GM’s L87 V8 Woes Continue
This year has been rough for General Motors, which has been dealing with an investigation, a recall, and multiple lawsuits tied to its 6.2-liter L87 small-block V8. The safety campaign affects nearly 600,000 L87-powered trucks and SUVs from the 2021–2024 model years, making this reported blown L87 engine on a relatively new 2026 GMC Yukon shared on Reddit especially hard to ignore.
According to the original poster, the GMC Yukon was delivered on October 30, 2025, following a three-month wait from the time the order was placed. Despite having accumulated just 1,500 miles, the SUV reportedly lost acceleration and oil pressure while exiting a highway. The OP said the dealer determined that a complete engine replacement was required, though no further technical details were provided.
Given the vehicle’s extremely low mileage, the replacement will likely be covered under warranty. However, the incident raises questions about whether similar failures could occur outside the recalled population.
Blown engine.
by
u/88Motha_Trucker in
gmc
Recall Description
The recall filed in April 2025 stated that affected trucks and SUVs – including the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL – may have been built with defective connecting rods and/or crankshaft engine components. These defects can lead to internal engine damage and, in worst-case scenarios, complete engine failure, increasing the risk of a crash, especially if the vehicle suddenly loses propulsion while in motion.
To address the issue, GM instructed dealers to repair or replace the affected engines if necessary. Engines that pass inspection receive oil-related remedies, including switching from 0W-20 oil to a thicker 0W-40 formulation, along with installing a new oil filter and fill cap. However, many owners were dissatisfied with the fix, prompting the filing of multiple lawsuits that have since been consolidated into a single major case. The plaintiffs argue that the automaker’s remedies are insufficient to resolve the problem.
Not the Fresh Start the Owner Expected
Now facing a failure similar to those formally investigated on 2021–2024 L87-powered vehicles, the owner of the 2026 GMC Yukon wrote in the comment section that they were “really hoping 2026 would be a better year for engines, but I suppose not.” The OP also admitted regretting trading in their previous Toyota vehicle, though they did not specify the model.
As the L87 situation continues to unfold, the OP appears stuck with a nearly new Yukon in the off-road-focused AT4 trim, which starts at $76,600. The model is also offered with two alternative powertrains: a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six and a 5.3-liter V8. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard across the entire lineup.
