Hagen’s Berman Files Class Action Against GM Over Defective Engines in 877,000+ SUVs and Trucks
A major class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors (GM), alleging that the automaker failed to properly address a serious and widespread engine defect that could lead to sudden and catastrophic engine failure. According to the national plaintiffs’ rights law firm Hagens Berman, GM knowingly sold over 877,000 vehicles equipped with faulty L87 6.2L V8 engines, despite being aware of the problem for years.
Filed on May 19, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the lawsuit accuses GM of mishandling one of the largest engine-related recalls in its history. The suit further claims that the automaker has not only neglected to fix the defect at its root but has also failed to provide clear guidance to dealerships and consumers on how to resolve the issue, leaving thousands of vehicle owners and lessees with dangerous and devalued vehicles.
Defect Leads to Sudden Engine Failure
At the center of the lawsuit is a defect in GM’s L87 6.2L V8 engine. According to the plaintiffs, the flaw impacts critical internal components, specifically the engine’s connecting rod and crankshaft, which may be defective due to manufacturing errors. These defects can lead to severe engine damage, and in the worst cases, complete engine failure. Notably, this failure can occur without warning—even in vehicles with as little as 1,000 miles on the odometer—and is reportedly more likely to happen at high speeds, posing significant safety risks to both drivers and other motorists.
“This is not a minor defect or a service issue that can be easily corrected,” said Steve Berman, managing partner at Hagens Berman and lead attorney representing the plaintiffs. “We’re talking about a potentially deadly situation where engines seize up or even blow apart while the vehicle is moving at highway speeds. GM’s customers deserve better.”
Berman noted that what began as a routine recall has rapidly escalated into a far more serious matter. “What started as a recall has ballooned into what appears to be the need for full engine replacements in nearly 900,000 vehicles,” he said.
Affected Vehicles Spanning Multiple Brands and Model Years
The class action names a wide range of GM-branded vehicles spanning model years 2019 to 2024. The following models, all of which may be equipped with the faulty L87 6.2L V8 engine, are included in the complaint:
- 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021–2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021–2024 GMC Yukon
- 2021–2024 GMC Yukon XL
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
In total, the lawsuit estimates that more than 877,000 vehicles could be impacted by the defect. Owners of these models are being urged to contact Hagens Berman to learn more about their legal options and consumer rights.
Regulatory and Safety Concerns
The seriousness of the issue is underscored by findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In its summary of the defect, NHTSA noted that vehicle owners reported “bearing failure that may result in either engine seizure or breaching of the engine block by the connecting rod.” This mechanical failure, particularly when it occurs at high speeds, creates a potentially life-threatening scenario for vehicle occupants and nearby drivers.
Adding to consumer frustration is the reported lack of direction from GM dealerships. According to the lawsuit, many customers have been told that no official repair guidance has been issued by GM. This leaves customers in a state of uncertainty, with no clear remedy for vehicles that could fail catastrophically without notice.
GM’s Alleged Knowledge and Lack of Transparency
One of the most serious accusations in the lawsuit is that GM has known about the defect for years but failed to disclose it to potential buyers. The class-action plaintiffs allege that GM continued to market and sell the affected vehicles as safe, reliable, and high-performance, even though internal documentation may have indicated otherwise.
“GM markets itself as an automaker that advocates for the safety of its customers and their families,” Berman said. “Now would be a great time for GM to fulfill that promise.”
The suit claims that had consumers been made aware of the risk of engine failure before purchasing their vehicles, many would have chosen not to buy them at all—or at the very least, would have paid less for them.
Legal Claims and Consumer Protections
The class-action lawsuit brings claims under several consumer protection laws, including California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, and the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. It also invokes the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which is often used in lemon law cases. In Washington State, similar statutes are cited to support the plaintiffs’ case.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for the cost of engine repairs and replacements, diminished vehicle value, and any other damages resulting from the defect. They are also demanding that GM take immediate and comprehensive corrective action to address the root cause of the problem and to properly inform and compensate affected customers.
Financial and Safety Impact on Vehicle Owners
In addition to the safety risks, the lawsuit highlights the financial burden placed on consumers. Owners of the affected vehicles are left facing expensive engine repairs or replacements, significant depreciation, and lost confidence in their vehicles.
“In addition to rendering the Class Vehicles unsafe to drive, the Bearing Defect significantly reduces the value of the Class Vehicles,” the complaint states. “And, if GM had disclosed the truth about the Bearing Defect, Plaintiffs would not have purchased their vehicles or would have paid less.”
The widespread nature of the issue, combined with the high cost of engine replacement—potentially ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 or more—has compounded frustrations among vehicle owners, some of whom say they are now afraid to drive their vehicles on the highway.
What Owners Can Do
Owners and lessees of GM vehicles equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine are encouraged to reach out to Hagens Berman to determine if they are eligible to participate in the lawsuit. The firm is offering free consultations to affected consumers and is working to ensure that GM is held accountable for any failures in manufacturing, disclosure, or remediation.
“Our goal is to ensure that GM owners get the justice and compensation they deserve,” Berman said. “No one should have to worry about their engine blowing up when they’re driving their kids to school or heading out on a family vacation.”
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a national consumer-rights law firm known for leading high-profile cases against major automakers. The firm has secured billions of dollars in settlements for consumers, whistleblowers, and investors, and has a strong track record in complex class-action litigation involving automotive defects, emissions fraud, and deceptive business practices.
To learn more about the lawsuit or to check whether your vehicle may be affected, visit www.hbsslaw.com or contact the firm directly.
