The latest GM recall, affecting Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles, has hit Americans hard. People who own an SUV or truck from these car brands, or were simply considering buying one, are now in a total mess. If you do not know, General Motors (GM) has recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles due to a serious engine defect that could cause your car to suddenly lose power, or worse, catch fire.
Everyone thought the Ford brake recall was worse until GM joined the race. This recall is currently like a wildfire in the auto world. The number of vehicles involved, the severity of the issue, and the fact that it affects some of GM’s most popular models have literally created a state of panic.
Thus, whether you own a Chevy Silverado, a Cadillac Escalade, or a GMC Yukon, you need to know if your vehicle is on the GMC recall list and what to do next.
To help you navigate this situation well, we bring you this guide. You will finally learn which models are affected by the recall, what the reason is behind this occurrence, how to check if your car is included, what steps to take if it is, and more.
What Caused the GM Recall? A Serious Engine Flaw
This ongoing GM recall was triggered by a major issue found inside the automaker’s engines, specifically with how the connecting rods and crankshaft (crucial engine components) were made. These are highly important parts that ensure the smooth operation of the engine. But in this case, some of them were not made properly, resulting in easy breakage while you are driving.
GM immediately issued a statement and said that the problem came from one of their suppliers that did not follow proper production standards for a batch of 6.2-liter V8 engines. These engines are found in a wide range of GM’s full-size SUVs and trucks.
Ideally, connecting rods and crankshaft handle a lot of power and pressure. But when they are defective, they can cause the engine to fail suddenly. Thus, this recall is not just about fixing a car part but about preventing dangerous situations on the road.
Some Engines Could Fail Without Warning
The situation is quite bad. According to GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 3% of the recalled vehicles are expected to actually experience the issue. This might not sound like much, but 3% of almost 600,000 vehicles means that nearly 18,000 cars are at risk.
A user on r/gmcsierra, who works at a GM dealership, explained:
“Every unit in this recall initially will be in a 4000 status. If affected, they will either get an engine or a 10-year / 150k extended engine coverage.”
What is even more alarming is what happens when the engine fails. In some cases, drivers reported hearing a loud knocking sound before the engine lost power, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. In rare cases, the problem even caused fires, not just overheating under the hood.
A Reddit user in r/Silverado shared a firsthand glance into dealership procedures and potential delays:
“They first check for the P0016 code. If code, replace engine. If there is no code, they then use a scope and knock detector to monitor it for 20-second intervals. If it fails, they replace the engine. If it passes, they upgrade to 0w-40 oil, change oil cap, insert manual, provide document giving 10yr/150,000 warranty.”
GM Recall Chevrolet Cadillac GMC Vehicles Timeline & Scope
The General Motors (GM) recall for Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC vehicles officially affects 597,630 full-size SUVs and trucks built between 2020 and 2023.
The company began preparing for the recall immediately once the issue was officially recognized in April 2025. The affected vehicle owners began receiving official letters in the mail starting June 9, 2025, along with instructions on what to do next.
Currently, GM is urging all affected vehicle owners to bring their rides in for inspection, a preventative oil filter and cap update, and possible engine replacement, free of charge. The company has also provided a reference number for the recall, N252494000, which you can use to check your car’s status on the NHTSA or GM Owner Center websites.
Not every GM vehicle is included in this ongoing recall. But the ones that happen to be some of the most popular and widely driven full-size SUVs and trucks in the U.S., featuring the powerful 6.2L L87 V8 engine.
Chevrolet (Approximately 174,000 Vehicles)
The Chevy has approximately 174,000 vehicles affected by the recall, which are mostly its high-volume, best-selling pickup and SUV lines. The Silverado 1500, in particular, is one of the most commonly sold trucks in the U.S., making this recall especially widespread.
Affected Models:
- 2021–2023 Silverado 1500
- 2021–2023 Tahoe
- 2021–2023 Suburban
GMC (Approximately 297,000 Vehicles)
GMC accounts for the largest share of recalled vehicles, nearly 297,000 models. This is the largest recall group by manufacturer. Many of these vehicles were sold as premium trims with advanced towing packages, which heavily rely on the affected 6.2L V8. That makes this recall particularly important for owners who use their trucks for performance or work purposes.
Affected Models:
- 2021–2023 Sierra 1500
- 2021–2023 Yukon
- 2021–2023 Yukon XL
Cadillac (Approximately 126,000 Vehicles)
The Escalade is Cadillac’s flagship SUV, known for luxury and power. Owners of these vehicles paid a premium and now face the same risks tied to this recall. Many are voicing frustration online, especially since these vehicles were purchased for both status and reliability.
Affected Models:
- 2021–2023 Escalade
- 2021–2023 Escalade ESV
According to official reports and dealership communications, all these models were built with potentially defective crankshafts or connecting rods. This is a manufacturer’s defect that could cause catastrophic engine failure.
How Many Vehicles Are Involved?
This car safety issue recall affects exactly 597,630, nearly 600,000 GM vehicles, across the Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet car brands. As per the sources, approximately 174,000 Chevrolet vehicles, 297,000 GMC vehicles, and 126,000 Cadillac vehicles are involved in this entire fiasco.
Are 2025 Models Affected?
The biggest relief for GM in all this chaos is that no 2025 models appear to be affected by the recall. The American multinational automotive manufacturing company has confirmed that the updated production process used for 2025 engines does not carry the same risk and is excluded from the recall. This is crucial information for buyers of new vehicles who may be concerned about recent headlines.
Next Steps If Your Vehicle Is on the Recall List
If you own any of the affected vehicles from either Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac, you need to act quickly. The engine catching fire is a serious thing, and you can not just postpone it. It is not just about your car but also the safety of you and your passengers. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what you should do next:
Check if Your Vehicle Is Affected
If you own any of the affected models, the first thing you need to do is check if your ride is on the recall list. Simply get your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can find your VIN either on the driver’s side dashboard (seen through the windshield) or on your insurance card or registration paperwork.
Once you have it, enter it into one of the following tools:
If your VIN comes back as part of Recall #N252494000, that means your vehicle may need inspection and possibly a new engine. Reach out to your local GM dealership and book an appointment.
What the Dealer Will Do
Once you schedule a service appointment, the GM dealerships will thoroughly inspect your ride for diagnostic code P0016. If this code is present, it indicates that your engine is suffering from a crankshaft/camshaft alignment issue, and it needs replacement.
If no code appears, your ride has no degrading parts issue. However, they will still upgrade your oil to 0W‑40 synthetic, replace the oil cap, add a special insert to your owner’s manual, and may even extend your engine warranty.
Plan for Delays
The recall inspection is not going well for all owners. Some have reported long wait times for inspections or engine replacements, depending on dealer location and part availability. Thus, it is best to:
- Call ahead and confirm your dealer is prepared
- Ask if loaner cars or rental coverage are available while waiting
- Stay updated through GM or NHTSA communications
Also Read: Find Out If Chevy’s 72 Month Financing Deal Beats The Rest
How Ignoring the Recall Could Put You in Danger
The danger with this GM recall isn’t just under the hood; it is in what could happen to you and your passengers if the defect triggers while you are behind the wheel. Your safety is at risk, which is why the company is acting fast and urging the customers to do the same.
What Is Actually at Risk?
The motor vehicles in this recall suffer from a serious engine defect that could lead to a sudden loss of power, even while you’re driving at highway speeds. In some cases, it could cause:
- Unexpected stalling
- Loss of steering or braking assist
- Engine fires
- Or complete engine failure without any warning signs
Real-World Warnings from Owners and Technicians
Do not dismiss this issue as theoretical. People are already dealing with it. A GM technician on an online forum warned:
“We’ve already had one customer lose their engine on a weekend road trip. It shut down completely and had to be towed. If your VIN is on the list, get in, don’t wait.”
Other owners reported getting a check engine light, followed by knocking noises, and then a complete engine shutdown just days later. No big warning. No slow lead-up. Just failure.
This Is Why Acting Fast Matters
Even if your vehicle feels fine right now, the issue is not resolved. It is internal and may not show symptoms until it is too late. Please understand that the risk is hidden and it strikes without much notice.
One of my close friends owns a vehicle affected by the recall. He, too, was ignorant but got the vehicle to the dealership due to his wife’s request. Turns out his precious Escalade needed engine replacement. He was shocked as his ride was working absolutely fine.
So, if your VIN is included in the recall, don’t delay. GM is offering free inspections and free-of-cost repairs. All you have to do is book your appointment and take your ride to your nearby dealership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my 2025 GM vehicle affected by the recall?
No. GM has confirmed that no 2025 models are included in their recall. The problem is related to the earlier versions of their 6.2L L87 V8 engine built between 2021 and 2023. The manufacturing processes used in 2025 production were updated, and they have resolved the flaw, exempting the latest releases.
What are the warning signs of engine failure?
Your car engine will not break down out of nowhere. There will always be signs. Drivers of GM recall-affected cars have reported knocking noises, a check engine light, and in some cases, sudden stalling. However, not all engine failures have come with a warning. Some owners have stated their engine failure with no prior symptoms. This is why GM is asking you to get your car inspected, even if everything seems normal.
How long will the inspection or repair take?
In most cases, the car inspection takes a few hours. But the extensive matters, like full engine replacement, can take several days or longer. So, exactly how long your car inspection or repair takes mainly depends on the dealership’s capacity, parts availability, and how many vehicles are ahead of yours. Currently, several dealers are prioritizing vehicles that show diagnostic code P0016, which indicates a crankshaft/camshaft misalignment issue.
Will I get a loaner car while mine is being repaired?
Whether you will get a loaner car depends on your dealership. But the good news is that many are providing loaners or rental coverage, especially if your engine needs replacement. To know for sure, ask your service advisor while booking the appointment. GM has instructed dealers to support affected owners where possible, particularly in cases of extended service time.
Do I need to follow up after the inspection?
You may need to follow up, but only if your engine was not replaced. In this kind of scenario, your dealership will provide you with a 10-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty for your peace of mind. Also, you will get new oil, a new cap, and an updated manual insert as part of the visit. I recommend keeping all the documents from the service visit. There are chances you might need them later. Thus, be prepared.
Conclusion
The GM recall for Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC cars is not just another notice. It is a serious safety issue tied to unexpected engine failures in nearly 600,000 vehicles. Even if your car feels fine, the problem may still be under the surface. That’s why GM is offering free inspections, extended warranties, and repairs. But you have to take the first step.
Check your VIN, book an appointment with the dealership, and stay ahead of the risk. It is fast, free, and could prevent something worse from happening while you are enjoying driving.
