6.2L V8 (L86 / L87): years, specs & known problems

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The L87 is the 6.2-liter V8 in 2019-and-later Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 pickups and 2021-and-later Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade, rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft with Dynamic Fuel Management. Recall 25V274 covers 597,571 2021–2024 vehicles for connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure.

GM's truck and SUV 6.2-liter V8 is a Gen V small-block shared in basic architecture with the Corvette LT1: aluminum block and heads, direct injection and an 11.5:1 compression ratio. The L86 version arrived in the 2014 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 and later the full-size SUVs, rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft with two-mode Active Fuel Management. The L87 replaced it for the 2019 Silverado and Sierra and the 2021 SUVs, keeping the same rating but switching to Dynamic Fuel Management, which can run in 17 cylinder patterns, and pairing it with a 10-speed automatic.

In April 2025 GM recalled 597,571 2021–2024 L87-equipped trucks and SUVs (NHTSA 25V274, GM N252494000) because connecting rods or crankshafts built from March 2021 through May 2024 may have manufacturing defects that lead to engine failure. Dealers inspect the engine and replace or repair it if it fails; engines that pass get 0W-40 oil, a new oil-fill cap and filter, plus special coverage of 10 years or 150,000 miles. In August 2026 NHTSA opened engineering analysis EA26005 into post-remedy failures and newer L87 engines, covering 997,743 2021–2026 vehicles; no new remedy had been announced as of this update.

6.2L V8 (L86 / L87) at a glance

GM 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 truck and SUV engine (L86 and L87): model years, fuel and peak GM-published output by version
EngineModel yearsFuelPeak hpPeak torque (lb-ft)Documented problemsRecalls
2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM)2014–2020Gasoline (premium recommended)42046010
2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM)2019–presentGasoline (premium recommended)42046021

CarWhere lists 3 documented problems and 1 NHTSA recall for the 6.2L V8 (L86 / L87), each with a source.

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM)

First Gen V truck 6.2L, with direct injection, variable valve timing and two-mode Active Fuel Management, offered in upper-trim GM pickups and full-size SUVs.

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM) specifications

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM): design facts (2014–2020)
SpecificationValue
Bore × stroke103.25 mm × 92 mm[2]
Block and headsCast aluminum[2]
Compression ratio11.5:1[2]
Fuel systemDirect injection[2]
Cylinder deactivationActive Fuel Management (eight- or four-cylinder modes)[2]
Peak output420 hp at 5,600 rpm; 460 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm[2]

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM) horsepower and torque by year

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM): GM-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2014–2018Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500SAE certified420460[1]
2015–2020Escalade, Yukon Denali, Tahoe and Suburban420460[2]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which GM vehicles have the 2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM)?

GM models and model years offered with the 2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Chevrolet Silverado 15002014–2018
GMC Sierra 1500 (SLT, Denali)2014–2018
Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV2015–2020
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL Denali2015–2020
Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban2018–2020Offered on select upper trims

2014–2020 L86 6.2L V8 (AFM) problems and what to check

AFM lifter failure (alleged in class action) (2014–2020)

Moderate

The pending Harrison v. General Motors class action alleges early failure of AFM lifters on GM 5.3L and 6.2L V8s and lists 2014-and-later Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade models. Class certification had not been granted as of December 2025.[3]

Symptoms

  • Ticking from the top of the engine
  • Misfire codes, often on a deactivating cylinder
  • Shudder, surge or hesitation

Check before buying

  • Scan for stored misfire codes
  • Listen for tick at idle and light cruise
  • Ask for lifter, camshaft or valve lifter oil manifold repair records

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM)

Second-generation truck 6.2L with Dynamic Fuel Management and the 10-speed automatic, used in GM half-ton pickups from 2019 and full-size SUVs from 2021; 2021–2024 vehicles are under recall 25V274.

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM) specifications

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM): design facts (2019–present)
SpecificationValue
Cylinder deactivationDynamic Fuel Management: 17 cylinder patterns, all 16 lifters deactivatable[4]
Transmission10-speed automatic[4]
Stop/startDriver-selectable (LTZ and High Country at launch)[4]
Required oil after recall remedy0W-40 (new oil-fill cap marks the grade)[5]
Recall build windowEngines built March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2024[6]
Peak output420 hp; 460 lb-ft (SAE certified)[4]

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM) horsepower and torque by year

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM): GM-published horsepower (hp) and torque (lb-ft) by model year and application
Model yearsApplicationHorsepower (hp)Torque (lb-ft)Source
2019–presentSilverado 1500 / Sierra 1500Paired with the 10-speed automatic420460[4]

"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.

Which GM vehicles have the 2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM)?

GM models and model years offered with the 2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM)
ModelModel yearsNotes
Chevrolet Silverado 15002019–present
GMC Sierra 15002019–present
Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban2021–present
GMC Yukon / Yukon XL2021–present
Cadillac Escalade / Escalade ESV2021–present

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM) problems and what to check

Connecting rod and crankshaft failure (recall 25V274) (2021–2024 (recall); 2021–2026 under NHTSA review)

Major repair

GM determined that connecting rods and/or crankshafts in L87 engines built in a March 2021–May 2024 window may have manufacturing defects that damage the engine and can cause loss of propulsion. The recall remedy is an inspection: failing engines are repaired or replaced, and passing engines get higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil, a new oil-fill cap and filter, plus 10-year/150,000-mile coverage for this failure. NHTSA's August 2026 engineering analysis EA26005 is reviewing failures after the remedy and in engines built after May 2024.[7][5][8][6]

Symptoms

  • Audible rod knock
  • Diagnostic trouble code P0016 (crank/cam correlation)
  • Rough running, loss of power or engine stall
  • Metal debris in oil

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN for open recall 25V274 (GM N252494000) and get the inspection result in writing
  • Confirm the 0W-40 oil-fill cap is installed if the engine passed inspection
  • Ask whether the engine was replaced and keep the paperwork
  • Listen for knock at idle and under light load before buying

GM program: Safety recall N252494000 / NHTSA 25V274, with 10-year/150,000-mile special coverage for vehicles that receive the remedy

DFM lifter failure (alleged in class action) (2019–present)

Moderate

The Harrison v. General Motors class action also covers Dynamic Fuel Management lifters on 2019-and-later trucks and SUVs, alleging premature lifter failure. Class certification had not been granted as of December 2025, and a March 2026 ruling kept AFM and DFM claims in one case.[3]

Symptoms

  • Valvetrain tick
  • Misfire codes
  • Shudder or hesitation

Check before buying

  • Scan for stored misfire codes
  • Ask for lifter or camshaft repair records
  • Listen for tick at idle

2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM) recalls

NHTSA safety recalls related to the 2019–present L87 6.2L V8 (DFM) (campaign numbers link to NHTSA)
NHTSA campaignReportedVehiclesSummary
25V2742025-042021–2024 Cadillac Escalade/ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon/Yukon XL with the 6.2L V8 (L87)597,571 vehiclesConnecting rod and/or crankshaft manufacturing defects can cause engine damage and failure. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it as needed; engines that pass get higher-viscosity oil, a new oil-fill cap, a new filter and an owner's manual update.

6.2L V8 (L86 / L87) issues by model

The same engine shows up on these known-issues pages, with model-specific details.

Related GM research

Confirm a vehicle really has the 6.2L V8 (L86 / L87).

Engine and transmission RPO codes are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet VIN into the factory-ordered option codes on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What vehicles have the L87 engine?

The 6.2L L87 is used in the 2019-and-later Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 and the 2021-and-later Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL and Escalade.

What is the L87 recall?

Recall 25V274 (GM number N252494000) covers 597,571 2021–2024 trucks and SUVs whose connecting rods or crankshafts may have manufacturing defects. Dealers inspect the engine, replace or repair it if it fails, and switch passing engines to 0W-40 oil with a new fill cap.

What oil does a recalled L87 need?

After the recall inspection, GM specifies 0W-40 oil and installs an oil-fill cap marked with the new grade, so keep using 0W-40 at every change.

Is the recall fix guaranteed?

Engines that receive the remedy get special coverage for this failure for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original in-service date. NHTSA opened an engineering analysis in August 2026 to review post-remedy failures.

What is the difference between the L86 and L87?

Both are 6.2L V8s rated at 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 2014–2020 L86 uses two-mode Active Fuel Management, while the L87 uses Dynamic Fuel Management and the 10-speed automatic.

What are the symptoms of L87 engine failure?

GM's bulletin notes affected vehicles may show a P0016 code or an audible rod knock, and a failing engine can lose power or stall.

Sources

Ratings are GM-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. 6.2L V-8 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra certified as class leaders in power (2013) — Equipment World
  2. GM 6.2L EcoTec3 L86 V-8 specs — DieselHub (secondary reference)
  3. GM Lifter Failure Lawsuit Includes Multiple Models (Dec. 28, 2025) — CarComplaints.com
  4. 2019 Silverado Leads Industry With Dynamic Fuel Management (May 18, 2018) — General Motors (press release via MarketScreener)
  5. Safety Recall N252494000 – L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (dealer bulletin, Revision 11, January 2026) — General Motors (filed with NHTSA)
  6. It Took GM More Than 28,000 Failed V8s Before Recalling Its L87 Engines; Now the Feds Are Investigating After 6,000 Fixed Engines Also Failed (Aug. 2026) — The Autopian
  7. Safety Recall 25V274: 2021–2024 GM trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L V8 (connecting rod / crankshaft) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  8. Feds Expand Investigation Into GM's Troublesome V8 Engines (Aug. 2026) — Motor1

More Chevrolet tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.