Report: NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Almost 900,000 GM Trucks and SUVs
Almost 900,000 General Motors vehicles are now under a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for an issue that could cause the engine to fail. While not a recall yet, this action is a step in that direction, and it could lead to expensive repairs for GM if it progresses.
Vehicles from the 2019 through 2024 model year are covered by the investigation, including the Chevy Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban. The Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon are also included in the action, and all affected models are equipped with GM’s L87 V8 engine. The NHTSA said it had received complaints about a bearing failure that could cause the engine to seize or crack the block. Of course, that could lead to an engine failure that increases the risk of a crash.
So far, 39 complaints have reached the NHTSA, but no fires or accidents have been reported. Owners said they had no warning of the engine failures, however, making it impossible to preemptively stop the problem.
This would be a pretty significant recall for General Motors if the investigation progresses that far. That said, a recall is not guaranteed, and investigations sometimes take a very long time, so it’s difficult to tell at this point if a recall is imminent. It’s also possible that more reports surface during the investigation, pushing things forward faster.
[Images: General Motors]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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There should be no need for a recall. GM wants satisfied customers and a defect will be corrected without government actions, right?
I hope GM doesn't make this another reason for Toyotas market share to increase.
"The NHTSA said it had received complaints about a bearing failure that could cause the engine to seize or crack the block. Of course, that could lead to an engine failure that increases the risk of a crash."
From the GM-Truck.com website
"From what I understand, improper cleaning of the machined block during the build process. Debris gets pumped through the engine and causes failure. I could be wrong, but I believe it's a situation very similar to the Toyota engine issues."
Also,
"From what I understand, it occurs VERY early when the truck is under warranty. I have heard one case here in Qatar."