Hagens Berman: Law Firm Behind Many of the Largest Auto Class Actions Sues GM for Engine Failure Defect in Over 800,000 SUVs and Pickup Trucks

DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A class-action lawsuit aimed at General Motors accuses the automaker of bungling one of the largest engine recalls in its history, according to Hagens Berman, and abandoning consumers who own or lease one of more than 877,000 vehicles affected by a defect that causes sudden, catastrophic engine failure.

“GM markets itself as an automaker that advocates for the safety of its customers and their families,” Berman added. “Now would be a great time for GM to fulfill that promise.”

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According to the lawsuit filed May 19, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the defect occurs with no warning in vehicles equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines with as little as a thousand miles of use, occurring more often at high speeds. According to the class action, GM has known about the defect for several years but failed to disclose it to affected owners prior to the purchase of their vehicles.

If you own a GM-branded vehicle equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines contact Hagens Berman to find out more about this issue and your consumer rights against GM. Affected model years include 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500, 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban, 2021-2024 GMC Yukon, 2021-2024 GMC Yukon XL, 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV.

“What started as a recall has ballooned into what appears to be the need for full engine replacement for at least 870,000 vehicles,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman and attorney representing affected owners. “This defect is serious because it involves sudden catastrophic engine failure with no warning and is more common at high speeds. This spells danger for anyone in or near the car.”

“GM markets itself as an automaker that advocates for the safety of its customers and their families,” Berman added. “Now would be a great time for GM to fulfill that promise.”

According to the lawsuit, GM’s L87 6.2L V8 engine connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and catastrophic engine failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in its summary of the defect, “…complainants report a bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod.”

GM dealerships have reportedly informed consumers that there is no guidance for them to fix the defect at the root of the recall, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for those who purchased the affected vehicles under California and Washington state consumer protection laws including false advertising law, unfair competition law and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, as well as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.

Attorneys say the affected vehicles have significantly suffered in value: “In addition to rendering the Class Vehicles unsafe to drive, the Bearing Defect significantly reduces the value of the Class Vehicles. And, if GM had disclosed the truth about the Bearing Defect, Plaintiffs would not have purchased their vehicles or would have paid less.”

Learn more about the lawsuit against General Motors for the engine failure defect affecting vehicles equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm’s determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.