NHTSA expands investigation into GM 6.2L L87 engine failures
A. Krivonosov
NHTSA expands probe into 286,000 GM models with 6.2L L87 engines after 1,157 crankshaft bearing complaints in Silverado 1500 and Escalade; wider recall likely.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation into 286,000 General Motors vehicles over a potential engine failure. The probe targets models equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 engine, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup and the Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Launched in January 2025, the investigation already prompted a recall in April. Since then, the regulator has received 1,157 additional complaints about crankshaft bearing failures that can cause serious engine damage and raise crash risk. The case has now moved to an engineering analysis, a deeper phase that often points to the prospect of further NHTSA action—a sign the agency sees more than isolated incidents.
GM previously acknowledged the defect may be linked to manufacturing errors involving components of the connecting-rod and piston assembly, including the connecting rods and the crankshaft. Authorities now plan to assess whether similar issues could affect vehicles not covered by the earlier recall.
