MARY, DO WE HAVE A PROBLEM? Are GM’s 6.2L L87 Engines More Troubling Than the Company Acknowledges?

The Drama Behind GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 Engine

So, here’s the scoop: the famed 6.2L V8 L87 engine from General Motors, the kind of beast that powers Chevy Silverados, GMC Sierras, and even the posh Cadillac Escalade, is suddenly under fire. Why? Well, reports about its low-mileage failures and lifter issues just keep piling up. The engine, known for boasting a formidable 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, is now raising eyebrows.

Now, if you follow the auto world, you’ve probably heard of some recent drama. GM has acknowledged the issues and even issued a recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles from 2021 to 2024. But many folks, including owners and industry experts, are beginning to wonder if GM is really addressing this problem properly. The concerns are valid; lifter failures, engine replacements, and, oh boy, a controversial oil change recommendation. Sounds shady, right?

Real Stories from the Road

The stories coming from L87 owners are nothing short of alarming. Picture this: a brand-new 2023 GMC Tahoe, barely clocking 15,000 miles, suddenly breaking down on a highway. Talk about a nightmare. Families left stranded, all because of engine failure. It almost feels like a scene out of a horror movie, doesn’t it?

But it gets worse. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2025 claims that GM was aware of defective crankshafts and connecting rods well before things got this severe. Reports indicate these faulty components could lead to sudden propulsion loss – which is not just annoying, it’s downright dangerous. Just think about the implications: cruising down the highway and then—bam—your car conks out and you’re in a precarious situation.

High Stakes with the NHTSA Investigation

Now, let’s take a brief detour to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They’re currently investigating a staggering 877,710 vehicles, thanks to 39 complaints that draw a line right into potential crashes and injuries. Keep in mind, that’s a significant number of vehicles on the road. It’s like handing out lottery tickets but with all the wrong luck attached.

The stakes here are high, my friends. As an automotive enthusiast, it makes me wonder: how many families are out there at risk, unknowingly driving a time bomb? It’s not just about the cars; it’s about safety on our roads. And GM’s image? Well, it’s starting to take quite a beating in the court of public opinion.

GM’s Response: Is It Enough?

So, what has GM done in response to this messy situation? They’ve initiated a recall (N252494002) to inspect these troubled engines for a diagnostic trouble code known as P0016, which suggests crankshaft or camshaft misalignment. Okay, fair enough. They’re also recommending a switch to a new oil: 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil, instead of the original 0W-20. Supposedly, this thicker oil offers improved lubrication under heavy loads. Sounds like a quick fix, right?

But hold your horses! Critics are quick to slam this move, dubbing it a Band-Aid solution. After all, it doesn’t address the underlying issues with machining defects in rod bearings and crankshafts. I mean, who wants to pour money and hope into a solution that clearly hasn’t fixed the problem?

And speaking of deeper issues, teardown videos from folks on YouTube, like the channel “I Do Cars,” show distinctly worn pushrods, lifters packed with debris, and components so starved for lubrication they might as well be in a desert. Watching those clips, you can’t help but feel uneasy. How did we get here?

Ticking Time Bombs: The Lifter Failures

Now, let’s chat about something else that’s sending chills down the spines of L87 owners: the lifter problems. They’re not included in the scope of the recall, but definitely deserve a mention. Imagine rolling down the street, minding your own business, when you start hearing weird ticking noises from your engine. Yeah, that’s just what you need—another problem to worry about.

Many owners report that their cars start acting funky, performance dips, and the dreaded check engine light comes blazing on. From what I hear, it all comes down to the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). It’s engineered to deactivate cylinders for better fuel efficiency, but it appears to put extra stress on lifters. I mean, what’s the point of saving gas if you end up with a trip to the shop for costly repairs instead? Ugh.

Word around the mechanic forums is that lifter replacements often happen at as little as 70,000 miles. Some mechanics even connect these failures to long idle times and dirty oil. Makes you think about how you treat your engine, doesn’t it?

The Repercussions: Accountability or Cover-Up?

It’s not all doom and gloom, though—GM has made some moves to show they’re at least partly accountable. They put a stop-sale order in place and even extended warranties for non-defective engines. That’s something, right? But hold on a minute. Why are they hesitating to expand the recall to vehicles made between 2019 and 2020? Because those models reportedly share similar complaints. This hesitation has got the rumor mill spinning fiercely. Something fishy is definitely going on.

It feels like a classic case of downplaying a crisis to protect a reputation. Automakers love to maintain that aura of reliability, but with lawsuits stacking up and trust eroding, you’ve got to wonder whether the L87 is setting GM up for a seriously tarnished reputation.

FAQs about the GM L87 Engine Issues

What exactly is wrong with the L87 engine?

The L87 engine has been experiencing lifter failures and catastrophic breakdowns, often at low mileage. Owners have reported issues such as ticking noises and sudden engine shutdowns.

Is GM taking responsibility for these issues?

Yes, GM has initiated a recall and issued extended warranties for non-defective engines, but skepticism about their commitment remains, especially regarding older models.

How are lifter failures affecting vehicle performance?

Lifter issues can lead to abnormal engine sounds, poor performance, and check engine lights coming on. It’s a frustrating and often costly problem for owners.

What has the NHTSA found in their investigation?

The NHTSA is investigating over 877,000 vehicles due to complaints linking engine malfunctions to crashes and injuries, indicating a significant safety concern.

What types of lawsuits are being filed against GM?

A class-action lawsuit has been filed alleging that GM knew about defects in critical engine components, potentially putting drivers at serious safety risks.

Final Thoughts: A Community on Alert

<pAs consumers, we look to auto manufacturers to keep us safe. But with stories of engine failures swirling and trust wearing thin, what’s the future of GM's reputation? It’s a wild ride for the L87 owners out there, and if you’re one of them, my heart goes out to you. Surely, no one buys a brand-new truck expecting to deal with these kinds of headaches.

So, where do we go from here? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you a L87 owner? Did you face these struggles too? Jump in the comments below and share your experiences. It’s time to shine a light on this situation and make sure everyone’s aware. After all, we’re all in this automotive journey together.