GM Repairs V8 Engines, but Drivers Report Continued Failures
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently examining new complaints regarding the L87 V8 engines. These engines are failing despite a previous recall designed to resolve similar issues. Reportedly, 36 engines have malfunctioned following the recall fix.
Background on GM’s V8 Engine Recall
In total, the initial recall impacted 597,630 trucks and SUVs produced between 2021 and 2024. This recall focused on potential manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft components, which could lead to significant engine damage.
Key Issues Identified
- Rod-bearing Damage: Contamination caused by sediment on the connecting rods and in the crankshaft oil galleries.
- Crankshaft Concerns: Dimensions and surface finishes of the crankshafts fell outside of acceptable specifications.
In response to these issues, dealers were instructed to either repair or replace affected engines. Vehicles that passed inspection were switched to a higher viscosity oil and received new oil fill caps and filters.
Current Investigation Details
The government investigation is now scrutinizing the effectiveness of the recall remedy. The affected models include popular vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban.
Though the original recall indicated that only 3% of affected vehicles showed issues, this translates to approximately 17,929 vehicles. However, the problem appears more extensive, with 28,102 field complaints linked to engine failure. Among these complaints, 14,332 reported a loss of propulsion.
Safety Concerns
The ramifications extend beyond mechanical failures; GM has also identified 12 separate crashes and 12 injuries that could be related to problems with the L87 V8 engine. This investigation adds to growing concerns about the reliability of GM’s V8 engines amidst ongoing lawsuits.
As the situation develops, both GM and the NHTSA are under scrutiny to provide answers and assurances to consumers facing these serious engine issues.
