Does the 6.2 liter have cylinder deactivation?

Yes. The 6.2-liter V8 family used in GM vehicles typically employs cylinder deactivation technology (Active Fuel Management, now Dynamic Fuel Management) to shut off four cylinders at light load and improve highway fuel economy, reactivating them when more power is needed.

How cylinder deactivation works on the 6.2L

In practical terms, the engine’s control systems selectively disable half of the cylinders during steady cruising or low-demand situations. When the driver demands more power, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated and the engine returns to full eight-cylinder operation. The change is engineered to be seamless, though drivers may notice a brief change in engine tone or response during transitions.

Evolution of the technology

GM’s cylinder deactivation began as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and has evolved into Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) in newer 6.2L engines. The upgrade broadens the range of deactivation patterns and helps optimize fuel economy across more driving scenarios without compromising performance.

Models and years that commonly include cylinder deactivation on the 6.2L

Note: Availability can vary by model year, transmission, and option level. The following reflects typical configurations in GM’s 6.2L V8 lineup from the 2010s into the present, though exact specs should be verified for a specific vehicle.

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 6.2L V8 (AFM/DFM on applicable trims and years)


• GMC Sierra 1500 with 6.2L V8 (AFM/DFM on applicable trims and years)


• Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe with 6.2L V8 (AFM/DFM on applicable years)


• Chevrolet Corvette (various generations) with 6.2L V8 options (AFM/DFM in applicable years)

Some performance-focused versions and certain model years may disable cylinder deactivation or offer different configurations. Always check the specific vehicle’s documentation or window sticker to confirm whether AFM/DFM is present on a given engine.

Common questions and considerations

Drivers often wonder about the impact of cylinder deactivation on drivability, reliability, and maintenance. In most cases, the system operates transparently, with minimal perceptible changes in power delivery. If you notice persistent roughness, unusual vibrations, or a noticeable lack of power during acceleration, a dealer can diagnose potential issues with AFM/DFM hardware, such as lifters, cam phasers, or the engine control software.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

Because AFM/DFM is an active, electronically controlled system, following GM’s recommended maintenance is important. This includes using the proper oil viscosity and continuing with standard service intervals. In some older iterations, low-mileage, long-idle operation could contribute to carbon buildup, so occasional higher-load driving can help keep the system fresh. Software updates from the dealer can also improve smoothness of transitions between deactivated and active cylinders.

Bottom line

The 6.2-liter V8 engines from GM commonly include cylinder deactivation technology (AFM/DFM) to improve fuel economy under light load, while preserving full power when needed. Availability varies by model year and trim, so it’s important to confirm for the exact vehicle you’re considering by checking the window sticker or consulting a dealer.

Summary

In short, cylinder deactivation is a standard feature in many GM 6.2-liter V8 applications, designed to optimize efficiency without sacrificing performance. Always verify for your specific model year and configuration, as the presence and behavior of AFM/DFM can differ across generations and trims.

What year 6.2 to avoid?

You should avoid GM 6.2L V8 engines from the 2021-2024 model years due to a major recall for engine failure related to crankshaft and connecting rod defects. This is because a manufacturing defect in some engines can lead to catastrophic failure, loss of power, and potential crashes. The issue is believed to have been addressed in the 2025 model year vehicles. 

• Affected years: 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Affected vehicles: Trucks and SUVs from GM that use the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, such as the Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade.
• The problem: A manufacturing defect in the crankshaft or connecting rods can lead to engine failure.
• The solution: GM issued a recall for these vehicles. Affected vehicles will either receive a new engine (if the code P0016 is present) or a preventative oil change with a thicker viscosity oil (0W-40) if they don't show signs of internal damage.
• 2025 model year: Vehicles from the 2025 model year with this engine are not included in the recall because GM implemented manufacturing improvements to address the contamination and quality issues.

Does GM 6.2 have cylinder deactivation?

Yes, the GM 6.2L V8 has cylinder deactivation, using an advanced system called Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). Introduced in 2019, DFM is more sophisticated than previous systems, allowing the engine to run on anywhere from one to eight cylinders, depending on power needs.
 

• How it works: The DFM system uses computer control to adjust the number of cylinders active at any given time to optimize fuel economy, making adjustments up to 80 times per second. 
• Greater flexibility: Unlike older systems that had fixed modes (e.g., 8 or 4 cylinders), DFM can deactivate any cylinder, resulting in 17 different firing patterns. 
• Comparison to older technology: This system is an evolution of GM's earlier Active Fuel Management (AFM), with DFM being the next generation with more complex controls and capabilities. 

What is the problem with the GM 6.2 L V8 engine?

The main issue with the GM 6.2L V8 engine is a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft or connecting rod bearings that can lead to sudden engine failure. GM issued a recall for many 2021-2024 model year vehicles equipped with this engine. Vehicles that show a specific error code (P0016cap P 0016𝑃0016) will have their engine replaced, while other vehicles will receive an updated oil and a free oil change, filter, and oil cap.
 
This video explains the recall and the potential consequences of the engine issues: 1mDONSLIFEYouTube · Apr 25, 2025
What are the issues?

• Manufacturing defect: The primary cause is a manufacturing defect in the connecting rods or crankshaft. This can lead to bearing wear or failure, and the issue has been traced to a single plant in St. Catharines, Ontario, for engines built between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. 
• Engine failure: These defects can cause catastrophic engine failure, leading to a sudden loss of power or a complete engine shutdown, which poses a safety risk. 
• Symptoms: Drivers have reported symptoms such as knocking, stalling, check engine lights, and in severe cases, the engine failing completely. 

What is the recall process?

• Dealer inspection: Affected vehicles must be taken to a dealer for an inspection. 
• Replacement: If the inspection reveals the defect, a new engine will be installed at no cost to the owner. The error code P0016cap P 0016𝑃0016 is a strong indicator that the engine needs replacement. 
• Interim fix: If the engine passes the inspection, GM will perform a free oil change with a higher-viscosity 0W−400 cap W minus 400𝑊−40 oil (instead of the usual 0W−200 cap W minus 200𝑊−20), replace the oil filler cap, and provide a supplement for the owner's manual. 

This video explains what to expect during the recall process and inspection: 56sDONSLIFEYouTube · Jun 28, 2025
What should I do if I own a 2021-2024 6.2L V8 GM vehicle?

• Check the recall status: Contact a GM dealership or use the VIN to check if your vehicle is part of the recall. 
• Schedule an appointment: If your vehicle is affected, schedule a service appointment at a dealership for the inspection. 
• Follow the remedy: If the engine passes inspection, get the free oil change and other updates. If it fails, the engine will be replaced. 

What year did 6.2 get AFM?

Active Fuel Management (AFM) was introduced to the GM 6.2L engine starting with the 2010 model year in some applications, like the Cadillac Escalade. However, the system was not universally available on all 6.2L engines until the 2014 model year with the introduction of the EcoTec3 6.2L V8. 

• 2010: The AFM system was added to the 6.2L engine in certain Cadillac models. 
• 2014: AFM became a standard feature on the 6.2L engine with the launch of the EcoTec3 generation.