Skip to main content

NHTSA opens a safety probe affecting nearly 900K GM vehicles

GM L87 V8 engine failure probe

Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet / Chevrolet

Although it is not officially a full-blown recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a new safety probe on January 16th, 2025, looking into multiple General Motors brands that span five model years and a total of 877,710 potentially affected vehicles.

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received 39 complaints about engines failing with no signs of advanced warning or prior symptoms. Along with these complaints, the ODI used corroborating field reports that point to similar engine failures as the cause of accidents and damage.

Recommended Videos

At the figurative and literal heart of the matter is General Motors’ relatively new L87 V-8 engine. A typical straightforward modern GM small block, the L87 is a 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated overhead valve engine that uses direct fuel injection and makes a robust 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

The L87 uses a stout forged steel crankshaft, but connecting rod bearing caps that are made of cheaper cast nodular iron. Unlike stronger cast forged or cast steel, cast nodular iron can be highly susceptible to surface defects and cracking due to micro-shrinkage pores. These defects can lead to the failing connecting rod bearings, which can, in turn, result in massive engine failure with almost no notice.

If the NHTSA’s ODI determines that these bearings are, in fact, the root cause of the engine failures. In that case, it will then issue an official recall notice via its website and notify all owners of potentially affected vehicles.

The list of affected brands, models, and years is as follows:

Brand

Model

Affected Years

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019-2024
Chevrolet Tahoe 2021-2024
Chevrolet Suburban 2019-2024
GMC Sierra 1500 2021-2024
GMC Yukon 2021-2024
GMC Yukon XL 2021-2024
Cadillac  Escalade 2021-2024
Cadillac  Escalade ESV 2021-2024
Lou Ruggieri
A lifelong lover of cars, Lou contributes to Motor Trend, Hot Cars, Auto & Truck Connection, and the PowerAutoMedia Group.
GM recalls over 90,000 Camaros and Cadillacs due to transmission problem
Faulty transmissions cause GM to recall more than 90K vehicles
2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings

General Motors (GM) is announcing a recall involving over 90,000 Chevy and Cadillac vehicles due to a significant issue with the transmission control valve that may result in tire lock-up during operation. This determination was made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which plays a critical role in ensuring automotive safety. The vehicles affected by this recall are those equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions.

The root of the problem lies in the transmission control valves of certain vehicles, which, over time, may become susceptible to excessive wear. This wear can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure within the valve, resulting in harsh shifting conditions. In rare instances, this may culminate in a momentary lock-up of the wheels. Such a scenario could significantly increase the risk of a collision, posing a serious safety concern for drivers and passengers alike.

Read more
F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025 preview: season-opener will reveal team strengths
F1 fans expecting Red Bull's Max Verstappen to continue to win may be surprised
Alpine F1 race car in the Singapore Grand Prix.

The first of the 2025 F1 Grand Prix schedule's 24 races is in Melbourne, Australia, this weekend. The Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 will run for three days from March 14 to 16, Australia time.

There's a 15-hour time difference between Melbourne and New York, so the first race event, Practice 1, begins on March 13. Juggling time zones may be a hassle, especially if you want to watch the lead-up events, but the excitement is building for this season with at least four of the ten teams in serious contention for the Championship. See below for the event schedule and how to watch the Grand Prix events live.
Who will win the F1 Driver's and Constructors' Championships?
McLaren's MCL39 Formula 2025 1 race car Courtesy of McLaren

Read more
Harley-Davidson went all out on the $110K CVO Road Glide RR
If the $45K CVO Road Glide ST isn't enough, how about the $110K CVO Road Glide RR?
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR limited edition right profile with a black background.

Just announced, Harley-Davidson is offering a 2025 CVO Road Glide RR model. This short production run of 131 hand-assembled, serialized bikes will be available only in the U.S. through select Harley-Davidson dealers. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) models always showcase the model year's most detailed and powerfully equipped motorcycles, but this one is extra special.

We previously mentioned the four CVOs in the 2025 Harley-Davidson lineup, including the impressive CVO Road Glide ST. With this new limited-edition bike, the Milwaukee-based brand has raised the bar so high that it's almost out of sight, including its lofty $110,000 retail price.
Why Harley-Davidson built the CVO Road Glide RR

Read more