General Motors announced it is recalling nearly 600,000 SUVs and trucks in the United States due to potential defects that can cause engine failure.
Vehicles being recalled include 2021 through 2024 model-year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 6.2L V8 gas engines.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation in January into reports of engine breakdowns in GM vehicles with the V8 engine. Drivers were hearing knocking or banging sounds and seeing the ‘check engine’ light turning on.
After conducting its own inquiry, GM reported 12 crashes and 12 injuries possibly related to the engine problem.
GM identified 28,102 field complaints or incidents related to the engine issues, of which 14,332 allegedly lost propulsion.
Some 600,000 vehicles in the United States are included in the recall, but only 3 percent have the malfunction, according to GM.
Letters to owners are expected to be mailed starting June 9.
“While the recall is currently voluntary, it is critical for GM drivers with vehicles identified in the recall to have their vehicles inspected,” Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm attorney Rhyan Lindley told NTD in an email on April 29.
Dealers have vowed to inspect the affected vehicles and if needed, repair or replace the engine without cost. The cost of the recall is undisclosed by GM, but will likely be high, according to German Car Depot owner Alan Gelfand.
“People should always ask about loaner vehicles when they make an appointment for recall work, and an affected GM vehicle owner should book their recall service appointment as soon as they receive their notification,” Gelfand told NTD on April 29.
But vehicle owners were advised that the recall might not go smoothly.
“Those who have vehicles that are part of the recall will likely face extensive wait times for repairs and the inconvenience of being without their vehicle for a while,” AutoInsurance.org. auto industry expert Melanie Musson told NTD on April 29. “The dealership may offer a loaner or a rental, but it’s not guaranteed.”
AutoInsurance.org provides insurance and auto industry education.
“They are not replacing entire cars—only repairing or replacing engines when necessary,” EpicVIN chief marketing officer Alex Black told NTD on April 29. “If your engine passes the test, you'll receive new oil, a new oil filter, and a new oil cap.”
EpicVIN is a vehicle history reports platform.
