NHTSA Investigating Alleged V-8 Engine Failures in General Motors SUVs, Trucks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into complaints of V-8 engines failing in certain General Motors SUVs and trucks, according to Road and Track.

Specifically, vehicles containing GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V-8 are covered in the investigation. NHTSA filings list several different models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe; certain Cadillac Escalades; GMC Sierra 1500s, and two sizes of GMC Yukon, with most having been manufactured between 2021 and 2024. All in all, NHTSA has estimated over 877,710 vehicles could be at risk of engine failure.

The agency’s Office of Defect Investigation has received 39 complaints claiming engine failure, allegedly caused by a bearing failure leading to engine seizure or the connecting rod going through the engine block.

“Failure or malfunction of the engine results in loss of motive power of the vehicle, which may lead to an increased risk of a crash resulting in injury and/or property damage,” stated NHTSA.

For now, this is only a preliminary investigation. It could potentially be followed with a recall depending on NHTSA’s findings.