A global recall of 721,000 potentially defective General Motors 6.2-litre 'L87' petrol V8 engines is now confirmed to include about 10,000 Chevrolet pick-ups in Australia and New Zealand.
About 10,000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pick-ups sold in Australia and New Zealand have been recalled due to manufacturing defects that could cause their 6.2-litre petrol V8 'L87' engines to fail.
Affected in Australia and New Zealand by the problem – related to the crankshaft and connecting rods within the engine – are Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pick-ups plated as 2021 to 2024 models.
Not included in the recall locally is the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray – which uses a related, but not identical 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 – as well as 2025-plate examples of the Silverado 1500 and GMC Yukon Denali in Australia and New Zealand.
According to General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), the local division of the US car giant, approximately 10,000 vehicles in Australia and New Zealand are included in the recall.
"GM will voluntarily recall certain 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models equipped with 6.2L L87 engines to resolve manufacturing issues affecting some engines," a global GM spokesperson said in a written statement.
"The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we’re working to address this matter as quickly as possible."
The GM statement says: "The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
"If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash."
In a statement provided to Drive, a spokesperson for GMSV in Australia and New Zealand said:
"Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair or replace the engine. Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided a higher viscosity oil, which will also require a new oil fill cap, an oil filter replacement, and an owner’s manual insert.
"Where engine replacements are needed, we are currently planning for full engine replacements. Please note that we expect only a small percentage of affected vehicles will need an engine replacement."
"We are not recommending owners of affected vehicles take any interim precautions. Drivers may be alerted to an issue with their engine prior to failure either from knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises or from illumination of the check engine light, or both.
"Drivers may also experience a no-start condition or notice engine hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifting or reduced propulsion prior to engine failure."
"The condition has no impact on braking operation and does not cause an abrupt vehicle stop, allowing the driver to coast down and maneuver safely to the side of the road."
It is expected owners of affected vehicles in Australia and New Zealand will be contacted by the manufacturer.
Sam Purcell has been writing about cars, four-wheel driving and camping since 2013, and obsessed with anything that goes brum-brum longer than he can remember. Sam joined the team at CarAdvice/Drive as the off-road Editor in 2018, after cutting his teeth at Unsealed 4X4 and Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures. Off-road writer of the Year, Winner - Sam Purcell
