Production is predictably increasing at the GM Tonawanda Engine Plant in Buffalo, New York as General Motors deals with its recall of the 6.2L V8 L87 engine that powers hundreds of thousands of trucks and SUVs. GM Authority has learned that employees at the Tonawanda plant will work overtime to build more of these engines, many of which are destined to be swapped into vehicles affected by the recall.
The recall in question pertains to the 2021-2024 model years of GM full-size trucks and SUVs powered by the aforementioned V8. Nameplates included in the recall are the Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV. The problem has to do with connecting rod and crankshaft components with unspecified manufacturing defects.
Notably, the recall does not include 2019, 2020, or 2025 models powered by the 6.2L V8 L87, even though it’s technically the same engine as the one being recalled. That’s because through a detailed analysis of field data and teardown inspections, GM’s engineering team identified a specific build window between March 1st, 2021, and May 31st, 2024, during which an increased rate of engine failure was tied to specific manufacturing defects.
In the recall document, General Motors requires affected units to undergo inspection by certified technicians. If they pass the inspection, they receive an oil change with 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil (the same stuff the C8 Z06 uses) and a new oil cap to reflect the change. Vehicles that do not pass inspection presumably get an engine replacement. The same applies to affected units currently in dealer inventory.
The GM Tonawanda Engine Plant has been producing powertrains since 1938. In addition to the EcoTec3 family of engines that power full-size trucks, SUVs, and vans, it produces Ecotec 4-cylinder engines for trucks and crossovers and the LT V8 engines that power the Chevy Corvette.
Comments
Should build more coolant control valves, as well.
They work them to death if something is a big seller and in short supply, but it must piss off Mary they have to pay to fix a f*** up.
The C8 Z06 uses 5w50 Supercar oil, not 0w40.
I just called the dealership because I have this engine. I STILL can’t schedule the recall because they don’t have the new oil or instructions on the inspection.
It has barely been a week since announcement, it will take time…
Hopefully QC is working overtime this time as well.
GM won’t have a third chance to get it right.
Been waiting on my engine replacement 5 weeks so far with no eta for the new one yet
Did they give you a rental?
I can confirm the C8 Z06 uses 5W-50 not 0W-40
Not anywhere near a GM certified mechanic but even a doof like myself questioned 0-20 weight oil when I saw the filler cap. WTF. Oil is the blood of an engine….you don’t make any compromises when it comes to oil in a ICE.
Hopefully the worker who caused the problem at the Tonawanda plant is not called to work the OT on the new engines!
Ive rebuilt alot of engines in my life ! If the engine didnt fail on the test stand or even a few hundred miles down the road it was good to go ! All my engines are still on the road even some i built 30 years ago ! Im not falling down the rabbit hole like so many youtubers and content creators like many have ! Its GM bashing at the finest ! They will get this right i guarantee it !
All engines fail over time. Bad maintenance is usually what kills them. I own several Silverados with the 6.2 and they have all dropped a lifter well past 150.000 miles. I also own a 2024 Tahoe High Country that is part of this recall. I drive it every day without worry.
Larger engines need heavier weight oil.
Out government mandated lighter weight oil to save gas. That is going to cost GM millions of dollars.
Changing oil is not a fix everyone should get a engine replacement. I have already had a lifter replace with 12323 miles. Given no loner vehicle .Had no vehicle for 3 weeks.
At least GM is giving us a 10yr/150K extended warranty on the vehicles that ONLY get an oil change. My Silverado only has 22K on a 2024. If it was to blow up it would have happened a long time ago.
Do you think general motors has enough brain power to not build the same exact engine or fix the part before they rebuild them again I wonder
I have a 22 tahoe with blown engine 45000 miles, 2weeks no response
Brand Loyalty is what hurting now . Who want’s to buy a truck from a company that does not live up to quality standards . Years ago the Tonawanda engine plant had the distinction of being the Number 1 engine plant in the country .They were so proud ,they even put decals on the valve covers on the big blocks and HP small blocks stating we are the best. As a retired GM dealer tech for over 30 years ,I can say times have changed ,sometimes not for the better. Feel sorry for all the techs who will bear the brunt of this Problem.
Hopefully GM is doubling production of check engine lights…they need them now but really need them for tomorrow. A complete CF.