If you own a General Motors vehicle and have experienced sudden power loss or unexplained engine issues, you’re not alone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially launched an investigation into 877,710 GM trucks and SUVs following complaints of catastrophic engine failure. These reports primarily involve bearing failure and connecting rod breakage, both of which can cause the engine to seize without warning—leaving drivers stranded and vehicles inoperable.
The trucks and SUVs under investigation include several of GM’s most popular models: the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, all equipped with V8 engines and spanning model years 2019 through 2024.
At The Barry Law Firm, we represent California consumers who have been sold defective vehicles—and we’re closely monitoring this investigation. If your GM vehicle has experienced serious engine issues, especially if it’s already been in the shop multiple times, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.
This is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue that could lead to costly repairs or even accidents. The sudden and unpredictable nature of these engine failures puts drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. What’s worse, these issues appear to strike without any warning lights, messages, or error codes. As this investigation unfolds, GM owners should be informed and proactive. If you’ve experienced similar engine-related symptoms, now is the time to take a closer look at your legal rights.
What’s Wrong with GM’s V8 Engines? 
According to the NHTSA, the engine failure issues appear to stem from two potentially severe defects: bearing failure and connecting rod damage that breaches the engine block. When these parts fail, the engine may seize completely—often without any prior warning signs.
This kind of catastrophic failure can result in thousands of dollars in engine repairs or replacement—often exceeding the value of the vehicle itself if it’s outside of warranty. Some drivers have described the sound of a loud bang before losing all engine power. Others report that their vehicles simply shut off and wouldn’t restart. These are not isolated incidents—multiple reports point to the same failure patterns.
What’s especially frustrating for consumers is the lack of any clear early warning. You may not hear unusual noises, see a warning light, or experience performance changes until the engine fails completely. In some cases, drivers had just left the dealership following routine maintenance before encountering a failure. These types of defects make vehicle ownership stressful and unpredictable, especially when dealing with a newer or lightly used truck.
What Vehicles Are Being Investigated?
The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation currently includes the following GM vehicles equipped with V8 engines, all from model years 2019–2024:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500
- GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500
- Chevy Tahoe
- Chevy Suburban
- GMC Yukon
- Cadillac Escalade
This investigation has nationwide implications. If a recall is issued, it could be one of the largest GM has seen in years. What’s especially alarming is that many of the trucks under investigation were marketed as durable, long-lasting vehicles suited for work, towing, or large families.
Buyers who chose a V8-equipped GM vehicle expected power and reliability—but instead, many are facing breakdowns and uncertainty. These trucks are frequently used in high-demand environments such as construction, commercial fleets, or family road trips, which increases the consequences of unexpected engine failure. The more miles they’re driven, the more urgent the risk becomes. If your vehicle is on this list and you’ve had engine issues, it may not be coincidental—it could be part of a larger problem.
Why Is This a Safety Concern? 
The primary danger stems from the sudden and complete nature of the engine failures. A vehicle that seizes while in motion—especially without warning—can become an immediate road hazard. Drivers may lose power steering and braking assistance, making the vehicle harder to control. In worst-case scenarios, stalled trucks on highways can cause pile-ups or leave drivers vulnerable in high-speed lanes.
This isn’t just a mechanical issue—it’s a life safety issue. Imagine losing all engine power while merging onto the freeway or driving down a steep hill. Without engine assistance, vehicles can become difficult or impossible to steer safely. In modern trucks that rely heavily on power systems, the cascading effects of engine failure can impact multiple vehicle functions at once.
Additionally, many GM drivers are unaware that their engine problems could be tied to a larger defect. As a result, they may continue driving a potentially unsafe vehicle. Without a formal recall or proactive communication from GM, many consumers are left to discover these risks the hard way—after an unexpected breakdown or near-miss.
What Happens If There’s a Recall?
If the NHTSA concludes that the defect is both serious and widespread, a formal recall could be launched. This would require General Motors to notify affected owners and cover the cost of repairs, which may include replacing engine components or the entire engine.
Recalls are often seen as a safety net—but they’re not always comprehensive. Sometimes, repairs only address the immediate symptoms rather than the root cause. Additionally, parts shortages, backorders, or overwhelmed service departments can delay repairs, leaving drivers without a working vehicle for weeks.
And just because a vehicle isn’t currently recalled doesn’t mean it’s safe. The investigation may take months to conclude, and during that time, more failures could occur. If your vehicle has already exhibited symptoms of engine problems, or has been to the dealer multiple times for similar issues, you may already have a valid claim—regardless of whether a formal recall has been issued yet.
What If Engine Problems Persist After Repairs?
While a recall may eventually be issued, that doesn’t mean it will fully resolve the issue. GM may choose to perform diagnostic tests before agreeing to replace an engine or its internal components. But these tests don’t always detect hidden damage or prevent future breakdowns.
In many Lemon Law cases, it’s not the first repair that qualifies a consumer—it’s the repeated, failed repairs that show a pattern of unresolved defects. If your vehicle keeps going back to the dealership for the same issue, that’s a red flag. And if GM replaces one faulty part, only for another related part to fail soon after, the underlying problem may still be unresolved.
California’s Lemon Law doesn’t require your vehicle to be completely dead—it just needs to have a substantial defect that impairs use, value, or safety and hasn’t been successfully fixed after a reasonable number of attempts. If your truck keeps stalling, losing power, or making knocking sounds even after service visits, it may be time to pursue legal options.
What Are Your Options Under California’s Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law exists to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles. If your GM truck or SUV has undergone multiple repairs for the same engine issue—or if it has spent 30 or more days out of service—you may qualify for compensation.
You could be entitled to:
- A refund of your purchase price
- A replacement vehicle of similar value
- Cash compensation for the diminished value of your vehicle
The best part? The law requires the manufacturer—not you—to cover your attorney’s fees if your case is successful. This means there’s no cost to get started. Our firm can review your service records, dealership communications, and repair invoices to build a strong case on your behalf.
Even if you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, it’s worth speaking with a Lemon Law expert. The sooner you act, the better your chances of resolving the issue before it worsens—or before your legal window closes.
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, 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 if
you win your case. 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.
Closing
A federal investigation into nearly 900,000 GM trucks and SUVs for engine failure is a major development—and if you’re a GM owner, you need to stay informed. Whether your vehicle has already experienced a breakdown or you’ve noticed strange engine symptoms, don’t wait until it’s too late.
At The Barry Law Firm, we’re committed to helping drivers like you stand up to manufacturers who sell defective vehicles. Our team is experienced, responsive, and focused solely on Lemon Law cases. If your Chevy or GMC truck is unreliable, unsafe, or in the shop too often, we can help you explore your legal options.
You shouldn’t have to pay the price for a manufacturer’s mistake.
Contact The Barry Law Firm now for a FAST & FREE consultation. Let us help you hold automakers accountable and ensure your safety on the road.
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