Meta Description: Struggling with lifter failure in your GM truck or SUV? Our deep dive into the 2025 GM L87 engine lawsuit covers the latest updates, settlement details, symptoms, repair costs, and your legal rights as an owner. Get the facts now.
Introduction: The Heart of America’s Trucks Under Scrutiny
For decades, General Motors has built its reputation on power, durability, and reliability. At the core of millions of America’s most beloved trucks and SUVs—like the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade—beats the heart of the L87 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engines. These engines were engineered to be a marvel of modern efficiency, combining robust power with cylinder deactivation technology (known as DFM or Dynamic Fuel Management) to save fuel.
However, for a significant number of owners, this engineering promise has turned into a nightmare of unexpected repairs, staggering costs, and immense frustration. What began as isolated reports of engine trouble quickly snowballed into a full-blown legal battle, culminating in a major class-action lawsuit that has stretched into 2025. This article provides a complete, up-to-date overview of the gm l87 engine lawsuit, explaining the core issues, the current status, and, most importantly, what you can do if you are an affected owner.
What is the GM L87 Engine? Understanding the Powerplant
Before delving into the lawsuit, it’s crucial to understand what the gm l87 engine lawsuit is. The L87 is part of GM’s Gen V Small Block engine family, often referred to as the EcoTec3 series. It’s an evolution of the previous Generation IV engines but with significant technological upgrades.
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Displacement: It comes primarily in two sizes: the 5.3-liter (L84 code, but often grouped under the L87 issue) and the 6.2-liter (L87 code).
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Key Technology: Its most defining feature is the advanced Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system. This is a more aggressive evolution of the older Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. While AFM could deactivate four cylinders, DFM can deactivate any number of cylinders in various combinations, from one to seven, to maximize fuel economy based on driving demand.
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Vehicles Affected: This engine is ubiquitous across GM’s full-size lineup from approximately the 2019 model year onward. Affected vehicles include:
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Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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GMC Sierra 1500
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Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban
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GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
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Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
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Chevrolet Camaro (SS model with the 6.2L)
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The Core of the Problem: What is the GM L87 Engine Lawsuit About?
The GM L87 engine lawsuit is not about a single, simple defect. Instead, it alleges a complex chain of failures rooted in the engine’s design and the components that facilitate the DFM system. The central allegation is that General Motors knowingly manufactured and sold vehicles with a defective engine system that leads to catastrophic failure.
The primary points of failure are:
1. Hydraulic Roller Lifters (The Main Culprit)
The DFM system relies on special hydraulic roller lifters. These lifters contain solenoids and oil passages that allow them to “collapse” and deactivate the valve train for specific cylinders. The lawsuit alleges that these lifters are prone to failure in two ways:
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Collapse Failure: A lifter can fail in its collapsed state, meaning it no longer opens the valve for its cylinder. This causes a misfire, loss of power, and the infamous “lifter tick” or “lifter knock” sound.
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Seizure/Sticking: More catastrophically, a lifter can seize or stick in the open position. This can prevent the valve from closing fully, leading to contact between the piston and the valve. This contact bends pushrods, shatters lifters, and can cause total engine destruction.
2. Valve Spring Failures
Closely related are failures of the valve springs. The lawsuit claims the valve springs are under-engineered for the stress of the DFM system’s constant activation and deactivation cycles. A broken valve spring can drop a valve into the cylinder, causing immediate and severe engine damage.
3. Engine Management Software (ECU Programming)
The plaintiffs argue that the engine control software that governs the DFM system is flawed. It allegedly performs the switch between cylinder modes too aggressively, creating undue stress on the lifter components and contributing to their premature failure.
4. Oil Pressure and Lubrication Issues
The complex lifter design requires precise and consistent oil pressure to function correctly. Allegations suggest that oil delivery to the lifters is insufficient, leading to poor lubrication and premature wear and failure of these critical components.
Symptoms of a Failing L87 Engine: What Owners Must Watch For
If you own a vehicle with a gm l87 engine lawsuit, being aware of the early warning signs can be the difference between a manageable repair and a totaled engine. Key symptoms include:
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Engine Misfires: The Check Engine Light will flash, and you will feel a noticeable shudder or shaking, especially at idle or under acceleration. Diagnostic codes will often be P0300 (random misfire) or specific cylinder misfire codes (e.g., P0301).
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Lifter Tick or Knocking Sound: This is the most classic symptom. A persistent, loud “tick-tick-tick” or deeper “knock” from the engine valley, particularly on startup or during acceleration, is a major red flag.
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Loss of Power and Poor Performance: The vehicle may feel sluggish, struggle to accelerate, or go into a “limp mode” to protect the engine.
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Excessive Oil Consumption: Some owners report the engine burning oil at an alarming rate between changes, which can be both a symptom and a contributing factor to lifter failure.
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Rough Idle: The vehicle may shake or vibrate excessively while stopped at a light.
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Complete Engine Failure: In the worst-case scenario, the engine will seize or suffer catastrophic internal damage, leaving the vehicle inoperable.
The Legal Battle: Timeline and Updates for the GM L87 Engine Lawsuit (2025 Status)
The legal journey has been long and complex. Here’s a simplified timeline leading to the 2025 status:
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2020-2021: Multiple individual lawsuits are filed across the country by owners who experienced gm l87 engine lawsuit.
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2022: These individual cases are consolidated into a single, national class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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2023-2024: Intense legal proceedings take place. GM defends its engineering, while plaintiffs present evidence of widespread failures and internal GM documents that allegedly show the company was aware of the defect.
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2025 Status – The Proposed Settlement: As of early 2025, a proposed settlement has been reached to resolve the class action. It is crucial to understand that this settlement is proposed and is currently undergoing the court’s final approval process. It is not yet finalized.
Breakdown of the 2025 Proposed Settlement Terms
The proposed settlement aims to compensate owners and lessees who experienced gm l87 engine lawsuit related to the DFM system. While the exact terms can be modified by the court, the key components are expected to include:
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Extended Warranty Coverage: GM will provide an extended warranty specifically for the valvetrain components (lifters, pushrods, valves, etc.) related to the DFM system. This extension is likely to be for 8 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
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Reimbursement for Past Repairs: Owners who paid out-of-pocket for repairs related to these specific failures before the settlement date will be eligible to file a claim for reimbursement. This will require proof of repair (receipts, work orders) and proof of payment.
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Goodwill Assistance: For owners who experienced failure outside of the new extended warranty period but can demonstrate proper maintenance, GM may offer partial “goodwill” assistance on a case-by-case basis to offset repair costs.
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Software Update: GM will perform a free software update to the engine control module (ECM) for class members. This update is intended to modify the DFM activation logic to reduce stress on the components, though its efficacy is still debated among owners.
Important Note: This settlement generally does not cover vehicles that are already outside of the original 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty if the failure occurs after the settlement effective date, unless it falls within the new 8/100,000 extended coverage.
The Financial Impact: Cost of an L87 Engine Repair
The reason this lawsuit is so critical is the astronomical cost of repair. For an owner not covered by warranty, the financial blow is severe:
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Lifter and Pushrod Replacement: The most common repair. Due to the engine’s design, replacing the lifters requires removing the entire cylinder head. This is a labor-intensive job. Total costs typically range from $4,000 to $8,000.
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Full Engine Replacement: If the lifter failure causes a bent valve or piston damage, the engine is often deemed a total loss. A new crate engine plus installation can easily cost $12,000 to $18,000 or more.
For many, a repair bill like this on a vehicle that may only be a few years old is financially devastating and drastically reduces the vehicle’s resale value.
Owner Options and Next Steps in 2025
If you own a vehicle with a gm l87 engine lawsuit, here is what you should do:
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Determine if You Are a Class Member: You are likely included if you are a current or former owner or lessee of a 2019-2024 model year GM truck or SUV equipped with the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 with DFM.
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Stay Informed on the Settlement: The official settlement website (once fully established) will be the primary source of truth. Monitor it for the final approval hearing date and instructions on how to file a claim for reimbursement.
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Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all repairs, maintenance (especially oil changes), and communication with dealerships. This is crucial for any reimbursement claim.
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Address Symptoms Immediately: If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, take your vehicle to an authorized GM dealer immediately. Do not continue to drive a misfiring vehicle, as it can lead to more severe damage.
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Know Your Rights: You have the right to have the repair performed under warranty if your vehicle is covered. If a dealer refuses, contact GM Customer Service directly.
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Consider an Aftermarket Solution: Many owners, frustrated with the DFM system, are opting for aftermarket solutions like a DFM/AFM Disabler (e.g., Range Technology). These devices plug into the OBD-II port and prevent the system from ever activating. While this may void certain aspects of your powertrain warranty, it is a popular preventative measure for owners outside of warranty coverage.
The Human Impact: Beyond the Court Documents
Beyond the legal jargon and financial figures, the GM L87 engine lawsuit is about a breach of trust. Owners invested $50,000, $60,000, or even $80,000+ in a product from a trusted American brand, expecting reliability. Instead, many were left with a useless vehicle and a massive repair bill, often while relying on their truck for work or family duties. The frustration is compounded by reports that dealerships initially dismissed concerns or blamed owners for “lack of maintenance.” This lawsuit is as much about accountability as it is about compensation.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Technology and Reliability
The GM L87 engine lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of layering advanced fuel-saving technology onto traditional mechanical systems. While the proposed settlement in 2025 offers a path toward resolution for many affected owners, the damage to consumer confidence is significant.
For current owners, vigilance and meticulous maintenance are key. For prospective buyers, it underscores the importance of researching a vehicle’s long-term reliability before making a major investment. As this case moves toward its final resolution, it will undoubtedly influence how automakers design, test, and warranty complex mechanical systems in the future.