Federal Investigation Underway After Engine Failures in GM Vehicles. Federal investigators are reviewing complaints of sudden engine failures in a number of General Motors trucks and SUVs in a number of General Motors cars and trucks. More than 600,000 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUVS are under review.
The 6.2 liter V8 engine was introduced in 2019, replacing the previous L86 engine. It began with the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. It was later featured in the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon.
Drivers have said their engines suddenly failed — often while traveling at highway speeds. And, many of these vehicles have low mileage. Some owners have required a total engine replacement, a repair that could set them back thousands when not covered under warranty.
Worse still, some drivers have replaced their engines more than once. If your local dealer can’t repair your truck at no cost to you, it could be a lemon. The California lemon law may be able to get the defect repaired, you refunded your money or a buyback. Continue reading to find out what you can choose.
What Vehicles are Affected by the 6.2 Engine Issues?
The 6.2L V8 engine can be located in the Chevy, GMC and Cadillac trucks and SUV’s. A number of these cars have been implicated in sudden engine failures, oil pressure problems and loss of power.
The following is a list of affected models:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2019–2024)
- GMC Sierra 1500 (2019–2024)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024)
- Chevrolet Suburban (2021–2024)
- GMC Yukon & Yukon XL (2021–present)
- Cadillac Escalade & Escalade ESV (Engine: 6.2L Applications)(2021-2024)
All of these vehicles feature the L87 6.2L V8 engine, which is known as the high power member of GM’s EcoTec3 engine family. The engine is known for its strong performance, which is why GM placed it in its most popular trucks and SUVs.
Typical GMC 6.2 Engine Problems That Can Be Potential Lemon Law Claims
A defective 6.2L GMC engine can cause catastrophic mechanical failures with a loss of safety or performance. Numerous drivers have suffered engines that seize, lose power and oil pressure; in many cases at very low mileage. If these issues persist after numerous repair attempts, then your vehicle may be a lemon.
Here are some of the most frequent 6.2L engine problems that might cause a GMC truck or SUV to be covered by the terms of a lemon buyback, replacement, or cash settlement:
Engine Seizure & Failure
The most common reason for the loss of your GMC 6.2L engine is a bad crank bearing. This can lead to the engine jamming, locking up or failing altogether. In some instances the damage is so extreme that the engine block completely cracks.
Here are a few red flags to look for:
- Holding accelerator to the floor and vehicle not responding
- Engine shuts off unexpectedly
- Banging or grinding sounds prior to the breakdown
An engine that’s been seized up usually has to be completely replaced- a costly and time-consuming procedure. If you have had repeated problems with your GMC, it may be a lemon under California’s lemon law, and we will need to ascertain the facts in order for you to exercise your rights.
Oil Pressure Problems
Low oil pressure warnings – We have received many calls from the owners of GMC pickups with the 6.2L engine because they are getting low oil level/oil pressure light regardless of their reservoir being at an optimum level. This condition can cause low lubrication, over-heating and in turn tends to damage the internals of your engine. Some cars also leak oil, or burn through it too fast.
Some signs are as follows:
- Dashboard warning that says “low oil pressure”
- Engine overheating or running rough
- Oil leaks under the vehicle
Power Loss & Stalling
Many GMC 6.2L trucks and SUV’s suffer from power loss, hesitation or stalling. This may happen during acceleration, at freeway speeds or when idling.
If there are signs of power loss, you will see the following symptoms on your GMC:
- Delayed or weak acceleration
- Sudden stalling while driving
- Sudden engine malfunction without any indication and notice.
Recurring Check Engine Light
GMC 6.2L AFM Owners of this engine report a chronic Check Engine issue that correlates with catastrophic motor failure. Some people are complaining that the warning light is coming back on even after several service visits.
Signs include:
- Engine light coming on soon after repair
- Multiple codes relating to engine operation
- Nothing from the dealer as a permanent fix
The or merely a check engine light is not the making of a lemon. But if the problem remains after multiple repair visits, the vehicle may be eligible for buyback, replacement or a financial settlement.
How do you know if your GMC 6.2 vehicle is a lemon?
If your modern GMC truck or SUV continues to have the same engine problems, you might be wondering if it is a lemon. Lemon laws safeguard consumers when a car has such serious flaws that the manufacturer is unable to repair it. But not just any broken car can cash in.
In order to see if the engine problem with a GMC 6.2L may be in fact, a lemon under State Lemon Law, consider the following:
How Many Repairs Are Too Many?
Under most lemon laws, a vehicle generally needs multiple repair attempts before it qualifies as a lemon. In California, the manufacturer usually has three or four opportunities to repair a serious problem. If the defect threatens safety (like an engine failure at highway speeds), fewer attempts may be required.
- In California, the manufacturer is supposed to have three or four opportunities to correct a severe problem.
- If the defect is likely to threaten lives (such as an engine failure at high speed), few such attempts would be necessary.
- If your truck has spent 30 days or more in the shop, even for different problems, you may qualify.
How Long Has the Car Been at the Shop?
Lemon laws also factor in how long a vehicle has spent out of service for repairs.
- If a GMC you own or lease has been in the shop numerous times for any issue, big or small, it could qualify.
- The repair work should be for the same major issue, not a host of unrelated minor fixes.
- Time spent waiting for parts or replacement also counts against the tally.
If your truck has been inoperable for weeks because of a chronically malfunctioning engine, it might be a lemon.
Does the Issue Affect Safety?
Certain flaws present a direct safety concern that could enable you to file a claim earlier.
- Stalling of the engine on passing under high speed is apt to cause accidents.
- The sudden loss of power can get you in situations where you do not want to be.
- Loss of oil pressure can lead to engine damage and unexpected break downs.
Servicing When You’re Still Under Warranty?
Many lemon laws involve new vehicles still under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
You could even still be eligible if you paid to have the issue fixed when your GMC 6.2L engine first had problems, possibly regardless of whether you took it back at any point while covered by the warranty.
- If the dealer has tried multiple repairs and failed, it could help your case.
- California includes used cars that are CPO or have remaining factory warranty.
- If you have a warranty, your truck is frequently breaking down and covered by the warranty, perhaps it’s time to consider what legal options are available.
What You Can Expect in a Lemon Law Case Against General Motors
Suing General Motors can be a daunting process, so learning what you can about the lemon law before you take action can do wonders to make it easier. What happens after you file your claim depends on how GM reacts. Some are resolved relatively quickly; others take longer if the manufacturer is uncooperative.
The first thing you can anticipate is an evaluation of your case. (GM or its lawyers will pour over your repair, warranty and service records. They can ask for more details or even one more shot at repairs. If your car has had to be repaired numerous times under the same issue, or has been in the shop for a long time, you have a better argument.
In the majority of lemon law cases, negotiations begin the process. GM may propose a remedy, including repurchasing or replacing the vehicle or offering an additional payment to the consumer, though it could also contest it. Some companies seek to reduce what they must pay by contending that the defect is not serious enough to warrant protection under lemon law. This is where an attorney who has experience with the lemon law can be a help.
If G.M. does not accept a reasonable settlement, your case could go to arbitration or trial. Arbitration may be mandatory before a lawsuit is filed in some states. It is a swifter process in which an independent third party considers the evidence and makes a decision. But arbitration judgments aren’t always good for the little guy. If the answer is “No,” you may sue in court.
If the case does go to court, it may take longer but you’re also more likely to receive full compensation. It will be up to a judge or jury whether your GMC is deemed a lemon, and what GM must do to remedy the problem. Manufacturers often settle before trial since they do not want the case ending up in court.
It’s important to be organized throughout the process. Save all records in case of future repair issues with your local dealer, any email exchanges with the dealership or correspondence to GM. The better your evidence, the better chance you have at winning your claim.
The compensation for the final agreement will be paid once your case is settled by receiving your compensation. In the event that you prevail, G.M. could be forced to repurchase your car, replace it or give you a monetary settlement. The manufacturer often also has to pay for attorney fees.
Do Something If You Have a Bad GMC 6.2L Engine!
You do not have to deal with it on your own if your GMC truck or SUV continues to experience engine troubles. California’s lemon law will prevent you from being left to rot with a bad automobile. If your truck has been in the shop too many times or if the dealer can’t seem to fix it, you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement or monetary compensation.
We are dedicated to helping California drivers who have purchased into automaker claims that we need to use less fuel. General Motors has an obligation to its trucks and S.U.V.s, but if they don’t want one, we will. Our firm is familiar with the GMC 6.2L engine issues many of you are dealing with, and we know how to make your case to get you the best result.
The earlier you intervene, the better. There are strict deadlines for lemon law claims, and if you wait too long, you could give up your right to seek compensation. Every day you waste stressing over your truck is another day not driving your dependable vehicle that you paid for. If you’ve experienced devastating engine failure in your GMC vehicle, oil pressure loss or a sudden power decrease put us to work for you now.
We provide free case reviews to better understand your rights. If you do qualify, we take over all the pain (GM doesn’t like to deal with these types of issues anyway) and negotiate your best settlement from GM. You won’t pay anything upfront. And, if we win, G.M. will pay your legal costs.
Please give us a call right now, or fill out our online form to find out if your GMC is eligible for a buyback or monetary compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GMC 6.2 engines reliable?
The GMC 6.2L V8 is used in GM’s larger trucks and SUVs, such as the Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade. It’s known for strong performance, but reliability has been questioned due to reported engine failures.
Is the 6.2 V8 a good engine?
With its 6.2-liter V8, it still delivers plenty of power, which is why trucks like the Raptor and increasing off-road capability make sense from an engineering perspective. But long term I’d bet against it, given reported failures. Bearing failure, engine seizure and low oil pressure warnings have all frustrated some owners. It provides excellent performance but a lof of drivers have been stung with surprise, expensive repairs.
How good is the fuel mileage for the 6.2 GMC engine?
According to the EPA, the 6.2L V8 is rated at 14-16 MPG city & 18-20 MPG highway depending on model and drive line. Trucks with RWD also enjoy slightly better fuel economy than trucks with 4WD. A few owners have complained that fuel economy is not as high as expected – especially when towing or in stop-and-go traffic.
How many miles is a 6.2 gas engine good for?
6.2L GMC engine should last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles if properly maintained. Although that depends on your oil changes and maintenance of course, as well as how you drive it. This was of little consolation to the many owners who suffered catastrophic failures much earlier, sometimes before 50,000 miles. There have been engine seizures, complaints of high oil consumption and loss in power where drivers are found to have pre-empted the replacement of their engines in frustration.
Citations
- Cars.com. (n.d.). 638,000 Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and Pickup Trucks Recall Alert. https://www.cars.com/articles/638000-chevrolet-and-gmc-suvs-and-pickup-trucks-recall-alert-412126/
- GM Authority. (n.d.). GM Ecotec3 Engines Overview. https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/ecotec3/
