GM Halts Sales of 6.2L Trucks and SUVs

By Ashley Morgan 26/08/2026 3 min read 2 views

General Motors has halted sales of 6.2-liter trucks and SUVs equipped with the L87 V8 engine. The automaker issued a stop-sale order for all full-size pickups and SUVs with this powertrain built between the 2021 and 2024 model years.

Affected models include the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL. GM has ordered dealers to inspect all unsold inventory at dealerships before delivery. The company cited concerns over connecting rod and crankshaft integrity as the cause of the failures.

Engine Defects Prompt Recall

GM has issued a recall for 2021–2024 full-size pickups and SUVs with the 6.2L V8 engine. The problem involves potential defects in the connecting rods and crankshafts that could lead to sudden engine failure. This issue has triggered a formal investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, following numerous customer complaints of catastrophic engine failure and increased crash risk.

Dealers will scan for diagnostic trouble code P0016, which indicates crankshaft or camshaft misalignment. Vehicles that pass inspection will receive higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil, a new oil cap, and a revised owner’s manual insert. If a vehicle fails inspection, it may require an engine replacement.

GM advises that switching to thicker 0W-40 oil offers improved protection under high load and temperature. This aligns with specifications seen in performance models like the Camaro and Corvette. The recall indicates inconsistencies in manufacturing tolerances that could cause premature wear or total engine failure.

The company manufactures the 6.2L L87 V8 engine at Tonawanda Propulsion, its engine assembly plant in Buffalo, N.Y. The 2025 models are not affected thanks to updated manufacturing processes, though availability of 6.2L V8 trucks and SUVs remains limited. This situation highlights a recurring challenge in modern manufacturing where minor variations in assembly can lead to significant safety issues.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently evaluating the scope of the engine failures. The filing reveals that the defect affects a wide range of full-size vehicles. Reports indicate that the issue has been widespread enough to warrant a formal investigation.

According to the filing, the 2025 models are not affected thanks to updated manufacturing processes, though availability of 6.2L V8 trucks and SUVs remains limited.

Journalists on the scene have noted that this pause impacts a significant portion of the company’s upper-trim inventory. The decision affects the full-size truck and SUV segments, which are currently critical for the automaker’s revenue.

Dealers are tasked with checking for code P0016 before a vehicle can be sold. This diagnostic scan helps identify the crankshaft or camshaft misalignment. The fix involves a software update and a change to the oil specification.

General Motors confirms that the L87 engine is produced at the Tonawanda Propulsion plant. The facility is responsible for the assembly of the problematic powertrain. Updates to the manufacturing line have been implemented for the upcoming model year.