NHTSA expands engine failure probe to nearly 1 million GM vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has escalated its investigation into General Motors (GM) vehicles due to persistent engine failure risks. The agency has opened an engineering analysis covering approximately 997,743 pickup trucks and SUVs from model years 2021 through 2026 equipped with the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine.

The probe follows reports that a previous recall, which covered nearly 600,000 vehicles, failed to resolve the issue. NHTSA noted that 499 complaints involved engine failures after vehicles had already received the recall remedy, including those that underwent oil-viscosity changes or complete engine replacements. Additionally, 191 reports of failures were identified in engines produced after the initial recall period.

AFFECTED MODELS The investigation includes several high-profile models: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban; the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL; and the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.

GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints regarding post-remedy engine failures. The company stated it is cooperating with the NHTSA evaluation, emphasizing that customer safety and satisfaction are its highest priorities.