Chevrolet 6.2L L87 Engine Reliability Guide | What Every Buyer Must Know
You’re shopping for a truck or SUV with GM’s biggest V8, and the 6.2L L87 promises class-leading power — but picking the wrong model year could leave you with a $15,000 engine replacement bill and a truck that’s been “fixed” but still fails.
The Chevrolet 6.2L L87 V8 has a serious reliability problem. It’s a complex story involving manufacturing defects, a controversial recall, and engines that keep failing even after being “fixed.” Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
The 6.2L L87 V8 in 2019–2024 Chevrolet and GMC trucks has widespread issues with connecting rod and crankshaft bearing failures that can cause complete engine seizure without warning . GM issued a massive recall in April 2025 covering nearly 600,000 U.S. vehicles . The fix? For some engines, just a switch to thicker oil and a new oil cap — which many owners and experts call a “band-aid” that doesn’t address the root defect . The NHTSA is now investigating whether the recall remedy actually works, after 36 complaints of engines failing even after the fix . Avoid 2021–2024 models with this engine unless the recall work has been done and you have an extended warranty. For 2025 and newer, proceed with extreme caution — a 2026 model already failed at just 6,700 miles .
Key Takeaways
- Major Engine Defect: The L87 suffers from manufacturing defects in connecting rods and crankshafts that can cause sudden, catastrophic failure .
- The Recall Was Huge: GM recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and over 700,000 globally in April 2025 .
- The “Fix” Is Questionable: Vehicles that passed inspection got thicker oil (0W-40 instead of 0W-20), a new oil cap, and a new filter. Critics say this masks the problem rather than fixing it .
- Failures Continue: The NHTSA is investigating reports of L87 engines failing after the recall fix was completed .
- Even 2026 Models Aren’t Safe: A 2026 GMC Sierra with the 6.2L suffered a collapsed lifter at just 6,700 miles, suggesting the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) valvetrain issues persist .
- The Problem Is Global: A class-action lawsuit in Australia covers over 10,000 Silverado owners, with one reported replacement engine seizing within 27 kilometers of leaving the dealership .
- Check Your VIN: If you’re looking at a 2019–2024 model with the 6.2L, verify if the recall work has been done and if any engine issues have been reported .
What Is the L87 Engine?
The L87 is GM’s 6.2-liter V8, part of the small-block family. It was introduced for the 2019 model year and is used in:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (High Country and optional on other trims)
- Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe
- GMC Sierra 1500 (Denali and up)
- GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
- Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV (standard)
It produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine in GM’s half-ton truck lineup. But that power comes at a cost.
The L87 also features Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), which can shut off up to seven cylinders to save fuel. This complex system relies on high-tech hydraulic lifters that have proven to be a weak point .
The Main Problem: Bearing Failure
The big issue is bearing failure in the bottom end of the engine. The connecting rod and crankshaft bearings can fail, causing the engine to seize or throw a rod through the engine block — often without any warning .
According to GM’s own investigation, there are two main causes :
- Manufacturing debris left in connecting rods and crankshaft oil passages that damages bearings
- Crankshafts that don’t meet specifications for dimensions and surface finish
GM’s internal data shows 28,000 field complaints potentially related to engine failure due to crankshaft, connecting rod, or bearing issues. Of these, 14,332 involved loss of propulsion while driving. GM also identified 12 crashes and 42 fires potentially related to the issue .
A class-action lawsuit alleges the engines have a “defect in the connecting rod or crankshaft engine component” that can cause the engine to seize or throw a rod .
The Recall: What GM Did
In April 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274, affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and over 700,000 globally .
The recall covered:
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe
- 2021–2024 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
The fix depends on the inspection:
- Engines that passed inspection got higher viscosity oil (0W-40 instead of 0W-20), a new oil fill cap, an oil filter replacement, and an updated owner’s manual .
- Engines that failed inspection were repaired or replaced .
GM said that engines built after June 1, 2024, are not affected by the defect .
Why the Recall Fix Is Controversial
Many owners and experts are skeptical about GM’s “oil fix.” Here’s why .
1. Physics Doesn’t Lie
If a connecting rod bearing has defective material, changing the oil viscosity can’t “heal” the metal. Thicker oil might delay failure or mask the ticking sound, but it doesn’t fix the underlying defect. A Silverado owner put it bluntly: “How does thicker oil fix a defective bearing? It doesn’t. It just quiets the noise until the warranty runs out” .
2. The Efficiency Contradiction
For years, GM insisted that 0W-20 oil was critical for the L87’s DFM system to function correctly. Now they’re saying 0W-40 is fine. This reversal suggests GM is prioritizing engine survival during the warranty period over long-term efficiency .
3. Even GM Dealers Aren’t Confident
One dealer reportedly cut an owner’s oil change interval to 3,000 miles following the recall — a clear sign that even service departments don’t trust the “fix” .
The Investigation Continues
After the recall, the NHTSA received 36 complaints from owners whose engines failed after the recall fix had been completed .
These owners said the prescribed remedy — the thicker oil and new oil cap — didn’t prevent their engines from suffering catastrophic failure .
The NHTSA opened a “Recall Query” to assess whether GM’s fix is actually adequate . This is a step used when regulators believe a recall remedy may not fully resolve a safety issue .
The current investigation could lead to an expanded recall if regulators determine the “oil fix” doesn’t work .
Even 2026 Models Aren’t Safe
You might think buying a brand-new 2025 or 2026 model avoids the problem. Think again.
A 2026 GMC Sierra with the 6.2L V8 suffered a collapsed lifter at just 6,700 miles . Owner Jacob Van Den Top reported: “If anyone was wondering, 6,700 miles on a 2026 6.2 and lifters went already. I thought they fixed them in 2026, evidently not” .
Why is this happening?
The DFM system uses high-tech hydraulic lifters that can fail when the locking pin doesn’t engage or disengage correctly. This causes the lifter to “collapse,” leading to a dead cylinder and potential pushrod damage. The fundamental design of the solenoid-controlled oil manifold remains largely unchanged, even for 2026 .
GM issued Service Bulletin PIP6101A in February 2026 addressing a “top-end ticking noise” caused by debris infiltrating valve lash adjusters. This creates a “soft” lifter that fails to maintain hydraulic pressure .
Model Years to Avoid and Consider
Definitely Avoid
- 2021–2024 with the 6.2L L87 — This is the heart of the recall. Even if the recall work has been done, reports of post-recall failures are concerning. Get a detailed inspection and an extended warranty if you must buy one.
- 2019–2020 with the 6.2L L87 — These earlier L87s are also under investigation for bearing failures outside the original recall scope. The NHTSA has received over 1,000 reports of engine failure across 2019–2024 models .
Proceed with Extreme Caution
- 2025–2026 with the 6.2L L87 — While GM claims engines built after June 1, 2024, are not affected by the bearing defect, the 2026 lifter failure at 6,700 miles proves valvetrain issues persist .
- Diesel or 6.6L gas options may be safer alternatives if you need a heavy-duty truck .
Consider Instead
- The 5.3L V8 (L84) — Has its own AFM lifter issues, but doesn’t have the L87’s bearing failure problem. Some owners report good reliability.
- The 3.0L Duramax diesel — A strong alternative with good fuel economy and fewer reported issues .
What to Look For When Buying
If you’re set on a 6.2L L87, here’s what to do:
- Check the VIN on the NHTSA website to see if any recalls (especially 25V-274) are open or have been completed .
- Ask for service records — Has the recall work been done? If so, did the engine pass inspection and get the thicker oil, or did it need a replacement?
- Test drive thoroughly — Listen for ticking or knocking, especially on cold starts. Pay attention to any hesitation or rough idle .
- Look at the engine build date — If the engine was built after June 1, 2024, GM says it’s not affected .
- Consider an extended warranty — Given the severity of the issues, an extended powertrain warranty is essential if you buy any 2019–2024 L87 truck .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the biggest problem with the 6.2L L87 V8?
The biggest issue is connecting rod and crankshaft bearing failure that can cause the engine to seize without warning. GM recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles over this defect .
Is the 6.2L L87 V8 reliable?
Unfortunately, no. The L87 has widespread reliability issues, with over 1,000 complaints to the NHTSA and a major recall. Even after the recall “fix,” some engines continue to fail .
What is the GM recall for the 6.2L V8?
Recall 25V-274 covers 2021–2024 vehicles with the L87 6.2L V8. GM dealers inspect the engine and either replace it or switch to thicker oil, depending on the inspection results .
Does the 6.2L L87 recall fix actually work?
Many owners and experts are skeptical. The NHTSA is investigating reports of engines failing after the recall fix was completed. The “oil fix” doesn’t address the root bearing defect .
Are 2025–2026 models with the 6.2L V8 safe?
Not entirely. While GM says engines built after June 1, 2024, aren’t affected by the bearing defect, a 2026 GMC Sierra already failed at 6,700 miles due to a collapsed lifter .
What is Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) and why does it matter?
DFM is GM’s cylinder deactivation system that can shut off up to seven cylinders to save fuel. It relies on complex hydraulic lifters that are prone to failure. A collapsed lifter can cause a dead cylinder and pushrod damage .
Should I buy a 2021 Silverado with the 6.2L V8?
Only with extreme caution. Make sure the recall work has been done, check the engine build date, and get a pre-purchase inspection. An extended powertrain warranty is non-negotiable if you buy one.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a 6.2L L87?
The Chevrolet 6.2L L87 V8 delivers impressive power and torque. But the reliability problems are serious and well-documented.
The recall “fix” is controversial. The NHTSA is investigating whether it actually works. Engines are still failing, even after the fix. And 2026 models aren’t immune .
If you’re determined to own a 6.2L-equipped truck:
- Buy 2025 or newer, and only if the engine was built after June 1, 2024 .
- Avoid 2021–2024 models unless you’re comfortable with the risk and have a strong warranty.
- Consider the 5.3L V8 or 3.0L Duramax diesel as alternatives .
One final piece of advice: if you already own a 2021–2024 6.2L truck and haven’t had the recall done, get it inspected immediately. If you’ve had the recall done but notice ticking, hesitation, or a check engine light, document everything and push for a full inspection. A sudden engine failure on the highway isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous.
What’s your experience with the 6.2L L87 engine? Drop your story in the comments below.
References & Further Reading
- Carscoops – GM V8s Are Still Blowing Up and Feds Want Answers
- Road & Track – NHTSA Investigation into 6.2L V8s
- Yahoo! Autos – Regulators Reexamine GM 6.2L V8
- CarExpert – GM V8 Engine Failures Prompt New Safety Probe
- Torque News – 2026 GMC Sierra Engine Failure Report
- Drive – Australian Class Action Over Silverado V8 Defects
