The 6.2-litre V8 fitted in a number of General Motors vehicles – including the Chevrolet Silverado sold in Australia – has been recalled with impacts to local models to be determined.
General Motors has recalled 721,000 vehicles fitted with its 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine due to defective parts leading to catastrophic failures including several injuries.
The voluntary recall is for vehicles fitted with the 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine – codenamed ‘L87’ – between 2021 and 2024 including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Yukon SUV.
The L87 V8 was fitted in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 sold in Australia between 2021-24 but the impact on local models supplied by General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) is yet to be officially confirmed.
The GMC Yukon is soon to be released in Australia by GMSV and also runs an L87 V8 but again, whether Australian versions are impacted is yet to be confirmed.
A recall notice has not been issued for vehicles in Australia at the time of writing.
The 2025 model-year Yukon and Silverado sold in Australia are not part of the recall overseas.
The 721,000 General Motors (GM) vehicles impacted globally also include 2021-24 year-model Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, GMC Sierra 1500, and Yukon XL – none of which were sold in Australia during the timeframe.
“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,” said a statement issued by the car maker.
The recall was prompted after 39 complaints to US safety body NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) regarding engine failure, with drivers experiencing a sudden loss of power.
The failure is caused by damage to the crankshaft and connecting rods during the manufacturing process, with the recall mandating these parts be inspected – requiring the engine to be opened and rebuilt or replaced.
Vehicles deemed not to have the issue will be filled with a higher viscosity (thicker) grade of engine oil.
The L87 is manufactured in three GM factories: two in the US (New York and Tennessee) and one in Ontario, Canada.
The Chevrolet Silverado remains the only V8-powered full-size pick-up on sale in Australia, with the Ram 1500 switching to a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder ‘Hurricane’ engine for 2025, while the Ford F-150 has only been offered with a V6 locally.
