Design Highlights
- NHTSA is investigating over 597,000 GM vehicles due to numerous complaints about engine failures, particularly with L87 6.2-liter V8 engines.
- The investigation was prompted by 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires indicating persistent engine issues even after recall repairs.
- Manufacturing defects in crankshafts have been reported, leading to engine wear and failures post-repair.
- GM recalled nearly 598,000 vehicles in April 2025, but NHTSA found ongoing engine failure concerns a year later.
- Legal challenges, including a class-action lawsuit, contribute to the scrutiny and potential financial implications for GM.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has kicked off an investigation into a staggering 597,571 GM vehicles, and it’s not just a routine check. This isn’t your average “let’s-see-what’s-happening” type of inquiry. Nope, it’s a serious examination sparked by a slew of complaints about engine failures after repairs that were supposed to fix the problem. You know, the ones that were supposed to save the day? Turns out, they didn’t.
The trouble centers around the L87 6.2-liter V8 engines that have been causing headaches since their launch in 2019. Manufacturing defects? Oh, they’ve got them in spades. Crankshafts made with dimensions that are out of whack, and a surface finish that’s more like a bad hair day than a reliable engine component. With over 28,000 complaints rolling in about engine wear and failure, it’s hard to ignore this mess.
In April 2025, GM recalled nearly 598,000 vehicles, hoping to put an end to the chaos. But just a year later, the NHTSA found itself diving back into the fray. Why? Because 36 owners reported engine failures after following the prescribed recall repairs. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound and hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
The current investigation is all about figuring out if that initial fix was nothing but a band-aid over a gaping wound. Was GM’s solution merely a temporary patch? Is this a case of “oops, we did it again”? The complaints are piling up, and they suggest that the defects are still lurking, ready to pounce on unsuspecting drivers. The investigation was launched after NHTSA received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) from affected owners indicating failures post-repair. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of previous recalls.
The vehicles affected are primarily full-size trucks and SUVs, which means a significant chunk of the American roadways could be in jeopardy. The initial recall should have set things straight, but the NHTSA’s findings imply otherwise.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s a class-action lawsuit looming over GM, adding legal woes to an already complicated situation.
As the NHTSA digs deeper, one thing is clear: the scrutiny is only going to intensify. With multiple investigations underway, GM may find itself facing a hefty bill for repairs or replacements. California law mandates insurers respond within 15 days and make decisions within 40 days for processing claims, though this timeline may vary depending on the complexity of vehicle-related cases. Buckle up, folks. It looks like this ride isn’t over yet.
