Many Americans trust big V8s, but GM’s L87 is another story
For many drivers of larger trucks and SUVs, a naturally-aspirated V8 is associated with superior reliability compared with the newer crop of smaller four- and six-cylinder engines with turbocharging, hybridization, or both. Just ask Ram, which recently reintroduced its Hemi V8 for the 1500 pickup.
However, the L87 small-block V8 engine found in numerous General Motors vehicles is an exception. Earlier this year, an investigation was launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following reports of the L87 experiencing engine failure. Thousands of vehicles were recalled, but the situation has now worsened for GM, with yet another class-action lawsuit alleging that the recall failed to solve the major problems associated with this engine.
GM Accused Of Knowing Engines Would Fail
GMC
Damaged connecting rods, black oil, overheating, and faulty crankshafts were previously identified as issues in a teardown of the L87 V8 engine, and at mileages that are unusually low for such issues.
According to the plaintiffs, GM was aware that the engines would fail before the vehicles using them were sold. Furthermore, they accuse the manufacturer of replacing the 6.2-liter V8 engines with units that are equally defective.
Related: Engine Teardown Reveals The Tiny Flaw That Destroyed One Of GM’s Most Reliable V8s
The plaintiffs that filed the lawsuit are Anthony Lofton and Betty Sherman. Loften funded Sherman’s purchase of a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 that had covered just 13,000 miles. That was in 2021, so the pickup was still fairly new. In the months leading up to May 2025, the L87 unit in the truck exhibited ticking and knocking noises, along with misfiring symptoms. Eventually, it overheated and the engine failed to start.
“According to GM, there are two primary root causes, both of which are attributable to supplier manufacturing and quality issues: (1) rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries; and (2) out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish,” said the lawsuit.
Multiple GM Vehicles Affected By Troublesome V8
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As part of the recall in April 2025, almost 600,000 GM vehicles were recalled, including the following models:
- Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
The recall only pertains to 2021 to 2024 model-year vehicles, but this latest lawsuit involves a 2019 model, indicating that the L87’s issues go back even further.
An estimated 3% of L87 engines will require replacements, a considerable number considering how popular these models are. According to the plaintiffs, their Sierra has been stranded at a GM dealer since early May, forcing them to incur expenses from car rentals in the meantime.
“Anthony Lofton would not have funded the purchase of the Class Vehicle, or would have paid less for it, had he known about the Engine Defect,” stated the lawsuit.
This latest lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, according to Car Complaints. It seems GM’s issues with this V8 are far from over.