What is the GM massive recall?

General Motors’ massive recall refers to the 2014 ignition-switch defect crisis that forced GM to pull roughly 2.6 million vehicles worldwide because a faulty ignition switch could slip from the run position, shutting off the engine and disabling airbags and other safety systems in a crash.

What sparked the recall and how it unfolded

The root defect lay in the ignition-switch mechanism, where a heavy key ring or jolt could cause the switch to move out of the 'On' position. When that happened, critical safety systems—like airbags and power-assisted steering—could be disabled during a crash. GM first became aware of the issue years earlier, but the company did not issue a broad recall until February 2014, after internal reviews and regulatory scrutiny confirmed the defect across multiple models and model years dating back into the early 2000s.

Representative models affected

Below is a representative list of GM models affected by the ignition-switch recall.

• Chevrolet Cobalt (2005–2007)


• Chevrolet HHR (2006–2010)


• Chevrolet Aveo (2004–2005)


• Pontiac G5 (2007–2009)


• Pontiac G6 (2005–2009)


• Pontiac Solstice (2006–2009)


• Saturn Ion (2003–2007)


• Saturn Sky (2007–2009)

These models span compact cars, sedans, and convertibles, illustrating how widely the defect reached across GM’s lineup at the time.

Consequences, investigations, and public response

The recall triggered investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Justice. Regulators and victims' families pressed for accountability, while regulators found GM had knowledge of the defect years before the recall and had not communicated the risk promptly. The case drew intense scrutiny of GM’s safety culture and disclosure practices.

In 2015, GM agreed to plead guilty to a single criminal charge and to pay a substantial penalty as part of a settlement, marking one of the largest corporate-safety penalties in U.S. history. The episode also led to civil settlements and a victim-compensation program, with the total cost to GM running into the billions and prompting reforms in GM’s safety governance and recall procedures.

Costs, settlements, and reforms

The ignition-switch crisis ultimately cost GM billions of dollars when factoring recall reimbursements, settlements with victims and states, and penalties. Beyond the financial toll, the episode spurred sweeping reforms in GM’s safety processes, governance, and internal reporting practices to prevent similar delays and improve early detection of safety defects.

Context: a broader recall backdrop

While the ignition-switch crisis dominated headlines, the auto industry’s safety landscape at the time also involved large-scale recalls linked to Takata airbag defects, affecting millions of vehicles across many brands. The combined recalls underscored how safety obligations and regulatory scrutiny have grown in scope and seriousness for automakers.

What happened next for GM

In the aftermath, GM restructured its safety leadership, strengthened recall and risk-communication processes, and instituted more rigorous cross-functional oversight of safety issues. The company also established mechanisms to support victims and to improve transparency around safety concerns, with an emphasis on preventing a recurrence of delayed action on known defects.

Summary

The 2014 ignition-switch recall stands as a watershed moment in automotive safety: a hardware defect that had lingered for years, a decisive recall that affected millions, and a suite of reforms that reshaped how GM and the industry handle safety data, disclosures, and accountability.

Which GM motors are being recalled?

The current GM engine recall is for the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, affecting approximately 597,000 trucks and SUVs from model years 2021–2024 due to a manufacturing defect. The defect is linked to the connecting rods or crankshaft, which could lead to engine failure, and affects models like the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL.
 
Affected vehicles

• 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
• 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe
• 2021–2024 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 

What to do

• Check your VIN: You can determine if your vehicle is affected by using the My GMC or My Chevrolet app, the NHTSA recall website, or by contacting a local dealership with your vehicle's VIN. 
• Listen for symptoms: Pay attention to any loud knocking noises, reduced engine performance, or other metallic sounds coming from the engine, as these can be signs of the defect. 
• Contact a dealer: If your vehicle is affected, contact a dealership to arrange for the recall service. 

Why it's happening

• The recall is due to a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft or connecting rods.
• This can lead to loud knocking noises, reduced performance, or complete engine failure while driving. 

How much will I get from the GM class action lawsuit?

Impacted customers will receive between $700 and $30,000. GM has settled two class-action lawsuits involving older versions of its 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The two law firms that handled the cases will get over $66 million, while the affected customers will get between $700 and $30,000.

What is GM doing for the 6.2 recall?

GM is addressing the 6.2L recall by having dealers inspect affected engines and, based on the inspection, either replacing the engine or installing an oil and filter change with higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil. All recalled vehicles are also receiving an extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Customers who have already paid for qualifying repairs may be eligible for reimbursement.
 
What GM is doing

• Inspection: Dealerships will inspect the engine for signs of the defect. 
• Engine replacement: If the inspection reveals a defect, the engine will be replaced at no cost to the owner. 
• Interim remedy: If the engine passes inspection and is not yet failing, the dealer will perform an oil change using a heavier-duty 0W-40 oil, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual and oil fill cap. 
• Extended warranty: All vehicles included in the recall are eligible for a special coverage program that provides an extended warranty for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date. 
• Reimbursement: Customers who have already paid for qualifying engine repairs since May 23, 2025, may be eligible for reimbursement. 

For more information

• If your vehicle is included in the recall, you should contact a GM dealer for an inspection. 
• You can check if your vehicle is affected by entering its VIN on the GM website. 
• If you have already had a qualifying engine repair, you can contact GM to inquire about reimbursement. 

Why are GM 6.2 engines failing?

GM's 6.2L V8 engines are failing due to manufacturing defects in the crankshaft and connecting rods, a problem that can lead to catastrophic failure. These defects can cause issues like connecting rod bearing damage from debris in oil passages or out-of-specification parts, which can lead to sudden engine seizure and destruction. The issue prompted GM to issue a recall for model years 2021-2024 and an expanded investigation by the NHTSA that includes some 2019-2020 models.
 
Primary causes

• Connecting rod and crankshaft defects: The main cause is a manufacturing defect where the connecting rods and/or crankshaft are out of specification or have internal debris that can lead to failure. 
• Oil system issues: Sediment or debris in the oil passages can damage connecting rod bearings, disrupting the oil film and causing them to fail. 
• Assembly errors: Some engines have had assembly errors, such as improperly installed wrist pins, which can also lead to failure. 
• Misfit lifter bores: A separate issue has been reported where some 2023-2024 engines have oversized lifter bores from the factory, which can lead to a guaranteed failure. 

Symptoms and effects

• Sudden loss of power or engine seizure
• Ticking or knocking noises from the engine
• Sudden loss of oil pressure
• In severe cases, connecting rods can be thrown through the engine block 

What to do if you have an affected vehicle

• Report the issue: Monitor your vehicle for the symptoms listed above and report any incidents to the NHTSA. 
• Contact the dealer: If your vehicle is part of the recall, take it to a GM dealer. They will inspect the engine and replace it if it fails specific criteria. 
• Receive the interim remedy: If your vehicle has not yet failed but is within the scope of the recall, GM may provide a temporary fix which involves using a different oil and filter. 
• Check recall status: Check the official GM or NHTSA websites for the most up-to-date information on recalls and potential fixes.