US government investigates claims of GM engine recall failure

US government investigates claims of GM engine recall failure

February 6, 2026 Bojan Popic , , ,

Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2026 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM) over allegations of its vehicles stalling due to engine failure.  

If this GM engine issue leads to a recall, it could affect 597,571 vehicles, including: 

  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon 
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon XL

The vehicles were already recalled last May after GM was subject to a separate investigation. It appears, however, that the repair was not sufficient.

Recall summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on January 16, 2026, following 36 complaints of stalled GM vehicles. 

According to the complaints, the engines would die while driving stalling the vehicles.

Risks

A stalled car may get hit by other vehicles, especially in fast-moving traffic. In addition, a seized engine may leak oil, which can catch fire if it comes into contact with hot surfaces. In fact, the previous recall came on the heels of 42 fires.

Warning signs

Some drivers reported receiving low oil pressure and check engine light warnings before the vehicle shut off, often accompanied by loud knocking sounds and poor acceleration.   

Oil full of “metal chunks”

The perils of sudden power loss can be illustrated by a driver whose Chevy Silverado cut out ‘’in the middle of the road’,’ where it “almost got rear-ended.”

Another driver mentioned that the engine oil was contaminated with “large pieces of metal,” possibly due to engine failure. Several others noted the loss of power steering and the car shifting into neutral on its own before dying altogether.

Background of the investigation

These vehicles were recalled in May 2025 to prevent a catastrophic engine failure caused by premature wear of the internal moving parts. To fix the issue, the dealers inspected the engine and replaced it if excessive wear was detected. Otherwise, the engine oil was replaced with a more viscous one. 

Other GM recalls 

In November 2025, GM recalled nearly 23,000 Cadillac and Chevrolet EVs over loss of control caused by defective tires.

Is your vehicle a part of a recall?

This investigation may lead to a GM vehicle stall recall, potentially affecting nearly 600,000 pickups and SUVs. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates claims of GM engine recall failure
GM recalls 600,000 cars following US government investigation

GM recalls 600,000 cars following US government investigation

May 16, 2025 Bojan Popic , , ,

Warren, MI – May 16, 2025 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands, is recalling 597,630 SUVs and pickup trucks whose engines may suffer from a catastrophic failure. This could result in a stall, upping the risk of a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following models:

  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon 
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

The connecting rod and crankshaft are the backbone of the engine that are responsible for powering it. In the affected SUVs and pickups, both parts were not manufactured correctly, causing them to wear out prematurely. As a result, the engine may seize while driving, stalling the vehicle.     

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle on the road may get hit by oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of an injury. In fact, there were at least 12 crashes and 12 injuries leading up to the recall.

There were also 42 fires. Even though the manufacturer does not outline that as a potential risk, a fire can dramatically decrease the odds of occupants’ survival.

For tips on what to do in the event of your car catching fire, please see the following article.

Warning signs

The damaged engine may produce a “knocking” and “banging” sound, “hesitate” when accelerating, operate at higher-than-usual RPMs or have trouble starting. In addition, the driver may notice an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard, shifting issues or an overall lack of performance. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

There have been over 28,000 complaints and roughly 14,000 allegations of “loss of propulsion” leading up to it.

Other GM recalls

In January 2025, Chevrolet Equinox EVs were recalled because their pedestrian warning systems were not working correctly. 

In December 2024, GM expanded its recall of Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks whose tailgates may have opened on their own, as reported. 

The repair

The dealer will inspect the engine and replace it if damaged. This repair will be free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by June 9, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This GM engine recall affects almost 600,000 trucks and SUVs. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same for a Cadillac or GMC recall check. 

Bojan PopicGM recalls 600,000 cars following US government investigation
GM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors

GM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors

March 4, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI – March 4, 2025 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC brand, is recalling 70,768 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks whose front grill deflectors – also known as bug or wind deflectors – can detach and fall onto the road. This would endanger other motorists, upping the risk of a crash and injury.   

The recall comes on the back of several accidents.

Recall summary  

The deflector is a piece of exterior trim mounted above or on the car’s front grille. Its purpose is to improve vehicle stability, reduce wind and protect the cooling system.

Due to a supplier error, the attachments holding the deflector in place in the affected vehicles may break, causing it to fly away while driving.    

Recall risks

If the deflector falls off while driving, it may land on the road, creating an obstacle for the other motorists, who may crash while trying to avoid it.  

Warning signs 

A loose deflector may rattle while driving.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of more than 1,200 field complaints, as well as four crashes. No injuries have been reported.

Other GMC recalls

Sierra and Silverado pickup trucks were recalled in December 2024 because their tailgates could open on their own while driving.   

On a separate note, GM is currently being investigated over an engine failure that may cause stalling.  

The repair

The carmaker is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once available, the repair will be free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by March 24, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 70,000 GMC pickup trucks are affected by this GM bug deflector recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors
US government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

US government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

January 31, 2025 Bojan Popic , , ,

Washington, D.C. – January 31, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, over allegations of its vehicles stalling due to engine failure. 

The investigation could lead to a recall of 877,710 SUVs and pickup trucks.

The following vehicles would be affected:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade NA 
  • 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2019 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2019 – 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon 
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon XL

All cars have the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 16, 2025, following 39 complaints and numerous reports of vehicles that would stall while driving.

According to the initial findings, this happens because of a connecting rod bearing failure. This can cause the engine to seize or result in the bearing piercing the engine block.

The investigation aims to discover how widespread this problem may be and the impact it may have on road safety.  

Risks

A seized engine will stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Bearings that pierce the engine have been the cause of engine fires in other, similar recalls but it is not clear if that is a possibility in this particular investigation.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2024, GM expanded its previous recall caused by tailgates that would open on their own, as reported.

In January 2025, Chevrolet electric SUVs were recalled over malfunctioning pedestrian warning systems, also as reported.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a GM engine failure recall, potentially affecting over 875,000 SUVs and pickups. To do a GM recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups
GM expands Silverado, Sierra tailgate recall

GM expands Silverado, Sierra tailgate recall

December 18, 2024 Bojan Popic , ,

Warren, MI – December 18, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet and GMC brands, is recalling 132,037 pickup trucks whose tailgates may open on their own. This could result in the cargo falling out, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is an expansion of a previous recall from February 2024.

The following trucks are affected: 

  • 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500
  • 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500
  • 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500
  • 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles’ tailgate may inadvertently open while the vehicle is in Park. This happens because of an electric short in the release switch caused by moisture intrusion. 

Recall risks

The cargo may fall out of the truck’s bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.  

Safety tips

Drivers are advised to check if the tailgate is open before driving off.

Previous GM tailgate recall

GM recalled over 570,000 2020-2024 Silverado and Sierra trucks over this issue in February 2024. The present recall comes on the back of the manufacturer receiving complaints about the same defect in vehicles that were not included in the first round of repairs.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In July 2024, GM recalled brand-new Corvettes whose seat belts could have jammed, as reported. 

In January 2024, the manufacturer recalled Chevy Bolt vehicles due to the risk of fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the tailgate release switch free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 13, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This GM tailgate recall affects more than 132,000 pickup trucks. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same for a GMC recall check. 

Bojan PopicGM expands Silverado, Sierra tailgate recall
GM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

GM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

February 23, 2024 Joseph Estabillo , ,

Warren, MI – February 23, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 570,434 pickups because their tailgates may open while the vehicles are in motion.

The recall comes on the back of multiple complaints and an injury and covers the following models:

  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 3500

Recall summary

In the affected models, water may find its way into these the gate-release tailgate switch, causing a short circuit. 

This may result in the tailgate opening while the vehicle is in Park. If the driver does not latch it before driving off, “cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle and become a road hazard.”

Recall risks

All risks caused by a defective tailgate lock are explained in this article about a similar Ford recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 136 complaints. One minor injury and “three complaints of minor property damage” were identified as well.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2023, GM recalled Chevrolet and Buick cars because the digital instrument cluster would suddenly switch off, leaving drivers without important information while operating the vehicle.  

Last month, GM recalled Bolt electric vehicles over a risk of fire following a crash, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected part with one that has improved protection against water. The repairs will be free of charge, and GM will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the issuance of the recall.

Owners will receive letters with more information by March 18, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 570,000 vehicles are affected by this Chevrolet tailgate recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates
GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

January 1, 2023 Bojan Popic , , , ,

Warren, MI – January 1, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, is recalling 740,108 cars, SUVs, and trucks, whose daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on.  This may blind other motorists, increasing the chances of a crash and injury.  

This recall expands a previous recall conducted for the same reason late last year.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Buick Envision
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT5
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Daytime running lights are a part of a headlight cluster that, as their name would suggest, increases a vehicle’s visibility during the day. These lights, however, shut off as soon as the headlights are turned off. If not, they may create a glare, which could be blinding to other motorists.

Due to a software error, the DRL lights on affected vehicles may fail to disengage once the headlights are turned on. 

The component causing this recall is the body control module, with part numbers differing depending on the make and model. Some of them include 13534824, 13534861 or 13542151. 

Background of the recall

The 2021 model-years of some of the cars above were recalled in November of last year due to the same issue. Before that recall was announced, GM started an investigation to determine if additional vehicles were affected. As a result of that investigation, the current recall came into life.

Recall risks

Risks caused by blinding headlights were covered in detail in the previous GM recall.  

Other GM recalls

Just a month ago, GM recalled more than 300,000 SUVs over a similar issue, which was also one of the latest Chevrolet Tahoe recalls.

Back in September 2022, GM recalled nearly 100,000 compact SUVs because their rearview cameras could have failed to show an image when backing up. 

The repair

Dealers will install a software update to affected vehicles. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on January 23, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM daytime running lights recall affects almost three-quarters of a million vehicles. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls cars because of blinding headlights
General Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars

General Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars

December 3, 2022 Bojan Popic , , ,

Washington, D.C. – December 3, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE: GM), which owns the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands, recalled over 1.7 million vehicles in nine different GM recalls in the past six months.

Some of the most prominent recalls are included below. Read on to find out if your vehicle is affected.

Daytime running lights that are always on  

In late November, GM recalled a large batch of SUVs because their daytime running lights would stay on even when they should not. This may potentially blind oncoming motorists, increasing the risk of an accident. More than 300,000 vehicles were affected by this recall, including:  

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Cadillac Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

In-your-face hoods 

In September, GM recalled approximately 120,000 city cars because their hood latches may corrode. If this happens, the hood may open while driving, obstructing the driver’s field of view and increasing the risk of an injury. The following cars were affected by this recall:  

  • 2013 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

Seat and seat belt issues 

Seat belts that may detach during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury, were the cause of a GM recall that took place in August 2022. In total, almost half a million SUVs were affected by this issue, including:   

  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban  
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon XL

More recently, in October, approximately 7,000 cars were recalled because the driver’s seat belt potentially not being able to restrain the occupant in the event of a crash. The following models were affected by this issue: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2022 GMC Terrain

Defective brake boosters 

In July, there was a Buick recall for over 20,000 cars because their brake boosters could fail to engage. This would prolong the stopping distance, upping the risk of a crash. 

Windscreen wipers falling apart

Back in April 2022, GM recalled a large number of their SUVs because their windshield wipers could detach, which would reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash and injury. Almost 700,000 cars were affected by this recall, including: 

  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2014 – 2015 GMC Terrain

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, various GM engine issues and other problems had caused roughly 1.7 million of their cars to be recalled in the past six months. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors’ latest recalls affect more than 1.7 million cars
General Motors recalls SUVs over faulty daytime running lights

General Motors recalls SUVs over faulty daytime running lights

November 23, 2022 Joseph Estabillo , , ,

Warren, MI – November 23, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, is recalling 338,735 SUVs over defective GM daytime running lights. These lights may not turn off even after the headlamps are engaged, potentially blinding oncoming motorists and increasing the risk of an accident.

This recall covers the following models:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Cadillac Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

Daytime running lights, or DRLs, are secondary exterior lights designed to make the vehicle more visible during daytime conditions. These give off a bright white light using light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, and are designed to turn off when the headlamps are engaged.

In the affected vehicles, the DRLs remain turned on even when the headlamps are activated.

The component involved in this recall is the body control module, with part numbers 13546033 and 13546036.

Recall risks

The issue could result in glare that could temporarily blind oncoming drivers, augmenting the risk of a crash.

Other General Motors recalls

In April, General Motors issued a recall for 681,509 vehicles, including 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and 2014-2015 GMC Terrain SUVs, over windshield wipers that could fail to clear obstructions on the windshield that are blocking the driver’s view, as reported.

In September, General Motors recalled 95,231 vehicles, including the 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5,  2020-2021 Cadillac XT6 and 2020-2021 GMC Acadia, over faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the body control module software free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around December 19, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 338,000 GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet models are affected by this daytime running lamp issue. To check for Cadillac Escalade recalls, Chevrolet recalls and more,  run a GM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls SUVs over faulty daytime running lights
General Motors recalls SUVs over faulty driver’s seats

General Motors recalls SUVs over faulty driver’s seats

October 8, 2022 Joseph Estabillo , ,

Warren, MI – October 8, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet and GMC brands, is recalling 7,571 vehicles over a problem with the driver’s seat which may affect the  seat’s ability to restrain the occupant in the event of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2022 GMC Terrain

Recall summary

In the affected models, a bolt that allows the driver to adjust the seat may be loose or “stripped” due to a supplier error. This could cause it to fall out.

The component involved in this recall is the front seat assembly cushion with part number 13525388.  

Recall risks

If the pivot bolt separates from the seat frame, it reduces the seat’s ability to secure the occupant when a crash happens,  increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

Seats with improperly installed bolts may squeak, rattle or feel loose.

Other General Motors recalls 

In April 2022, there was a Chevrolet recall due to defective windshield wipers, which could compromise visibility and increase the risk of an accident, as reported.

That same month, the manufacturer also issued a recall for 725,000 2010 – 2017 GMC Terrain SUVs over a problem with the headlights, which have been found to be too bright, potentially blinding oncoming motorists and increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the driver’s seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary. All repairs will be free of charge.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around November 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 7,000 vehicles are affected by this Chevrolet and GMC seat recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a Chevrolet recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. To perform GM recall checks, use the same tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls SUVs over faulty driver’s seats

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