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GM Faces NHTSA Investigation Over Engine Failure Claims

General Motors (GM) is potentially encountering a significant warranty challenge as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into engine failures affecting approximately 877,710 SUVs and trucks manufactured by the company.

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reported receiving 39 complaints alongside several “early warning” field reports that suggest engine failures in GM vehicles equipped with the L87 engine, a well-known 6.2L V8 engine that has been in widespread use for many years and received updates as recently as 2019.

Reported issues from both GM owners and service centers point to an alarming “bearing failure that could lead to either engine seizure or the connecting rod breaking through the engine block,” with failures occurring unexpectedly and without prior warning. Such engine failures could result in a total loss of power, consequently heightening the risk of accidents, according to the NHTSA.

Vehicles Under Investigation

The investigation specifically pertains to certain L87-equipped models, including:

• The 2019-2024 Model Year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups
• The 2021-2024 Model Year Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade SUVs

The NHTSA is now assessing the full scope and severity of the reported issues, including the potential risks associated with them.

GM’s Response

A spokesperson from GM stated, “The safety and satisfaction of our customers are the highest priorities for the entire GM team, and we continue to cooperate with the NHTSA’s evaluation of this matter.”

Investigations conducted by the ODI can lead to voluntary recalls if a defect that poses a safety concern is confirmed. This specific investigation stems from the NHTSA’s review of consumer complaints and field reports that hint at a critical failure of the bearing that secures the engine crankshaft and connecting rod.

It is essential to note that this is not the first time GM has faced complaints regarding engine bearing failures. In August of last year, a group of vehicle owners, alongside their legal representatives, initiated efforts to achieve class-action certification for a lawsuit based on claims of premature bearing failures, asking for complete engine replacements.

Additionally, GM launched a “customer satisfaction program” in April—a move that does not qualify as a recall. This program reportedly involved replacing certain L87 engines in Model Year 2023 vehicles for owners reporting issues linked to “oversized lifter bores,” a concern affecting long-term engine durability.

Financial Implications for GM

If a recall is deemed necessary, GM would face substantial expenses related to the repair of connecting rod bearings or possibly full engine replacements across the approximately 878,000 affected vehicles. Such actions could entail significant financial repercussions for the company.

In comparison, GM’s largest recall last year involved a defective tailgate latch affecting about 570,000 vehicles. The company’s third-quarter results indicated that it had incurred $700 million in warranty claims, a figure that encompasses additional payments made beyond routine repairs linked to NHTSA safety recalls.

Source
finance.yahoo.com