Potential Engine Failure Leads GM To Recall Almost 600,000 V8-Equipped Vehicles
General Motors sells a ton of V8-powered vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, its most popular models. That said, the engines aren’t without their problems, including the range-topping 6.2-liter V8, which is being recalled for an issue that could cause damage or catastrophic failure.
GM is recalling almost 600,000 2021-2024 vehicles, including the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL. The recall relates to the connecting rod and crankshaft, which may have manufacturing defects that can cause engine damage or failure. Beyond the emotional damage of an almost-new V8 blowing up, an engine failure can greatly increase the risk of a crash.
The recall documentation notes two causes of the problem: Rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries, and out-of-specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish. If the issue is present, owners may see a check engine light, notice performance issues, or hear knocking sounds from the engine bay.
The automaker received more than 28,000 complaints about the issue, more than half of which involved a loss of propulsion. Additionally, 12 potentially related crashes and 12 potentially related injuries have been reported, along with 42 reports of fires, though the damage is reportedly limited to the engine bay.
Dealers will inspect potentially affected vehicles and repair or replace engines as necessary. Engines that pass diagnostic testing with no problems will receive a higher viscosity oil change, including a new oil fill cap and filter replacement.
[Images: General Motors]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
More by Chris Teague
Comments
Join the conversation
Possibly interesting factoid: Some say that GM has reserved $500 million for this recall.
TTAC Homework (rough math acceptable): Cost per engine replacement = X. $500 million / X = number of engines replaced = Y. Y / total number of applicable vehicles produced [with this engine] = currently anticipated replacement % = Z. What is Z?
Guangzhou Motors (GM) (known in its former home of the United States as "General Motors") states that all these engines are "chabu-duo" and no one need be concerned. The former owner of GM, the US Govt, nods its head while the sound of washing-hands is heard in the background.