GM recalls engine failure involves a defect in the 6.2L V8 engines used in certain 2021–2024 GM trucks and SUVs. The recall was issued due to internal engine component issues, including faulty connecting rods and crankshafts, which could lead to engine knocking, power loss, or complete failure.
To be sure, engine failure is serious, and so is the problem GM is having, as thousands of vehicles with this error have been manufactured, and safety is being compromised. This automobile giant is recalling close to 600,000 vehicles across the United States. This recall is due to the problem with the 6.2L V8 engine, which is being used in numerous GM vehicles, mainly trucks and SUVs from model years 2021 to 2024.
The problem with this specific engine is pertaining to the connecting rod and crankshaft, which may cause premature wear and in some instances, total engine failure. Because of this, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started to probe if GM’s recall procedures are enough, or if they would have to take more serious actions.
In this article, we will address how GM is managing the problem, what to do if your vehicle is included in the recall, and what actions should be taken to secure the safety of the vehicle and its owner.
Contents
What Is Engine Failure and Why Is It Dangerous?
Engine failure is when an engine cannot do any of its functions. This can happen because of many reason. Some reason include mechanical breakdowns, engine overheating, or defects manufacturing issues with one or more of the parts. One of the top signs engine failure is losing the vehicle’s power and performance.
This can happen instantly without warning and can present an engine failure problem. One surprising thing is that engine failure can result in a driver being stranded on the side of the road. In the worse situation, engine failure can result in hazardous road situations, which can include a lot of traffic.
Per the many defects in the 6.2L V8 engines made by GM, engine failure can result in a driver losing power, engine knocking, or worse, total engine failure. This is extremely counter productive, because the the more total engine failures occur, the more unsafe. The more unsafe the vehicle becomes, there is a larger risk associated with an engine failure occurring when someone is driving extremely fast. This is extremely dangerous when the driver is in a potentially hazardous situation such as do a lane merger or driving uphill.
From the perspective of GM owners, this is extremely concerning because a lot of car owners are impacted and the defect is in one of the vehicle’s major systems the powertrain. GM hopes that this engine failure problem will solve more engine failures and also protect their customers.
Why Did GM Have Recalls for Engine Failures?
The problems with GM’s 6.2L V8 engines started when GM realized that there was a problem with the manufacturing of the engines that are found in their highly rated trucks and SUVs. These problems with the connecting rods and crankshaft are linked to engine knocking, loss of power, and in the worst case, complete engine failure.
1. Two Defective Critical Components: Connecting Rods and Crankshaft
The internal failure that caused the break down of the engine was discovered to include a connecting rod as well as a crankshaft. Connecting rods are the parts that translate the power from the piston to the crankshaft that then drives the wheels of the vehicle. Should the crankshafts or connecting rods defect die due to manufacturing problems, premature wear of their surfaces can occur and eventually cause an engine to run irregularly. This can lead to engine failure, and in some extreme cases total engine failure.
In some extreme cases, the engine knocking, which is a sound that can be described as a hard metal banging against something, takes place when some of the internal parts wear down to the extent that they are no longer separate. In some dire cases, this sort of damage can cause an engine to cease its functioning altogether. When this occurs, you will experience a loss of power, reduced acceleration, and stalling
2. Premature Wear and Sediment Accumulation
The sediment build-up within the engine is another contributing cause of the engine failure in affected vehicles. This sediment is created from build-up within the oil galleries due to contamination, which leads to poor lubrication and causes components, such as the bearings and crankshafts, to wear out. The resultant increased friction from the wearing of the components leads to further wear of the critical parts of the engine, which could lead to total engine failure.
As the build-up of sediment becomes worse, the performance of the engine declines further, and the symptoms of the problem becomes increasingly obvious. This problem is much worse in vehicles that are heavily used to tow or haul, as they create added strain to the engine. The more stress the engine is put under, the more quickly the defect will occur. Thus, it is time-critical for GM to act on the problems as they are identified.
What Vehicles Are In The Recall?
Many GM vehicles are included in the recall, most of which are equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. The models affected include Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024. Here are the vehicles that are part of the recall:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2021–2024)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024)
- Chevrolet Suburban (2021–2024)
- GMC Sierra 1500 (2021–2024)
- GMC Yukon (2021–2024)
- Cadillac Escalade (2021–2024)
If your vehicle is included in these models, you should find out if your vehicle is part of the recall. GM claims close to 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. are included, plus more in Canada and other countries.
How GM Is Handling the Problem
After GM found out about the engine defects, they began taking steps to fix the problem and help keep the owners of the affected vehicles safe.
1. GM Recall Announcement
The first thing GM did was make a formal announcement to GM to the public about the recalls. GM started to send emails and letters to the owners of the affected vehicles. In the recall announcement GM acknowledges the engine defect and explains how owners can get their vehicles inspected. The company also promised owners that the repairs would be done for free.
2. Free Inspections and Repairs
GM has promised to offer free inspections of all of the affected vehicles. If a defective engine is discovered, GM will fix or replace the engine at no cost to the owners. The repairs could include the replacement of the defective components, which can include connecting rods, crankshafts, and other defective parts. GM has also taken measures to examine the engine oil galleries to check for sediment and remove any contaminants that may be present.
3. Assistance and Warranty Extension
Aside from no-cost repairs, GM has provided affected vehicle owners more long-term warranty coverage. This way, vehicle owners financially concerned about future repairs related to the defect are relieved. GM has also promised more customer support throughout the recall process and even offered to coordinate rental vehicles when needed.
4. Further Investigation and Supervision
GM continues to cooperate with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the recall and the supervision of repair effectiveness. NHTSA has also initiated a separate investigation to guarantee that all the recall activities implemented by GM are adequate and that the problems have been completely resolved.
Finding Out If Your Vehicle Is Affected
If you think your vehicle could be involved in the GM Engine Failure Recall, start by checking your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This number will tell you whether your vehicle is part of the recall. Here’s how you do it:
1. Look up a Recall for GM: GM offers a GM recall look up tool, so you can easily type in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). To find your VIN, look at the dashboard by the windshield or the driver’s side door. After you enter your VIN, the tool will say whether your car is affected and whether it needs repairs.
2. Check on the NHTSA Website: Aside from GM’s website, you can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) site to see if your vehicle is involved in any recall. This is helpful if you do not know whether you’re affected by the GM Recall and you want to check on a different site.
3. Go to Your GM Dealer: Another way to assist you is to go to a GM dealership in your area. If you wish to visit a dealership, they can assist you in checking your VIN and set up an inspection. They can also inform you about what repairs or replacements might need to be done.
What Should You Do if Your Vehicle Is Affected?
If your vehicle is impacted by the GM engine failure recall, here are a few things you need to do.
1. Make an Appointment for the Recall Inspection: After you determine that your vehicle is in the recall, the next step is to go to your nearest GM dealership and make an appointment. This needs to be done ASAP. They will examine your engine and complete the repairs or replacements that are needed.
2. Drive with Caution Until the Repair is Done: If you are still operating your vehicle, you need to do so with care. Be mindful and listen for any strange noises, or if the power shifts or if there is a change in the way the vehicle performs. This could be an indication that the engine is failing.
3. Keep a Record of All Repairs: You’ll want to explain all of the repairs, inspections, and anything GM or your dealer did regarding the recall. Detailed notes will come in handy for any warranty claims or future issues regarding the defect.
4. Keep an Eye on New Recalls: If the engine is repaired, you will want to keep an eye on new recalls or service campaigns GM issues. If the problem continues or if new issues are found, further action may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about recalls on GM failure engines –
1. Why was GM forced to recall these engines?
The connecting rods and crankshafts in these engines could fail, cause premature wear, and lead to engine failure.
2. Where can I find out if my vehicle is a recall?
You can view your recall status by entering your VIN into GM’s recall lookup tool. Or, you can go to any GM dealership.
3. In what manner will GM repair my engine?
GM will repair or partially replace defective engine parts, and this will incur no cost to the owner.
4. Can I drive my car if it is under recall?
Engine problems could be hidden, and your car could be running fine. To be safe, it should be checked. If your vehicle is showing any engine trouble (knocking, power loss), it should be checked immediately.
5. What will happen if I do not repair the recall?
Letting the engine remain uninspected or unrepaired can cause serious engine problems, and can lead to a lot of repairs and safety issues.
Conclusion
There is a lot of concern about GM recalls on engine failure among the owners of the most affected vehicles. If you have a 2021–2024 model GM truck or SUV with a 6.2L V8 engine recall, it is important to check whether your vehicle is part of the recall.
GM is attempting to provide solutions such as free inspections and repairs, but you will still have to take the initiative to find out if your vehicle is impacted. Keep your vehicle safe and dependable by checking your VIN and setting an inspection with your local GM dealer.
