If you own a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra equipped with the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, you may already be aware of the engine issues plaguing GM’s most popular trucks. But now, a new concern is making headlines: owners who received recall-related engine repairs are suing General Motors—not for engine failure, but for a fix that allegedly reduces fuel economy and raises long-term ownership costs.
At The Barry Law Firm, we’re tracking this development closely. We represent California drivers who are sold defective vehicles, and this lawsuit highlights the growing frustration among GM owners. Whether you’re facing engine performance issues or worsening fuel efficiency after a dealership repair, you may be entitled to relief under California’s Lemon Law for GM trucks.
This is not just a technical adjustment—it’s a potentially costly consequence of GM’s attempt to fix a widespread engine defect without replacing all faulty components.
What’s Going On With GM’s 6.2L V8 Engine? 
At the center of the controversy is GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine, a powertrain marketed for its strong towing capacity, performance, and reliability. Found in popular models like the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade, the L87 was designed to meet the demands of both work and family life. But for many owners, it has instead become a source of costly and unpredictable mechanical problems.
The core issue lies in internal engine components that are failing prematurely. Specifically, drivers have reported sudden power loss, knocking sounds, and in some cases, complete engine seizure. The problems appear to stem from connecting rod damage and bearing failure—critical components that, when compromised, can cause irreversible engine damage. These failures are often sudden and occur without warning lights, error messages, or prior symptoms, leaving drivers stranded and frustrated.
As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has included the L87 in its growing GM recall list, citing safety concerns due to the risk of engine failure at high speeds or in heavy traffic. GM responded with a recall campaign that now spans more than 600,000 trucks and SUVs, attempting to address the issue through repairs or replacement of the affected components.
However, GM’s fix has sparked new controversy. In addition to hardware repairs, the company is now requiring the use of higher-viscosity engine oil—shifting from the originally recommended 0W-20 to a heavier 0W-40. While the thicker oil may reduce wear and tear on internal components, it also creates more friction within the engine, which can lower fuel efficiency and increase long-term operating costs.
Truck owners, many of whom bought their vehicles for their advertised fuel economy and performance, are now left facing a frustrating dilemma: stick with the original oil spec and risk serious engine damage—or follow GM’s updated guidance and accept reduced fuel economy and higher ownership costs.
This situation has led to growing dissatisfaction and legal action. A recent class action lawsuit argues that GM’s fix doesn’t restore the engine’s original performance—it compromises it. Instead of fixing the root cause, the lawsuit alleges, GM has delivered a band-aid solution that forces consumers to bear the cost of the company’s engineering oversight.
What was once a highly regarded powertrain is now the subject of widespread scrutiny. And for consumers who have already experienced repeated repairs or worsening performance, the GM 6.2L L87 V8 engine recall represents not just a technical issue—but a serious breach of trust.
Why Are GM Owners Suing?
According to the lawsuit (McNamara et al. v. General Motors LLC), GM’s official fix for the GMC Sierra 6.2L engine issue involves switching from the originally recommended 0W-20 oil to a heavier 0W-40 oil. While this change might improve lubrication and reduce engine wear, it also increases internal drag—meaning the engine has to work harder and burn more fuel.
Plaintiffs argue that GM owners are now faced with two unacceptable choices:
- Skip the recall fix and risk catastrophic engine failure, or
- Get the fix and face worsened fuel economy and higher gas costs.
As the lawsuit puts it: “Thicker oil may (or may not) help mitigate the engine defect, but it will also materially decrease fuel economy and require owners to purchase hundreds of extra gallons of gasoline over their vehicles’ lifespans.”
For many drivers, especially those using their trucks for long commutes or commercial work, that translates to thousands of dollars in extra fuel costs—all because of a defect they didn’t cause.
What Vehicles Are Affected? 
The complaint targets GM trucks and SUVs built prior to the fix, including models with the L87 V8 engine such as:
- Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500
- GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500
- Chevy Suburban
- Chevy Tahoe
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade
If your vehicle is on the NHTSA GM recall list or has been serviced for GM V8 engine problems, you could be affected—especially if you’ve noticed a dip in fuel efficiency following the recall fix.
Even more troubling, GM’s own manuals show that newer versions of the same engine—built after the recall window—still use 0W-20 oil, suggesting that the company may not be applying the same solution to all L87 engines. This inconsistency only adds to owner frustration.
Why Is This a Safety and Financial Concern?
While the Chevy Silverado engine recall and GM’s response were intended to prevent catastrophic engine failures, the remedy has introduced new complications that can affect both safety and long-term ownership costs.
From a safety standpoint, the original defect involving connecting rod and bearing failure poses a serious risk. A seized engine while driving can lead to sudden power loss, loss of steering or braking assistance, and increased chances of a collision—especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. These aren’t hypothetical risks; they’re real-world dangers that have left drivers stranded on the side of the road or in hazardous situations.
Financially, the updated fix—requiring 0W-40 oil instead of the previously recommended 0W-20—has troubling implications. Heavier oil can reduce fuel efficiency, causing increased gas consumption that adds up over time. For high-mileage drivers, commercial users, or families using these trucks for daily commuting, this could mean spending hundreds or even thousands more per year on fuel.
What’s more, this reduction in efficiency wasn’t something owners agreed to when purchasing their vehicles. Many chose their GM trucks for their advertised balance of power and MPG. Now, after a so-called fix, they’re left with a truck that no longer performs as promised.
This shift not only diminishes the vehicle’s value and functionality but also places an unfair burden on consumers who were sold a product that’s now more expensive to operate. If you’re experiencing either unresolved engine problems or increased fuel costs after recall-related repairs, it’s not just frustrating—it may qualify as a Lemon Law issue.
What If Fuel Economy Drops After Your Repair?
If your truck has been serviced for engine issues and you’ve noticed a drop in fuel economy, you’re not alone. Many drivers are discovering that GM’s “solution” creates a new problem that isn’t being clearly disclosed at the dealership.
This is especially frustrating for those who have already endured multiple service visits for engine problems. In California, if your truck has been in the shop repeatedly for the same issue—or if it has lost value or performance due to a defective repair—you may be eligible for compensation under Lemon Law protections for GM trucks.
California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just apply to total breakdowns. It also protects consumers from substantial defects that impact a vehicle’s use, value, or safety. If your truck is no longer delivering the performance or efficiency it promised, you may have a case.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping California consumers take legal action against manufacturers when their vehicles fail to meet quality and safety standards. If your Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade or other GM vehicle has been in the shop repeatedly for engine issues, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
Why Work with The Barry Law Firm?
- Lemon Law Expertise – We specialize in California Lemon Law cases and know how to hold manufacturers accountable.
- No Upfront Costs – The California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to pay our fees. That means, at The Barry Law Firm, we will never charge you, no matter the outcome of your case.
- Proven Success – We have helped thousands of consumers obtain favorable settlements for their defective vehicles.
- Personalized Attention – We handle all legal paperwork and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
If GM’s investigation or future recall has not fully resolved your vehicle’s engine issues, we can help you take legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
GM’s ongoing struggle with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine continues to grow—now with lawsuits accusing the company of providing a “solution” that harms fuel economy. If you’re dealing with L87 V8 performance issues, persistent engine problems, or increased fuel costs after a Chevy Silverado engine recall or GMC Sierra 6.2L engine repair, you deserve answers—and you may be entitled to compensation.
At The Barry Law Firm, we’re here to help California drivers protect their rights and push back against manufacturers that fail to deliver the reliability and performance they promise. Whether your engine has failed, your fuel economy has dropped, or your truck is spending too much time in the shop, you have options.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let us help you explore your Lemon Law rights and get the compensation you deserve.
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for a manufacturer’s mistake.
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