by GM Engine Problems: A New Lawsuit
General Motors is once again in the crosshairs of lawsuits over its V8 engines. Owners of vehicles with L87 engines claim that the company knew about design flaws even before sales began. The main problem is the failure of the connecting rod bearings, which leads to engine destruction.
A lawsuit filed in the Eastern District Court of Wisconsin concerns 6.2-liter engines installed in large pickups and SUVs, including the Sierra, Yukon, Suburban, Silverado, and Cadillac Escalade models. Despite the recall of 597,630 vehicles, the plaintiffs consider the measures proposed by GM to be insufficient.
Why Are Owners Dissatisfied?
The company offers an engine replacement only after a special inspection. Those engines that pass the inspection only receive a thicker oil mixture, a new filter, and an oil pan cap. However, owners fear that even after such manipulations, the engine may fail over time.
The plaintiffs claim that even replacing the engine does not solve the problem, as the same L87 model series with potentially the same defects is installed.
This is not the first time GM has faced claims regarding the quality of its V8s. For example, the company recently settled a lawsuit for $150 million over problems with 5.3-liter LC9 engines, where the main argument was defective piston rings.
Legal proceedings regarding the L87 engines are ongoing simultaneously in Wisconsin and Michigan, with the latter additionally citing problems with the crankshaft’s dimensions and surface finish. Owners are also demanding compensation for the loss of their vehicles’ value and their ability to operate them.
The situation with GM’s engines resembles a systemic problem that could affect consumer trust in the brand. The contrast between the compensation amount ($150 million) and the modest payouts to individual owners (only $30 thousand for three individuals) is particularly striking. These cases could set a precedent for further demands to improve warranty service in the automotive industry.
