By Shawn Henry 
General Motors is facing a unified federal legal challenge as multiple lawsuits tied to failures in its 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine have been consolidated into a single case, intensifying scrutiny of the automaker’s recall response and repair strategy.
The legal battle stems from widespread complaints about engine failures that were first flagged to federal regulators by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after receiving more than 1,000 consumer reports. Those complaints prompted a federal investigation and ultimately led GM to announce a recall in April 2025 covering nearly 600,000 trucks and SUVs. The recall cited problems involving the engine’s crankshaft, bearings and connecting rods.
The recall affects certain 2019 through 2024 model year vehicles, including Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, as well as full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. While the recall acknowledged mechanical issues within the engine, vehicle owners argue the remedy offered by GM does not fully address the underlying defects.
At the center of the consolidated lawsuit is the claim that GM’s proposed fix, which involves a change in engine oil specifications, is insufficient to prevent future failures. Plaintiffs contend the engines remain fundamentally flawed despite the recall and that owners face ongoing risk even after repairs are completed.
As similar complaints were filed across multiple jurisdictions, a federal judge moved to consolidate more than ten lawsuits under a single case, known as the Powell lawsuit, by August 2025. Another lawsuit has since been added, further expanding the scope of the litigation. The consolidated case will proceed in Michigan, allowing the court to evaluate the claims in a single forum rather than through piecemeal proceedings.
The court is expected to examine whether GM’s recall adequately remedied the defect and whether affected owners are entitled to compensation beyond the repairs currently offered. The outcome could have significant implications for GM, including increased warranty costs, potential financial liability and reputational damage.
For owners of the affected vehicles, the case may determine whether additional remedies are required and whether compensation is warranted. With hundreds of thousands of trucks and SUVs still on the road, the litigation could also influence how automakers respond to large-scale engine defects and recalls in the future.
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