The GM L87 engine lawsuit has caught the attention of thousands of drivers across the United States. Many owners of Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, and Suburban models are reporting serious engine problems, including lifter failures, ticking noises, oil pressure issues, and sudden breakdowns. This has led to a major legal battle with GM, as frustrated customers want answers, repairs, and fair compensation.
What Is the GM L87 Engine Lawsuit About?
The GM L87 engine lawsuit centers around claims that General Motors sold vehicles equipped with defective 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, particularly those with the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system. Many drivers argue that these engines have hidden defects that cause engine lifters to collapse, oil pressure to drop suddenly, and loud ticking or knocking noises to appear even at low mileage.
The lawsuit argues that GM was aware of these engine reliability problems but continued selling trucks and SUVs without offering a permanent fix. Instead, many owners report being told by dealerships that the issues were “normal” or that costly repairs were their responsibility once warranties expired.
For drivers who depend on their Chevy Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 for work, towing, or family trips, these failures are more than just annoying—they can be dangerous and expensive. That’s why multiple class action lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. against GM.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The lawsuit mainly targets vehicles equipped with the GM L87 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines, commonly found in popular trucks and SUVs built between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the models most frequently mentioned in complaints include:
- Chevy Silverado 1500 (2019–2023)
- GMC Sierra 1500 (2019–2023)
- Chevy Tahoe (2020–2023)
- Chevy Suburban (2020–2023)
- GMC Yukon & Yukon XL (2020–2023)
- Cadillac Escalade (2021–2023)
These vehicles use DFM (Dynamic Fuel Management), which shuts down certain cylinders to save fuel. While this sounds good for gas mileage, many owners believe it contributes to lifter failure, ticking noises, and oil pressure problems.
What Are the Main Engine Problems?
The L87 lawsuit highlights several recurring problems that thousands of drivers have reported. The most common ones are collapsed lifters, oil pressure drops, and engine ticking noises.
Lifter Failure
One of the biggest issues with the L87 5.3L and 6.2L engines is lifter collapse. Lifters are small but essential parts that help open and close engine valves. When a lifter fails, the engine can misfire, lose power, or even shut down completely.
Drivers often describe hearing a loud ticking or knocking sound right before their engine performance drops. In many cases, dealerships replace the faulty lifters—but some owners say the new ones fail again within a few thousand miles. This has made “Chevy lifter failure” and “GMC lifter problems” major concerns for anyone with an L87-equipped vehicle.
Oil Pressure Drops
Another dangerous issue linked to the GM L87 engines is sudden oil pressure loss. Owners report dashboard warnings like “Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine”, even when the vehicle has enough oil. Low oil pressure can cause severe damage, including engine seizure.
This issue often appears in 2020 Silverado 1500 oil pressure complaints and GMC Sierra 5.3 oil problems, with many owners saying their trucks stalled while driving. A sudden stall in traffic, or while towing, can be extremely risky.
Engine Ticking Noises
Many owners also describe persistent ticking or knocking noises coming from the engine. While some ticking is “normal” in certain V8s, drivers argue that the L87 ticking noise is unusually loud and often a sign of lifter or valve damage.
Some dealerships dismiss it as a harmless sound, but frustrated customers claim that ticking often comes right before major engine failure. Online forums are full of posts like “2021 Chevy Silverado ticking noise” or “Tahoe L87 engine knocking”, showing how widespread the issue really is.
Has GM Recalled These Engines Yet?
As of now, General Motors has not issued a nationwide recall for the L87 engine problems. While some technical service bulletins (TSBs) have been released, and some repairs have been covered under warranty, there hasn’t been a full recall.
This is one of the main reasons the GM class action lawsuits gained traction—because many drivers believe GM should issue an official recall to replace faulty parts rather than leaving customers with expensive repair bills.
In some cases, owners report paying $3,000 to $7,000 for lifter replacements or full engine rebuilds. Without a recall, these costs fall on the consumer once the vehicle is out of warranty.
What Does the Lawsuit Want from GM?
The GM L87 engine lawsuit seeks several things on behalf of affected owners:
- Free repairs or replacements for faulty engines and components.
- Extended warranties for vehicles equipped with the L87 engine.
- Reimbursement for past repair costs paid out of pocket.
- Compensation for loss of vehicle value due to known defects.
In short, the lawsuits argue that GM should take responsibility for knowingly selling vehicles with engine defects and provide fair compensation to drivers who trusted their brand.
What Should You Do If You Own One?
If you own a Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, or Escalade with the L87 5.3L or 6.2L engine, here’s what you should do:
Check If Your Vehicle Qualifies
First, check your VIN number and model year to see if your vehicle might be part of the lawsuit. Many 2020–2023 GM trucks and SUVs are under scrutiny. Websites for the lawsuit often allow you to check eligibility.
Report Any Engine Problems
If you’ve experienced ticking, lifter failure, or oil pressure issues, report them to your dealership, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and keep all repair records. Documentation is key if you want to qualify for compensation or settlement payouts later.
Is the L87 Engine Still Reliable?
Some drivers with L87-equipped trucks report no problems at all, while others face repeated breakdowns. The reality is that reliability seems inconsistent. While the engine offers good power, towing ability, and fuel economy, the risk of lifter failure or oil pressure loss makes long-term reliability questionable.
If you depend heavily on your vehicle, it’s wise to stay updated on the lawsuit and consider extended warranties or aftermarket solutions.
Can GM Fix the L87 Problems?
GM has the resources to engineer a fix, but so far, solutions haven’t been permanent. Replacing lifters or reprogramming the DFM system has only provided temporary relief for many drivers. Until GM designs a stronger, more reliable lifter system—or ditches DFM cylinder deactivation entirely—the L87 problems may continue to haunt owners.
The Bottom Line
The GM L87 engine lawsuit highlights the frustration of thousands of drivers who bought trucks and SUVs expecting reliability but instead faced engine ticking, lifter failure, and oil pressure drops. While GM hasn’t issued a full recall yet, lawsuits are pushing for repairs, reimbursements, and compensation.
If you own an affected vehicle, document everything, report issues, and stay informed about lawsuit updates. The outcome could determine whether GM steps up with a real solution or if owners are left paying the price for engine defects that should never have been sold in the first place.
