General Motors (GM) is once again facing a class-action lawsuit over the troubled L87 engine. This popular small block V8 engine has been installed in many GM vehicles, but thousands of vehicle owners have experienced serious problems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had already opened an investigation into engine failures linked to the L87 V8 and almost 600,000 vehicles were recalled earlier this year. However, the new lawsuit claims that GM’s recall remedy failed to fix the issues and many owners are still struggling with defective engines.
GM Accused of Selling Vehicles with Known Defects
The plaintiffs claim that General Motors LLC knew about these defects before selling vehicles. The lawsuit says the L87 small-block V8 suffers from two main problems:
- Rod-bearing damage caused by sediment in the oil galleries and affecting the rod bearings and engine bearings.
- Incorrect crankshaft dimensions and poor surface finish caused during the machining process.
These defects can cause connecting rod damage, engine failures, and the need for expensive engine replacement.
What Happened to the Plaintiffs
Anthony Lofton and Betty Sherman, the plaintiffs, described how their 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with only 13,000 miles began showing signs of trouble. The truck’s L87 engine started ticking, knocking, and misfiring before completely breaking down.
The vehicle has been at a GM dealership since May 2025 and is still not repaired. The owners had to rent cars and spend extra money because their vehicle was unusable. Lofton says he would never have purchased the truck if he had known about the GM engine defect.
Many Popular GM Models Are Affected
The April 2025 recall included several top-selling vehicles:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
- GMC Sierra 1500
- GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
This lawsuit is even more alarming because it involves a 2019 model, which means the issues go back further than GM admitted. Experts estimate that around 3% of all L87 engines will require engine replacement, which could cost thousands of dollars for vehicle owners and lower the vehicle value of these trucks and SUVs.
Technical Problems Behind the Engine Failures
Mechanics who inspected the L87 V8 found several causes of failure:
- Sediment blocking oil passages and oil galleries
- Flawed crankshaft dimensions and rough surface finish
- Excessive wear on rod bearings and engine bearings
- Oil contamination in the motor oil and oil filter
- Damaged piston rings causing reduced performance
Some experts suggested using thicker motor oil or frequent engine inspection to limit damage, but these are only temporary fixes.
Lawsuit Filed in Federal Court
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Similar complaints have also been made in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The plaintiffs are asking for a jury trial and are represented by well-known law firms.This legal action may become a major consumer cases precedent and could lead to class action settlements if GM is found at fault.
Impact on Vehicle Owners
The situation is very frustrating for vehicle owners. Many are worried about the future vehicle value of their trucks and SUVs. Others are tired of waiting for repairs or replacements. Extended warranties and recalls have not fully solved the problem, leaving many owners without working vehicles.
Because of these engine issues, owners also face higher gasoline costs, lower fuel efficiency, and reduced vehicle lifespan.
Warning Signs Owners Should Watch
If you own one of the affected GM vehicles, pay close attention to these signs:
- Knocking or ticking sounds from the L87 engine
- Overheating or warning lights
- Misfires or rough running
- Oil contamination near the oil fill cap
- Lower fuel economy than usual
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an engine inspection immediately and keep a record of all repair bills. This documentation could help if there are future class action settlements.
Why This Case Matters
The lawsuit shows how important consumer laws are when manufacturers sell defective products. The V8 Engine Lawsuit against GM is not only about money,it’s about protecting customers from dangerous and expensive defects.
Legal experts believe this case could force GM to provide a stronger recall remedy or more engine replacement programs. It could also influence how technical service bulletins and internal guidance are handled in the future.
About the Ted Law Firm
At the Ted Law Firm, is committed to keeping the public informed about important issues like the current lawsuits against GM .We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. By sharing news about defective products and legal action, Ted Law helps vehicle owners and consumers understand their rights and make informed choices .Contact us today for a free consultation
