Written by Roy Wragth, Founder – Wragth Motorsports

If you drive a 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade, this one’s for you.

Over the past year, we’ve seen an increasing number of engine issues related to the L87 6.2L V8 platform — not just from customers walking into Wragth Motorsports, but from GM directly. These problems aren’t isolated. They’re real, widespread, and now under official recall.

Whether you daily drive your Escalade, tow with it, or simply want peace of mind with your investment, let’s walk through exactly what’s going on — and what you need to do.

What’s Causing the L87 Failures?

The L87 engine, used in Escalades and several GM trucks/SUVs, is showing signs of critical internal defects that affect performance, safety, and long-term reliability.

The most common issues include:

• Surface imperfections on crankshafts

• Contamination and debris in connecting rods

• Out-of-spec machining tolerances

• Premature bearing wear

• Oversized lifter bores from inconsistent machining

That last one — oversized lifter bores — has been especially concerning in our shop. Improper bore sizing can allow lifters to “walk” or rotate incorrectly, which can lead to oil pressure loss, lifter failure, and in some cases, top-end valvetrain damage that cascades into a full engine failure.

GM’s response? A formal recall impacting approximately 721,000 vehicles, including:

• 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV

• Chevy Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe

• GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL

This comes after an NHTSA investigation tied to real-world failures — including some involving crashes and injuries.

What the Recall Involves

If your Escalade is affected, GM dealerships are instructed to:

• Inspect the engine’s crankshaft and rods

• Determine if any wear or contamination is present

• Repair or replace the engine if necessary

If the engine passes inspection, GM still recommends:

• An oil change to 0W-40

• Oil filter and cap replacement

• Owner’s manual updates to reflect the new oil spec

Vehicles built after June 1, 2024 are not included in the recall, as GM states manufacturing improvements were implemented at that time.

What Technicians Are Looking For

Here at Wragth Motorsports — and across GM service centers — inspections are focused on:

1. Crankshaft Issues

• Surface finish problems or dimensional inconsistencies

• Embedded contaminants or metal flakes

• Scoring or abnormal wear

2. Connecting Rod Defects

• Out-of-spec alignment or machining

• Fatigue cracks or metallurgical flaws

• Rod bolt torque inconsistencies

3. Build & Batch Codes

• Specific casting dates and identifiers tied to faulty production runs

4. Symptoms of Failure

• Knocking or ticking noises

• Misfires and low oil pressure

• Metallic debris in oil or damaged bearings during inspection

If caught early, you may avoid a full engine failure — but if damage is already present, your entire engine may be replaced under warranty.

Why the Switch to 0W-40 Oil?

If you’re wondering why GM is changing the oil spec from 0W-20 to 0W-40, you’re not alone.

We’ve been recommending this for a while, and here’s why it matters:

1. Better Hot-Temp Protection

0W-40 provides a thicker oil film at operating temps, which protects crank and rod bearings from metal-to-metal contact — especially if tolerances are off.

2. Stronger Under Load

This oil doesn’t shear down as easily under stress, making it ideal for hauling, spirited driving, or Escalades under higher demand.

3. Proven in GM Performance Engines

Engines like the LT4 (used in the ZL1 and CTS-V) already spec 0W-40. If it works for those, it’s a smart move here too.

4. Real-World Results

Across builds in our shop, we’ve seen improved longevity, smoother startup, and better oil pressure retention after switching — especially when pushing the L87 hard.

My Personal Experience With L87 Failure

I don’t just speak on this as a shop owner. I lived it.

I was driving an Escalade on the highway, cruise control set at 75 mph — a normal Texas pace — when out of nowhere, the engine completely shut down. No check engine light, no limp mode — just dead.

I coasted to the shoulder, heart pounding, trying to figure out what went wrong. That failure was tied directly to this issue. So when I say I understand your concern as an owner — I mean it.

What You Should Do Next

If you own a 2021–2024 Escalade, here’s what we recommend:

1. Check your recall status using your VIN at GM’s official recall site

2. Schedule an inspection at your dealer or trusted shop

3. Document your oil changes and symptoms in case of warranty discussions

4. Consider switching to 0W-40 regardless — especially if you tow, tune, or drive hard

For more details, you can also view the full TSB and NHTSA recall report here:
NHTSA Recall 25V-274 – L87 Engine Defects (PDF)

Final Thoughts From Wragth Motorsports

The Escalade is a premium vehicle — and you shouldn’t have to worry about something as basic as engine reliability. That’s why we’ve made it a point to speak up and educate our community.

We’ve seen these failures up close. We’ve diagnosed them, rebuilt them, replaced them, and now we’re helping you avoid them.

If you need help, a second opinion, or want to proactively protect your L87-powered Escalade — we’ve got your back. Click Here and we'd be happy to set time and jump on a call

- Roy Wragth
Founder, Wragth Motorsports
https://wragthmotorsports.com |