General Motors is recalling hundreds of thousands of full-size pickups and SUVs spanning the 2021 through 2024 model years over a critical issue with affecting the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine. The recall will address defects in the engine crankshaft and/or connecting rods, which could result in catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion. As such, many owners are left wondering – will GM replace the defective engine, or simply repair them?
According to GM’s official recall guidance, if a dealer determines that an L87 engine is indeed defective, it will be replaced entirely, rather than repaired.
As covered previously, GM technicians rely on two specialized diagnostic tools to help identify potentially faulty L87 engines. The first is the GM PicoScope, which is precision digital oscilloscope designed to assess engine sensor signals. The PicoScope is paired with harness GM-60539, which enables targeted diagnosis specific to the L87 issue.
Using these tools, GM technicians will determine if the engine in question is defective. If the engine is indeed defective, it will be replaced. Based on GM’s labor guide, the engine replacement procedure takes roughly 18.2 and 18.6 labor hours, varying by vehicle model and drivetrain configuration in question.
The L87 recall impacts the following GM models:
- Cadillac Escalade
- Cadillac Escalade ESV
- Chevy Silverado 1500
- Chevy Suburban
- Chevy Tahoe
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon XL
Recall documentation estimates that roughly 597,630 L87-powered vehicles in the U.S. are subject to the new recall, with GM estimating a defect rate of three percent, equating to roughly 17,929 vehicles nationwide. Globally, the L87 recall impacts roughly 721,000 units. Assuming a three-percent defect rate, roughly 21,630 engines will require replacement worldwide.
For those vehicles that are impacted by the recall but do not exhibit the specified engine defect, dealers will take other preventative measures, including swapping to a higher-viscosity 0W40 engine oil, as well as replacing the oil filter, oil fill cap, and updating the owner’s manual to reflect the revised specifications. Vehicles that pass the inspection will also receive an extended warranty.
Comments
Dealers don’t want many engine replacements under normal circumstances. GM comes after them with audits and they WILL find a way to get their money back.
Likely will sell all the bad blocks to jasper engines and let them rebuild them to recoup some losses
JASPER builds a strong engine.
The “extending” warranty will only cover the issues on the recall not the lifter issues.
The well placed rumor is that those of us that do not have our L87 replaced will receive a 10 year/ 150,000 mile engine warranty. Will there be a deductible associated with this, and will the extended warranty be transferable to at least one additional owner?
My husband just had his truck looked at just like GM authority said here. The warranty is 10 yrs and transferable to another owner. 100 percent covered in 10 yrs no deductible. Only concern is, will this affect trade in value. They are saying engine does not need replaces at this time.
That’s the reason for the extended warranty, that makes up for the the loss in resale value. Because most people won’t touch one of those trucks. It’s best to keep it 10 years because nobody will want it.
We are being told that it remains with the vehicle regardless of ownership. Like other GM factory warranties, there will be no deductible. We’ve had about 12 in stock units go through the recall and only one needed replacement – the rest were just the inspection and oil change.
Thank you, Jon!
My particular engine started knocking right after the oil was changed each time about a year and a half ago. Of course by the time I would get it in there, the knocking would quit and they would say we have to hear the knocking, even though I had it recorded on my phone and it was very easy to hear. Now the service manager is trying to say I know yours was showing signs of this knocking and I said yeah, and you were trying to tell me it was a lifter and I told you it was a rod because I built engines when I was a kid. he says well we’re trying to get an extending warranty for everyone that doesn’t get an engine replacement. Just another line of BS because they don’t have to replace the engine even on one that’s been knocking for a year and a half.
How do we know the Pico scope works to identify the defects. GM technicians I have talked to don’t know how it works. The Pico Scope report is sent to GM who then advises whether the engine passed. Quite a conflict of interest.
The resale value will de destroyed as no one will risk purchasing these cars. GM should refund the purchase price or replace the car with a 2025.
There are plenty of morons that will take the risk and buy this junk. You are one of them yourself!
I guess that you drive a Toyota.
Buy what? Don’t understand. Thanks.
Any tech that’s worth while knows how it works.
I traded my 2023 Denali with the 6.2 after a friend’s 2023 ZR2’s 6.2 blew leaving him stranded in 5:00 traffic early this year. Determined mine was built 2 days before his. Couldn’t drive mine without worrying about it quitting on me. Took a hit on trade, not from engine problem, just difference in new near sticker price to depreciated trade value. This was my second GMC in 50 years of driving. The first left me stranded twice (transmission & fuel pump) in mid 1990s. Probably never consider a GMC again.
Buyer beware. I had my engine replaced at 3200 miles. My carfax report does not state that directly.
GM does not have enough engines to replace the defective ones. The remedy right now is to use thicker oil. This is just kicking the can down the road. The engine will fail at some point. Once the failure occurs the block is destroyed. There is no rebuild. The problem is the main bearings. They disintegrate at a certain point. There are not enough new engines available and not enough techs or time to replace them over the next 3 years. Standard replacement time is 36 hrs labor.
In researching the Picoscope, it appears that it may not be able to diagnose a mechanical defect in the engine. It’s more for pressure. So the defect could cause a problem later that is not now detectable.