Nearly 600,000 GM Trucks and SUVs Under New Investigation for Engine Failures: Check Your VIN

NHTSA just reopened the GM 6.2L V8 headache. On January 19, 2026, the agency said it opened a new recall query into about 597,571 GM trucks and SUVs with the L87 6.2L V8 after owners reported fresh engine failures even after the prior recall fix. If you drive one of these rigs, check your VIN today. (Source summary via Reuters’ report on the recall query.)

What the L87 6.2L V8 issue looks like

This isn’t a small-engine, small-consequence problem. When this engine fails on the road, you can lose propulsion. That can turn a normal merge into a white-knuckle moment.

The recall query targets vehicles that already sat under GM’s earlier L87 engine “loss of propulsion” recall, and NHTSA says it received 36 new owner complaints alleging the recall remedy didn’t solve the issue.

For context, GM’s April 2025 recall covered many of its biggest sellers: 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, and the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL when they run the 6.2L V8 (RPO L87). GM told regulators the suspect build window ran from March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2024, and it tied the defect to connecting rod and crankshaft components that can lead to engine damage and failure. That’s all in GM’s Part 573 filing for Recall 25V-274.

GM also described what can show up before a failure: odd engine noises, a check-engine light, or performance issues like hesitation, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, or a no-start. That same filing also describes the scope of field complaints GM reviewed ahead of the recall decision.

As for the original fix, one of GM’s dealer recall bulletins says dealers inspect affected vehicles. If a vehicle passes, the remedy includes a move to higher-viscosity oil, plus a new oil fill cap, an oil filter, and an owner’s manual insert.

My Verdict

Treat this like a real safety issue, not internet drama. If you own a 2021–2024 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe/Suburban, Yukon/Yukon XL, or Escalade with the L87 6.2L V8, run your VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup tool and then call your dealer with the result.

If your VIN shows an open campaign, ask which bulletin your vehicle falls under. GM told NHTSA it planned to run the recall under three bulletins, and the repair path can vary by VIN.

If your truck already had the recall work done, keep your paperwork. The whole point of this recall query is that some owners say the fix didn’t stick. If your engine starts acting weird, don’t play hero. Get it checked before it turns into a tow and a bad day.