GM Class Action Engine Defect: Causes, Claims, and What Owners Should Know

Over the past year, many General Motors owners have raised concerns about sudden engine problems that left their vehicles inoperable and repair bills soaring. The issue has now escalated into a large-scale legal battle known as the GM class action engine defect case. For thousands of drivers across the U.S., this case isn’t just about faulty engines, it’s about safety, accountability, and compensation for costly repairs.

The Background

It started with reports from owners of GM trucks and SUVs equipped with 6.2-liter V8 engines. Drivers described the same unsettling experience: loud knocking sounds, a loss of power, or engines that completely seized without warning. As more complaints poured in, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation. General Motors followed with a recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Soon after, several law firms filed lawsuits on behalf of owners, accusing GM of selling vehicles with defective engines while allegedly knowing about the issue.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall and lawsuits mainly cover GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs using the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Affected models reportedly include:

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  
• GMC Sierra 1500
  
• Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
  
• GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
  
• Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
  

These vehicles were built across various model years from 2021 to 2024, though investigations are ongoing to determine whether more engines or production batches are impacted.

The Nature of the Problem

At the heart of the complaint are serious mechanical failures. Many owners describe catastrophic bearing failures/issues with the small components that help the engine run smoothly. When those bearings fail, the result can be devastating: the engine locks up, rods snap, and internal damage spreads quickly.

According to several reports, the problem might be related to manufacturing tolerances or contamination during production. In some cases, debris in the oil system can restrict flow, starving critical components of lubrication. Others point to design flaws that make the engines more prone to wear over time.

Regardless of the exact cause, the outcome is the same expensive engine replacements, sometimes exceeding $10,000, and long waits for parts.

The Lawsuit Explained

Multiple law firms, including Hagens Berman and DiCello Levitt, have taken on the case. The lawsuits claim that GM knew about the issue but failed to disclose it to consumers or provide adequate remedies. Plaintiffs argue that GM’s recall and repair efforts were too limited and did not address the underlying defect.

The lawsuits seek compensation for repair costs, reduced vehicle value, and other damages related to the breakdowns. For some owners, the issue occurred even after warranty coverage expired, leaving them with no financial protection.

GM’s Response

General Motors has acknowledged some of the reported engine failures and issued recalls to address the defects. The company stated that affected vehicles will receive inspections and repairs free of charge. However, many owners feel that the recall scope is too narrow and doesn’t cover all the vehicles showing the same symptoms.

GM maintains that the company is cooperating with regulators and continues to monitor the situation. Still, the lawsuits suggest that the manufacturer’s internal testing may have revealed the risk earlier than disclosed.

What Drivers Are Saying

Online forums and social media platforms are full of frustrated owners sharing similar experiences. Many say their trucks lost power while driving, creating safety hazards. Others describe being stranded far from home or facing repair bills that dealerships refused to cover.

Despite the inconvenience, the owner community has played a key role in documenting the pattern. Their reports helped regulators and attorneys trace the issue to specific engine families, strengthening the case for a broader fix.

How the Investigation Evolved

In early 2025, NHTSA launched an investigation after receiving hundreds of complaints. That led to GM’s voluntary recall of nearly 600,000 vehicles. The recall included detailed inspection procedures and part replacements aimed at preventing future engine damage. Regulators are still reviewing whether those measures are enough.

In the meantime, class actions have been filed in several states, with some cases seeking national certification. If approved, the lawsuits could combine claims from thousands of owners into one large legal proceeding.

What Owners Can Do

If you own one of the affected vehicles, here are a few practical steps:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit GM’s official recall lookup tool or NHTSA’s website to see if your vehicle is included in the recall.
   
2. Document Everything: Keep records of repairs, invoices, and any communication with dealerships or GM representatives.
   
3. Monitor Class Action Updates: Law firms such as Hagens Berman and DiCello Levitt provide updates on their websites. You can sign up for notifications about settlements or eligibility requirements.
   
4. Report Failures: If you experience a sudden breakdown, file a complaint with NHTSA. The more data regulators have, the faster they can push for broader action.
   
5. Seek Legal Advice: If you paid for costly repairs or your vehicle wasn’t included in the recall, you may qualify for reimbursement through ongoing lawsuits.
   

Potential Outcomes

The lawsuits could end in a few ways. GM might settle, offering cash payments or reimbursements to affected owners. Alternatively, the court could order extended warranty coverage for certain vehicles. In some past cases involving different GM engine families, settlements have included compensation for repairs and diminished resale value.

Until a resolution is reached, owners should continue reporting issues and ensuring all recall work is completed.

Final Thoughts

The GM class action engine defect situation serves as a reminder that even the biggest automakers can face accountability when engineering problems reach the public. While GM has begun addressing the issue, the number of affected owners and severity of the failures suggest that more transparency is needed.

For drivers, the best course of action is to stay informed and proactive. Keep your documentation, follow updates from regulators and law firms, and make sure your vehicle is inspected if it falls within the affected range. The outcome of this case could shape how automakers handle large-scale mechanical issues in the years ahead.

For now, one thing is clear: when thousands of engines fail the same way, it’s not just bad luck, it’s a call for answers.

Read Also Chevrolet Suburban History Longevity: The Story of an American Icon

FAQs