Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Lemon Law

In April 2025, GM recalled about 597,630 U.S. vehicles with the 6.2-liter V8 L87 engine (NHTSA 25V274000), including 2021–2024 Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, because manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft can cause catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion. Trucks that pass inspection get a switch to heavier 0W-40 oil; those that fail are likely to need an engine replacement.

Beyond the recall, the L87 6.2L has drawn long-running complaints of lifter failure (tied to the Active Fuel Management/Dynamic Fuel Management system) — ticking, misfires, and loss of power. Class-action lawsuits (such as McNamara v. General Motors) allege the engine defects cause propulsion loss and that the oil-change remedy reduces fuel economy.

Important: joining a class action is not the same as a Lemon Law claim, and it can limit your individual recovery. If your Silverado's engine can't be properly repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or it's out of service for an extended time, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with GM paying your attorney fees. A case review can explain how a lemon claim compares to the class action for your situation.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Silverado 1500 has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Chevrolet pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.