearly 350 complaints about 6.2L V8 engine failures across multiple model years. The official recall only heightens the scrutiny on GM’s engine manufacturing practices from 2021 to 2024.
What About the 2025 Models?
Good news for those eyeing a 2025 refresh: the next-gen trucks and SUVs are reportedly built using updated tooling that resolves the issue entirely. However, the availability of 6.2L variants remains limited—likely because GM is using much of its production capacity to replace failed engines under the recall.
The Bottom Line
If you’re driving—or considering buying—a 2021 to 2024 GM truck or SUV with the 6.2L V8, it’s time to check your VIN and call your dealer. And if you’re eyeing a 2025? Be prepared to wait—especially if you want the muscle of that V8 under the hood.
Source: The Drive