When you buy a car new off the lot, you expect it to stay in good condition for a long time. The last thing you want to do is take your new car to the shop with just a few thousand miles on it. Every now and then, though, there are issues that occur at the manufacturing level, and they can cause problems with the vehicle, even at low mileage. If it happens to enough vehicles, the manufacturer will issue a recall, and that is exactly what is happening with GM right now.

GM has recently issued a recall for 721,000 vehicles worldwide with 598,000 of those vehicles being in the United States. These vehicles have a manufacturing defect that is causing premature engine failure and the company wants to ensure that everything is taken care of. By staying on top of recalls and knowing whether or not your car is affected by this specific recall, you can protect your vehicle and your peace of mind on the road.

What’s Causing the Recall?

GM’s recall is due to manufacturing issues with the company’s 6.2-liter V8, the L87. According to the documentation from the automaker, the internal rotational engine components, like the crankshaft and connecting rods, were not made to the right standards, and they are starting to deteriorate prematurely. This has caused over 28,000 complaints of engine failures and over 14,000 complaints of a total loss of propulsion for the vehicle. These complaints include 42 potentially related fire allegations with 12 suspected injuries. Because of the seriousness of the problems, the recall has been put in place to prevent any further engine issues.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

This recall affects nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States alone, and since General Motors produces many different makes, it affects a wide range of GMC vehicles. This includes 2021–2024 model years like the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, the GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL. If you own a GM vehicle that has a V8 engine and was produced during these years, it is a good idea to get in touch with the dealership and find out if your specific model is being recalled. Even if you aren’t sure, it is always a good idea to be on the safe side, especially when an issue concerns the engine.

What Consumers Need to Know

If you believe that your vehicle is affected by this recall, you should call the dealership where you purchased it. Even if you bought the car from a private seller, the local GM dealer will be able to help you. They will check your vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it is one of the affected models, and then they will set up an appointment for you to go to the local service center.

Once you bring the car to the service center, they will do a full inspection to see if your engine has the faulty rotational parts in it. If it does, the engine will most likely be replaced at no cost to you. Even if it doesn’t, though, they will drain the oil and get you a new oil filter, a new oil fill cap, and new high-viscosity 0W-40 Mobil 1 Supercar oil. They will also give you an insert for your owner’s manual that lays out the new oil requirements so you can be sure that your engine lasts as long as possible.

You can also stay informed about your vehicle’s recalls using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall search on their website.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Recall

It is tempting to ignore the recall if your vehicle has been running smoothly the entire time you have had it. You may not think that you have one of the affected vehicles, but it can be difficult to tell without a thorough inspection by a qualified technician. The main issue with ignoring the recall is that there is not only the possibility of a loss of power, but also the risk of a crash or a fire due to the extra friction in the engine from the faulty components.

If you ignore the recall, you will always be wondering if your vehicle is in danger of catching fire, and you won’t have the confidence that you need. Checking with the local dealership and getting the full inspection will help you know exactly what is going on with your vehicle, so you can rest easy behind the wheel.

How an Extended Warranty Helps You Avoid Engine Trouble

If your vehicle is affected by this recall, GM will take care of the engine replacement or repair and ensure that you can get back on the road safely. Once your engine is repaired and the manufacturer’s warranty that your vehicle came with is up, though, you will be responsible for any repairs that need to happen on it. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great option for extending your coverage and ensuring that you don’t end up on the hook for an expensive, unexpected repair.

When you have a protection plan in place, you don’t have to worry about a major issue, even if your vehicle was repaired during the recall. With a vehicle service contract, you can protect yourself and your bank account and drive with confidence, knowing that any repairs that come up will be taken care of. As long as the repair is covered under your plan, you can get your car fixed. Endurance offers a wide range of auto protection plans for cars of all kinds, so you don’t have to stress about major issues with your vehicle.

Protect Your Engine With Endurance

If your vehicle is affected by the recent GM recall, it is important that you contact your local dealer to find out if your car has the issue. Once your vehicle has been inspected and received any necessary repairs, a plan from Endurance can give you the ultimate protection you have been looking for. Endurance has options for nearly every kind of car and every kind of driver, and even covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for rideshare and delivery.

In addition to excellent coverage, Endurance customers also get a wide range of standard benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and travel interruption coverage. For a small activation fee, you can also get access to Elite Benefits, which includes extra perks like tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and more.

If you want the best protection for your car, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 or get a FREE email quote. You can also shop online to see your price right away and make the right choice for your needs.

For more auto expert resources, check out the Endurance blog. There, you will find other recalls from Chevy or Toyota, DIY tips and tricks, mechanical breakdown insurance information for California residents, and much more.