General Motors V8 Engine Investigation Raises Concerns for Silverado, Sierra, and SUV Owners

What GM Owners Need to Know About the V8 Engine Investigation

General Motors (GM) is under federal scrutiny as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 877,710 vehicles due to reports of L87 V8 engine failures. The investigation focuses on potential bearing failures in the widely used L87 V8 engine, which could lead to complete engine seizure or catastrophic engine block damage.

GM vehicles equipped with this engine, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade, may experience sudden power loss while on the road, posing serious safety risks. If you own one of these vehicles, understanding your legal rights under California Lemon Law is a must in case your vehicle exhibits these defects.

Which GM Vehicles Are Affected?

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified 2019-2024 models equipped with the L87 V8 engine as part of its preliminary evaluation.

The affected models include:

What Is Causing the Brake System Issue?

Owners have reported that the issue occurs without warning, increasing the likelihood of accidents or vehicle damage. The lack of prior warning signs makes it even more critical for affected owners to seek immediate assistance if they suspect their vehicle may be defective.

Common Symptoms of GM V8 Engine Issues

Owners experiencing Chevrolet Silverado engine failure or Sierra engine malfunctions have reported the following:

• Unusual Engine Noises: Knocking, ticking, or metallic sounds from the engine bay.
• Loss of Power: Sudden deceleration or failure to accelerate under normal driving conditions.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) Activation: Dashboard warning indicators appear before failure.
• Oil Consumption Issues: Excessive oil consumption or oil leaks linked to bearing failures.
• Complete Engine Seizure: Sudden vehicle shutdowns, leading to dangerous driving situations.

If you notice any of these issues, do not ignore them—seek inspection immediately and document all service visits and repair attempts.

How GM Plans to Address the Investigation

Currently, GM is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation but has not issued a recall. The ODI’s preliminary evaluation will determine whether a recall is necessary. If GM proceeds with a recall, affected owners may receive repairs or full engine replacements at no cost.

In the meantime, GM is advising dealerships to inspect vehicles experiencing engine-related complaints. However, if multiple repair attempts fail to resolve the issue, you may be eligible for relief under California Lemon Law.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Lemon Law

California Lemon Law protects California consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that exhibit recurring defects affecting safety, performance, or value.

If your GM vehicle continues to experience engine failures despite multiple repairs, you may be entitled to:

• A Replacement Vehicle: A new, comparable vehicle free of defects.
• A Refund: Including your down payment, monthly payments, and taxes.
• Reimbursement for Additional Costs: Compensation for rental cars, towing, or other out-of-pocket expenses caused by the defect.

Manufacturers are also required to cover attorney fees, ensuring that pursuing a claim comes at no financial risk to the consumer.

When Does Lemon Law Apply?

Your GM truck or SUV may qualify for Lemon Law protections if:

• Repeated Repairs Fail: The issue persists after multiple service attempts.
• Safety Risks Exist: Engine failure causes unsafe driving conditions.
• Excessive Downtime: The vehicle has been out of service for an unreasonable amount of time due to engine-related repairs.

How Gayle Law Group PC Can Help

Filing a Lemon Law claim can be complex, but Gayle Law Group PC specializes in helping California consumers hold automakers accountable.

Our experienced team provides:

• Case Evaluation: We assess your vehicle’s history to determine Lemon Law eligibility.
• Documentation Assistance: We gather repair records and dealership communications to build a strong case.
• Aggressive Legal Representation: We fight to ensure GM takes full responsibility for your defective vehicle.

We have successfully handled numerous Lemon Law cases in California, ensuring clients receive fair compensation or replacement vehicles when manufacturers fail to resolve defects.

Take Action Today to Protect Your Rights

If your GM vehicle is experiencing engine failures, do not wait for a recall that may never happen. You have the legal right to demand accountability from GM under California Lemon Law.

Contact Gayle Law Group PC today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to help you get the resolution you deserve and ensure you are not left with a defective vehicle. Don’t let GM’s engine defects compromise your safety—take action now!