NHTSA opens engineering analysis of 2021–2026 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles: Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Vehicles under investigation

As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.

What ODI says

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for EA26005, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).

What owners have reported

Owners filed 8,594 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 141 crashes, 56 fires, 144 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.

Recalls and problems for these vehicles

• Cadillac Escalade recalls by model year
  Cadillac Escalade complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls by model year
  Cadillac Escalade ESV complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Chevrolet Silverado recalls by model year
  Chevrolet Silverado complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Chevrolet Tahoe recalls by model year
  Chevrolet Tahoe complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Chevrolet Suburban recalls by model year
  Chevrolet Suburban complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Chevrolet Suburban 1500 recalls by model year
  Chevrolet Suburban 1500 complaints, TSBs and investigations

Timeline

1. August 20, 2026ODI opens engineering analysis EA26005
2. OpenNo closing date yet