General Motors Recalls Nearly 600,00 Trucks and SUVS Due to the Risk of Engine Failure

Trucks are difficult to drive when they’re in good operating condition. That’s why drivers need a special commercial driver’s license. When trucks have defects, accidents can easily happen which can cause injuries and deaths. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and truck manufacturers themselves issue recalls when complaints and investigations indicate that a truck has a design flaw, defective construction, faulty instructions, or the manufacturer fails to warn of known danger. At Harris Lowry Manton, we hold truck manufacturers accountable when truck defects cause harm.

Which GM vehicles are subject to the recall?

Recently, General Motors announced that it is recalling 597,630 of its full-size U.S. trucks and SUVs because V8 engines in these vehicles can fail without warning, increasing the odds of an accident. According to the NHTSA, “manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components can lead to engine damage and engine failure.”

The recall announcement is in response to NHTSA’s investigation of more than 877,000 vehicles after there were 39 complaints about GM vehicles, such as GM’s Silverado, that ran on L87 V8 engines. The L87 6-liter V8 engine is assembled at GM’s plants in Tonawanda, New York; Spring Hill, Tennessee; and St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

The recall applies to the following V8-engine models:

• 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe
• GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL

The current GM recall follows another GM engine recall. In November 2024, GM recalled nearly 462,000 diesel-engine SUVs and pickup trucks due to the danger of a defective transmission control valve causing the rear wheels to lock up.

Is there a remedy/repair option for the GM defect?

According to the NHTSA announcement about GM’s recall, the symptoms/warning signs that car owners and drivers should be aware prior to failure include:

• Unusual engine noises such as knocking and banging.
• The check engine light goes on.
• There are engine performance issues, “including hesitation, high RPMs, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, or a no-start condition.”

The NHTSA states that GM dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles. If the vehicle passes the inspection, GM will provide “a higher viscosity oil, which will also require a new oil fill cap, an oil filter replacement, and an owner’s manual insert.” The “thicker viscosity oil offers an increased level of protection.”

Are the recalled GM vehicles safe to drive without the remedy/repair?

No. The NHTSA alert states that drivers may experience the symptoms/warnings described above.

“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.” However, if the truck or SUV’s vehicle fails while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle will “lose propulsion,” which increases the risk of an accident.

Who pays for the remedy/repair?

GM pays for the repair work. Owners can take their trucks and SUVs (the ones with the defective engine) to GM’s dealers as of the date of the recall notice. The recall notice should state whether there are any special instructions, such as whether owners should drive their vehicles before the repairs are made.

Given that the defective engines can cause a crash, the best course of action is not to drive until the repairs can be completed. According to the CBS link above, GM should have sent notices to its customers on June 9, 2025.

GM customers can also obtain information about whether their vehicle is covered, the available remedies, and any special instructions by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) in GM’s Owner Center – at GM Recall Information | GM account | GM or via NHTSA’s website.

The NHTSA adds that customers can obtain courtesy transportation (such as rentals) if their vehicle is part of the recall and if they “are within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with this recall.”

According to the CBS report, GM owners can contact the following for more information:

• Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223
• Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020
• GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782

The number for GM’s recall is N252494000.

Owners can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). NHTSA’s number for the recall is 25V-274.

How do defective truck part claims work in Atlanta?

At Harris Lowry Manton, we file product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who sell defective trucks and truck parts. There are three types of product liability claims:

• Strict liability claims. In this type of claim, there is no need to prove fault. The manufacturer of the product is liable for your injuries or the death of a family member if the product is defective, the defect is the cause of an accident, and the accident is the cause of your injuries or your loved one’s death. We work with product experts and the NHTSA to help show that a truck part was defective.
• Breach of warranty claims. GM and other truck manufacturers often make express (written) warranties and implied warranties about the fitness and good working order of their products. Our truck accident lawyers hold these manufacturers accountable when they breach their warranties and the breach causes harm.
• Negligence claims. In this type of claim, we work to show the manufacturer was negligent and that they acted unreasonably. Unreasonable actions involve failing to act in accordance with acceptable truck industry standards. Manufacturers may be negligent if they fail to test their products, fail to respond to NHTSA investigations, or for many other reasons.

Atlanta personal injury law firm Harris Lowry Manton has the experience and working relationships with truck part specialists to handle product liability claims for accident victims and for families when truck accidents are fatal. We demand compensation for all your financial and personal damage. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are ready to help you now. Please call us or complete our easy-to-use contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis.