GMC Sierra 1500 Lemon Law

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

The L87 6.2L has also drawn long-standing lifter-failure complaints tied to the cylinder-deactivation system (AFM/DFM) — ticking, misfires, and power loss. Class-action suits (including McNamara v. General Motors) allege the engine defects cause propulsion loss and that the oil-change fix hurts fuel economy.

Joining a class action is not the same as a Lemon Law claim and can cap your individual recovery. If your Sierra'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 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 Sierra 1500 has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your GMC Sierra 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 GMC pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.