The GM L87 class action is a US federal lawsuit alleging that the 6.2L L87 V8 in certain Silverado, Sierra, Escalade, Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon models can fail suddenly. A consolidated complaint was filed on February 26, 2026. It is separate from GM’s safety recall 25V274, which covers 597,571 vehicles, and no L87 settlement had been reported in the sources we reviewed.
Quick answer: the recall is a free repair, the class action is a claim for money damages, and NHTSA is separately reviewing whether the recall fix works. Allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven. This page is general information, not legal advice.
GM L87 Class Action: What the Case Alleges
The case is Rittereiser et al. v. General Motors, LLC in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (case 4:25-cv-10479), filed on May 19, 2025. According to plaintiffs’ counsel, the complaint alleges that a bearing defect in the L87 can cause sudden engine failure without warning, that replacement parts were hard to get, and that the engine problem reduces vehicle value even after the recall remedy. Plaintiffs seek damages for people who bought or leased affected vehicles. Hagens Berman was appointed interim co-lead class counsel on November 13, 2025.
How the Recall, Probe and Lawsuit Differ
| Process | Who runs it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Recall 25V274 | GM, under NHTSA rules | 597,571 vehicles, 2021-2024 models built March 2021 to May 2024. Dealers inspect the engine, then replace it or switch to higher-viscosity oil |
| NHTSA recall query RQ26001 | NHTSA | Opened January 16, 2026 after 36 complaints of failures that happened after the recall remedy; it assesses whether the remedy is adequate |
| Class action | US federal court | Money damages and other relief for owners and lessees, alleged defect and non-disclosure |
The recall filing reports that GM estimated about 3% of vehicles have the defect, describes connecting-rod and crankshaft manufacturing issues, and lists knocking, a check-engine light, reduced power or a no-start as warning signs. A press report on August 21, 2026 described a wider NHTSA probe into nearly one million GM trucks and SUVs, so check NHTSA for the latest status.
What Owners Can Do
- Check your VIN with NHTSA or GM for open recalls.
- If you notice knocking, a warning light or loss of power, stop driving and have a dealer inspect the engine.
- Keep invoices, repair orders and emails about engine problems.
- For the lawsuit, read the court filings or class counsel’s pages, such as the plaintiffs’ counsel case page, and speak to a qualified lawyer about your rights.
Official documents: recall report 25V274 and recall query RQ26001. For the models and fix in detail, see our Silverado L87 engine recall guide and the overview of the GM L87 engine lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GM L87 class action about?
Owners and lessees allege that GM sold trucks and SUVs with a 6.2L L87 V8 that can fail suddenly, and that the problem was not disclosed. These are allegations by plaintiffs; no court has found GM liable.
Which vehicles are in the lawsuit?
Plaintiffs’ counsel lists 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL with the L87 engine. The separate GM recall covers a narrower build window, 2021-2024.
Is there a settlement or claim deadline for L87 owners?
Not in the sources we reviewed. Settlement amounts and deadlines reported for other GM engine cases do not apply to the L87 case. Check the court docket or class counsel for current information.
Is the L87 recall the same as the lawsuit?
No. The recall (NHTSA 25V274) is a safety action GM must fix at no cost. The class action is a civil lawsuit about money damages and vehicle value. NHTSA has also opened a separate recall query on whether the recall remedy is adequate.
What should I do if I own an affected GM truck or SUV?
Check your VIN for open recalls, have a dealer inspect the engine, and keep all repair records, invoices and correspondence. For legal questions about the lawsuit, speak to a qualified lawyer.
Does the lawsuit cover Canadian owners?
The case page we reviewed describes a US nationwide class in a Michigan federal court. Canadian owners should check their VIN with GM Canada and seek advice about any Canadian proceedings.
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