Consolidated GM L87 V8 Engine Lawsuit: Updates in 2026

After multiple lawsuits were filed over alleged L87 engine failures, these claims were recently consolidated into a single federal class action litigation: Rittereiser v. General Motors, LLC in the Eastern District of Michigan.

For consumers, this means that joining the litigation is more straightforward, as dozens of individual claims are now being handled in a single proceeding.

These lawsuits were initially filed after GM truck and SUV owners discovered catastrophic defects in their 6.2L V8 engines.

While initial reports focused on lubrication, the litigation now highlights manufacturing defects including sediment contamination in oil galleries and out-of-specification crankshafts.

Overview of the GM L87 Engine Lawsuit

At its core, this lawsuit alleges that GM manufactured engines with internal defects that result in premature damage to the crankshaft and its bearings.

Plaintiffs allege these defects cause the engine to violently knock, stall, or even seize entirely. In some extreme cases, the failure can cause a connecting rod to breach the engine block, leading to oil leaks and potential engine compartment fires.

The safety risks are significant. Aside from the massive cost of an engine replacement, a sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds significantly increases the risk of a crash.

Earlier L87 Engine Lawsuit and Case Consolidation

In July 2025, a federal judge ordered the consolidation of several independent class actions into a single case for ease of litigation.

This consolidated lawsuit combined 11 other major filings from across the United States.

By handling these claims together, the court can more efficiently address the common underlying issues: the problematic 6.2L V8 engines found in various GM trucks and SUVs.

GM L87 Engine Recall

In April 2025, GM initiated NHTSA Recall 25V-274 for nearly 600,000 vehicles, including certain 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL models.

The recall stems from manufacturing defects in the crankshaft and connecting rods that can lead to sudden engine seizure.

Dealers are instructed to inspect engines; those that fail the inspection receive a full engine replacement.

For vehicles that pass, the remedy involves a switch to a higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter, and a 10-year/150,000-mile special coverage warranty extension.

Allegations That the Recall Repair Is Inadequate

The primary complaint in the 2026 consolidated complaint is that the switch to 0W-40 oil is a temporary “band-aid.”

Critics argue it does nothing to remove manufacturing debris or fix out-of-spec hardware. Many owners allege this remedy simply delays a catastrophic failure until after even the extended warranty expires.

Furthermore, the mandatory switch to 0W-40 introduces higher maintenance costs and limited oil availability for a defect the consumer did not cause.

Issues the Consolidated L87 Lawsuit May Address

As the consolidated class action lawsuit progresses in the Eastern District of Michigan, it seeks to address whether GM’s oil-based remedy is legally sufficient under federal safety standards.

Ideally, the litigation will force GM to provide a more robust repair, such as universal engine replacements for all affected VINs, or implement a buyback program for vehicles deemed inherently unsafe.

GM is expected to vigorously defend the current recall protocol, as a full-scale replacement of all affected L87 engines would be historically expensive.

GM L87 Engine Lawsuit FAQs

Which Vehicles Are Equipped with the GM L87 Engine?

The following vehicles are equipped with an L87 Engine:

• 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• 2021-2024 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

What Are the Symptoms of the L87 Engine Defect?

• Engine stalling or sudden loss of propulsion
• Unusual knocking, banging, or “bottom-end” noises
• Check Engine light
• Abnormal shifting or high RPMs
• Engine hesitation or a no-start condition

Did the GM L87 Recall Fix the Issue?

According to the consolidated lawsuit, the answer is no for many owners. While GM claims the new oil and warranty extension address the risk, the lawsuit alleges this “fix” fails to correct the mechanical manufacturing flaws and places an unfair maintenance burden on the owner.

When Engine Problems May Qualify for Lemon Law Claims

Your impacted GM vehicle may qualify for lemon law protection if a substantial defect arises during the warranty period and is not corrected after a reasonable number of repair attempts. In many cases, eligibility also occurs if the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

When a defect continues to affect the vehicle’s safety, use, or value, the law may require the manufacturer to provide a refund, replacement, or cash settlement. Careful documentation of repair visits is critical in determining when a vehicle meets these criteria.

Below is an approximate range of potential settlements for GM L87 engine-related claims:

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$83,344
2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe	$108,960
2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban	$115,474
2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500	$93,131
2021–2024 GMC Yukon	$116,077
2021–2024 GMC Yukon XL	$126,607
2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade	$170,838
2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV	$177,018

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

What Are the Benefits of Joining the GM L87 Engine Class Action Lawsuit?

Joining a class action allows a consumer to receive compensation for any damages they suffered as a result of GM’s conduct, but the ultimate settlement amount will likely be less than if the consumer had filed an individual claim.

One benefit of joining a class action is that the class member, once they have joined the lawsuit, does not have to be personally involved in the progress of the lawsuit.

Instead, a lead plaintiff will be designated, and that lead plaintiff works with the attorneys on the case as it progresses.

What Are the Benefits of Filing an Individual GM L87 Lemon Law Claim?

On the other hand, starting an individual lemon law claim can be beneficial for consumer in different ways.

These claims are typically more individualized and can result in damages that more accurately reflect the harm the consumer suffered. This also means the consumer will be more personally involved as the case is litigated.

Have More Questions? Call the Lemon Law Experts Today! 

Initiating a lemon lawsuit can be intimidating, especially on top of dealing with a defective vehicle. If you are considering bringing a claim, working with the right attorneys can make all the difference.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we pride ourselves on representing consumers and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today, either by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online contact form on our website.