The Silverado L87 engine recall (GM recall 25V-274, N252494000) covers certain 2021-2024 vehicles with the 6.2L V8, including 107,244 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups, out of 597,571 vehicles in total. GM found manufacturing defects in connecting rods and crankshafts that can damage bearings and cause engine failure. Dealers inspect each engine and either replace it or service it with 0W-40 oil.
Quick answer
- Recall: NHTSA 25V-274, GM N252494000.
- Vehicles: 2021-2024 L87 vehicles built March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024 (597,571).
- Fix: dealer inspection, then engine replacement if it fails, or 0W-40 oil, new filter and cap if it passes.
- Still open: NHTSA is separately examining failures after the remedy (EA26005).
Figures are from NHTSA documents. Canadian owners should confirm their VIN with GM Canada and Transport Canada, since Canadian campaigns can differ.
Which vehicles are covered
| Model (2021-2024) | Potentially involved (U.S.) |
|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 153,637 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 107,244 |
| GMC Yukon | 82,841 |
| Cadillac Escalade | 79,673 |
| GMC Yukon XL | 60,926 |
| Cadillac Escalade ESV | 46,267 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 44,814 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 22,169 |
| Total | 597,571 |
GM estimated about 3% of these vehicles have the defect, and VINs were chosen from manufacturing records, so model year and engine alone do not prove your truck is included. The 877,710 figure seen in early coverage came from NHTSA’s January 2025 preliminary evaluation, not the final recall population.
What is wrong with the L87
GM’s teardown work found two primary causes: sediment on connecting rods and in crankshaft oil galleries that damages rod bearings, and crankshafts outside dimension or surface-finish specifications. Engine failure can cause loss of propulsion and raise crash risk.
Warning signs GM lists include knocking or banging, a Check Engine light, hesitation, unusually high RPM, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion or a no-start.
Warning: if the engine knocks badly, loses power, stalls or will not restart, move out of traffic if you can do so safely and call roadside assistance or a dealer.
How the recall fix works
- The dealer checks for diagnostic code P0016 and whether the vehicle is operable.
- If P0016 is present or the vehicle is inoperable, the procedure directs engine replacement. Otherwise the dealer runs the prescribed diagnostic test.
- An engine that fails the test is replaced.
- An engine that passes gets 0W-40 oil, a new filter and oil-fill cap, and an owner’s-manual insert.
The 0W-40 oil is for engines that pass the recall test. Do not change your oil grade on your own because of the campaign. Follow what the dealer assigns to your VIN.
Why owners question the fix
NHTSA opened Engineering Analysis EA26005 on August 20, 2026, covering 997,743 model-year 2021-2026 vehicles with the L87. Its opening resume cites 499 complaints of engine failure after the recall remedy (473 after an oil change, 26 after a full engine replacement) and 191 reports on engines built after the recall’s production window. These are complaints under investigation, not a confirmed defect rate, and an investigation is not a new recall.
What owners should do
- Search your VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup.
- If 25V-274 is open, book the free service with an authorized GM dealer.
- Keep the repair order, the inspection result and the oil grade specified.
- Report post-repair failures to your dealer and NHTSA.
- Buying used? Check the VIN and service records first.
For the legal side, read our GM L87 engine lawsuit guide and our GM engine recall lawsuit overview.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles are in the Silverado L87 engine recall?
Certain 2021-2024 vehicles with the 6.2L L87 V8, built March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024: Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Escalade and Escalade ESV.
Are 2025 and 2026 L87 vehicles recalled?
Not under recall 25V-274. NHTSA’s EA26005 investigation includes model years 2025-2026, but an investigation does not create a recall.
What does the recall repair involve?
The dealer inspects the engine. A failing engine is replaced, and a passing engine gets 0W-40 oil, a new filter and oil-fill cap, and an owner’s-manual insert.
Is the L87 recall repair free?
Yes. NHTSA states safety-recall repairs are performed at no charge.
Should I switch my L87 to 0W-40 oil myself?
Follow the oil specification assigned to your vehicle after the recall procedure rather than changing viscosity on your own.
Why did one early report say 877,710 vehicles?
That number came from NHTSA’s January 2025 preliminary evaluation. The final recall population is 597,571.
