
If you're a New York or New Jersey driver grappling with repeated GM engine failure, you're not alone. The GM 6.2L V8 engine, found in popular trucks and SUVs like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade, is at the heart of a major automotive defect crisis. While the recall has made headlines, the real story is what's happening inside these engines - and why so many owners are now seeking professional legal help.
The Origin of GM 6.2 Engine Issues
The core of the GM 6.2 engine issues lies deep within the engine's critical components. According to GM's own “engine teardown analysis,” two main culprits are behind these widespread failures:
- Rod-bearing damage from sediment: Sediment contamination on the connecting rods and in the crankshaft oil galleries leads to abnormal wear and, ultimately, catastrophic bearing failure. This isn't a minor nuisance - when these bearings fail, they can cause engine seizure or even send a connecting rod through the engine block, resulting in total engine destruction.
- Out-of-spec crankshaft dimensions and surface finish: Some crankshafts were manufactured with dimensions and finishes that don't meet GM's own standards. This means the moving parts inside your engine may not fit or function as intended, leading to accelerated wear, overheating, and eventual failure.
Both issues have been traced back to supplier manufacturing and quality control failures, specifically from American Axle & Manufacturing (connecting rods) and Questum Macimex (crankshafts). These supplier problems affected engines built between March 2021 and May 2024. The scale is staggering: nearly 600,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S. alone, and 721,000 worldwide.

What Does This Mean for Owners?
For many, the first sign of trouble is a ticking or knocking noise, a sudden loss of power, or a check engine light that won't go away. In some cases, the engine fails instantly, sometimes while driving, creating a serious safety risk. Others experience a slow decline, with worsening performance and mounting repair bills.
A detailed teardown of a failed engine revealed severe internal damage:
- blackened, overheated oil;
- extensively worn connecting rods;
- missing camshaft lobes; and
- scoring where the crankshaft hit the block.
These are not problems that can be fixed with a quick repair - they often require a full GM replacement engine, if not a new vehicle altogether.
GM's response has included a GM stop sale 6.2 engine order for unsold vehicles and a recall remedy involving thicker oil and new filters, but for many owners, these fixes come too late. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation after receiving dozens of complaints, and class action lawsuits are now underway.
Your Legal Options
Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act. If your GM 6.2L V8 engine issues persist despite repairs, or if you've been told you need a full replacement, legal help can make all the difference.
Don't let a defective engine leave you stranded. If you're facing GM engine failure, contact our law office today for a free consultation. We have extensive experience helping New York and New Jersey consumers obtain compensation for defective vehicles. Many cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.*
Sources:
- NHTSA Safety Recall Report
- Car and Driver: GM Recalls 721K Trucks, Full-Size SUVs Due to Defective 6.2L V-8s
- Automotive Dive: GM recalls nearly 600K SUVs, pickups over engine failures
- GM Authority: NHTSA Opens Investigation Regarding GM 6.2L V8 Engine Failures
- Car and Driver: GM Faces New Class-Action Lawsuit over Defective 6.2-Liter V-8s
You may also like:
- GM 6.2 Engine Recall 2025: What Owners Need to Know and How to Get Compensation
- GM 6.2 Engine Class Action Lawsuit: Cases, Facts, Options
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* No guarantee is made of a particular result. While we handle many claims on a contingency basis, we evaluate each claim individually, and arrangements may vary – these will be set forth in a written agreement. We are happy to discuss our procedures and welcome any questions you may have.
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