General Motors Faces Scrutiny Over Massive Recall of SUVs and Trucks

General Motors (GM), a prominent American automaker with manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, is currently under intense scrutiny following a massive recall affecting nearly 600,000 full-size SUVs and trucks in the United States and a staggering 721,000 vehicles globally. This recall, initiated on May 1st, stands as the largest of 2025 thus far, measured by the sheer number of vehicles impacted. While large-scale recalls are inherently newsworthy, the circumstances surrounding this particular recall have ignited considerable controversy and raised serious questions about GM’s handling of reported engine issues.

The recall itself stems from a defect identified in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components of vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine. According to a safety recall report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this defect can lead to potentially catastrophic engine damage and even complete engine failure. However, it’s the timing of the recall that has drawn the most ire from consumers, many of whom have been vocal about experiencing engine-related problems for months, if not years, prior to the official announcement.

Evidence suggests that GM was aware of the potential engine issues well before the recall was initiated. The NHTSA report indicates that GM opened a product investigation on January 16th following notifications from the agency regarding alleged engine failures in vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine. However, a lawsuit filed against GM claims that the automaker was aware of the defect much earlier, citing complaints from consumers on automotive publications and online forums dating back to at least December 2024.

One post on a GMC forum from that time highlights the growing concern among owners, with one user stating, "lots of people have had this same issue with the latest GM V8 seizing up on them while driving." This sentiment was echoed in a poll conducted by GM Authority earlier this year, which gauged public opinion on the severity of the L87 engine issues. The poll results overwhelmingly indicated that respondents considered the issues to be serious rather than minor. Despite this mounting evidence, GM remained "relatively elusive on the matter," according to GM Authority.

The frustration and discontent among GM owners have culminated in legal action. A class-action lawsuit, filed on February 18, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, seeks to represent a large group of consumers who have experienced engine problems in their GM vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of plaintiff James S. Powell II, alleges that vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine share a "common defect" regarding the bearings in their engines, which are prone to failure. This failure, the lawsuit claims, can result in the connecting rod breaching the engine block and/or complete engine seizure.

Powell’s personal experience, as detailed in the lawsuit, exemplifies the issues faced by many GM owners. After purchasing a new 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with an L87 V8 engine in October 2022, Powell experienced a check engine light in 2024. Subsequent inspection by an authorized GM dealer revealed a defective engine, which was replaced. However, the lawsuit claims that Powell continued to experience issues with the new engine following the replacement, further fueling the argument that the defect is systemic.

The lawsuit further alleges that GM has been aware of the engine defect for several years but failed to disclose it to at least 100 class members who leased or purchased affected GM vehicles. It cites numerous consumer complaints reported to the NHTSA as evidence of GM’s prior knowledge of the defect, asserting that "it is indisputable that GM has had knowledge of the engine defect prior to March, 24, 2023," years before the official recall was issued. A similar lawsuit was filed in Georgia earlier in April, indicating a growing trend of legal challenges against GM regarding the L87 engine issues.

In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, GM has stated that it is not its policy to comment on ongoing litigation. However, the automaker has emphasized that it is taking the recall "very seriously" and will provide individual attention to every L87 engine that arrives at dealerships. GM has outlined a plan to inspect, and, as necessary, repair or replace the affected engines. Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided with a higher viscosity oil, a new oil filter cap, an oil filter replacement, and an updated owner’s manual insert.

While GM is taking steps to address the immediate issue, the recall raises broader questions about the company’s commitment to vehicle reliability and customer satisfaction. Reliability is a paramount concern for car shoppers, and a major recall can significantly impact a brand’s reputation. While it may be unfair to label all GM vehicles as unreliable based solely on this recall, it’s worth noting that the company has had mixed reliability scores for some of its best-selling models. In contrast, Toyota consistently ranks highly in terms of vehicle reliability, with a recent study identifying Toyota models as occupying all of the top five spots for longest-lasting cars.

This recent recall is not the first time that GM has faced scrutiny over vehicle defects. In 2021, the automaker recalled every Chevrolet Bolt model due to a fire risk. The reports of Bolt fires made this recall particularly alarming for the company and its consumers, further tarnishing GM’s reputation.

The lingering question remains: should GM have issued the L87 engine recall sooner? The chorus of angry consumers taking to online forums and social media platforms suggests a widespread belief that the automaker waited too long to address the reported engine issues. The delay in issuing the recall has not only inconvenienced affected owners but has also raised concerns about potential safety risks and the possibility of accidents resulting from engine failure.

The ongoing controversy surrounding the GM recall serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the automotive industry. Automakers have a responsibility to promptly address potential safety defects and to communicate openly with consumers about any known issues. Failure to do so can not only damage a company’s reputation but also put drivers and passengers at risk. As the legal proceedings against GM unfold, it remains to be seen what further revelations will emerge and what long-term consequences the recall will have on the company’s bottom line and its standing in the eyes of consumers.