6.2L engine bearing recall 25V274, brake recall 24V674, transmission shudder. Sierra 1500 problems may qualify for a California buyback. Free case review.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is built as a workhorse — a truck that owners depend on every day to haul, tow, and commute. But if your Sierra is equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, there is a serious problem underneath the hood that GM knew about for years before acting. In April 2025, NHTSA forced GM to issue recall 25V274 — covering 153,630 Sierra 1500 trucks built between March 2021 and May 2024 — for connecting rod and crankshaft manufacturing defects that can cause the engine to seize, fail without warning, and even catch fire. NHTSA had recorded 28,102 field complaints before the recall was issued, including 14,332 owners reporting sudden loss of propulsion and 42 fire allegations. The agency had opened and closed three separate investigations between 2022 and 2024 before finally compelling this recall in April 2025 — giving GM years during which owners suffered engine failures with no manufacturer acknowledgment. The recall's remedy has its own problems. Trucks that pass GM's inspection receive only an oil viscosity change from 0W-20 to 0W-40. Owners have continued filing NHTSA complaints describing engine failures after receiving that 'passing inspection' result, suggesting the partial fix does not fully resolve the defect in every vehicle. Engines identified as having built-in defects get full replacement — but that process involves 18-plus labor hours per truck and depends on dealer capacity. If you own a 2019-2020 Sierra 1500, the recall history looks different but is no less troubling: a seatbelt pretensioner fire risk (19V814), two cascading brake system software recalls that left your ABS, ESC, and brake assist disabled without warning (19V889, 20V055), and an electrical fire risk from a defective battery cable (19V888) all landed in the first two model years. For 2020-2024 owners, a 10-speed transmission shudder acknowledged in a TSB revised five times is a documented, widespread drivability complaint. California law was written for exactly this situation.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
Loud knocking or banging noise from engine; check engine light on; reduced power or hesitation; engine shuts off while driving; vehicle cannot be restarted; metal debris found in engine oil; complete engine seizure
In a crash requiring pretensioner deployment: fire or smoke originating from floor carpet near front seat belt pretensioner area; burning smell after accident; carpet ignition following pretensioner activation
Shudder, shake, or vibration felt through vehicle at steady speed or light acceleration between 25 and 50 mph; vibration when decelerating at approximately 15 mph; feels like driving over rumble strips; may be intermittent; may worsen over time
No brake warning light displayed when brake fluid is low due to a leak; brake pedal feels soft or spongy or goes to the floor before driver is aware of a problem; vehicle may have reduced braking performance without any dashboard indication
ABS warning light absent even when ABS is non-functional; ESC/traction control fails without warning; brake pedal feel normal but electronic braking systems inactive; vehicle may fail to recover from skid or panic stop
Intermittent engine stall or loss of electrical power while driving; alternator warning light or battery warning light; burning smell from engine bay; in some cases, visible charring or heat damage near alternator
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
Loud knocking or banging noise from engine; check engine light on; reduced power or hesitation; engine shuts off while driving; vehicle cannot be restarted; metal debris found in engine oil; complete engine seizure
153,630 Sierra 1500 units recalled; 28,102 US field complaints with 14,332 alleging loss of propulsion and 42 fire allegations recorded before recall was issued. NHTSA tracked three prior GM investigations (closed in 2022, 2023, 2024) before forcing the recall in April 2025 — this multi-year delay is highly relevant to substantial-impairment and willfulness arguments. Post-recall complaint data shows engine failures occurring after the 'passing inspection + oil change' remedy, giving lemon-law clients who had the recall performed but still suffered failure a strong repeat-nonconformity claim.
Under recall 25V274: vehicles that pass inspection receive an oil viscosity change (0W-20 to 0W-40) and new oil cap/filter; vehicles with engines built before production day 24183 (or identified as defective via IVH) receive full engine replacement at no charge
Shudder, shake, or vibration felt through vehicle at steady speed or light acceleration between 25 and 50 mph; vibration when decelerating at approximately 15 mph; feels like driving over rumble strips; may be intermittent; may worsen over time
TSB 22-NA-015 spans MY 2020-2024 and was revised five times (through September 2023) as GM refined the diagnosis — the repeated revisions confirm GM's internal acknowledgment of a persistent, widespread defect. Clients who had a torque converter replaced (incorrectly) and returned with the same shudder have a documented same-defect repeat pattern under Song-Beverly. NHTSA complaint data for 2021 and 2022 shows 80+ powertrain complaints per year, many citing this specific shudder.
Per TSB 22-NA-015 (Rev 5): technician uses GDS graphing after road test to identify root cause; repair is valve body replacement (most common), torque converter replacement (less common), or engine component repair. GM warns in the TSB that replacing the torque converter often leads to repeat visits — valve body is the more common correct fix.
No brake warning light displayed when brake fluid is low due to a leak; brake pedal feels soft or spongy or goes to the floor before driver is aware of a problem; vehicle may have reduced braking performance without any dashboard indication
100% of affected 2023 Sierra 1500 vehicles have this defect — it is present from the factory, not a wear-based failure. The defect conceals a safety hazard from the driver, undermining the vehicle's fundamental safety systems. Any 2023 MY client with brake system complaints should be checked for 24V674 remedy status immediately. An unrepaired vehicle with a subsequent brake failure or accident creates heightened liability exposure.
Under recall 24V674: eBCM software updated via over-the-air (OTA) update or dealer visit, at no charge. Production fix implemented for vehicles built after August 1, 2024.
In a crash requiring pretensioner deployment: fire or smoke originating from floor carpet near front seat belt pretensioner area; burning smell after accident; carpet ignition following pretensioner activation
Vehicle fire risk is a per se safety defect under California law. The defect activates precisely when the safety system is most needed (a collision), compounding harm. At least 2 fires were confirmed prior to the recall. Clients with 2019-2020 Sierra 1500 who experienced a fire following a crash, or whose vehicles have not yet received the bracket repair, should be evaluated for a standalone safety-defect claim.
Under recall 19V814: dealers close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket at no charge (bracket modification, no parts replacement)
ABS warning light absent even when ABS is non-functional; ESC/traction control fails without warning; brake pedal feel normal but electronic braking systems inactive; vehicle may fail to recover from skid or panic stop
Two sequential recalls on the same component within two months (19V889 → 20V055) shows GM's repair itself was defective. Clients who had 19V889 remedied and then received 20V055 have documented same-system repeat-repair events strengthening the Song-Beverly presumption of nonconformity. FMVSS noncompliance from delivery is per se defect.
Recalls 19V889 and 20V055: eBCM reprogrammed twice to correct successive software errors, at no charge
Intermittent engine stall or loss of electrical power while driving; alternator warning light or battery warning light; burning smell from engine bay; in some cases, visible charring or heat damage near alternator
Stall-while-driving (crash risk) plus fire risk from arcing satisfies the safety defect threshold. Recall covers both 2019 and 2020 Sierra 1500. Clients who experienced a stall or electrical fire and whose vehicles were unrepaired at the time have a strong safety-defect claim.
Under recall 19V888: dealers inspect and clean the B+ cable connection to alternator; replace cable, nut, or alternator if arcing damage is found — all at no charge
Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' message even when transmission is already in Park; vehicle cannot be powered off; key cannot be removed (keyed ignition) or ignition refuses to shut down (push-button); may require multiple attempts or cycling through gears; intermittent, may come and go
While classified as a functional defect (not safety), repeated dealer visits for the same Shift-to-Park complaint with a GM-acknowledged engineering bulletin on file is a classic Song-Beverly pattern. Clients whose vehicles required multiple repairs for the same symptom within the warranty period should document each visit separately. Issue also appears across 2020 Sierra HD platform, indicating systemic scope.
Per GM EI bulletin PIE0568A: technician measures park-switch circuit voltages and BCM signal; may replace the transmission shifter assembly if the signal fault is confirmed. Warranty labor operation 2886818 (0.5 hr baseline).
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Connecting rod and/or crankshaft components in 6.2L V8 (L87) engines may have manufacturing defects — sediment-contaminated oil galleries and out-of-spec crankshaft dimensions — leading to rod-bearing damage, engine damage, and engine failure.
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eBCM software mismatch with calibrations (supplied by ZF North America) causes the BRAKE telltale to fail to illuminate when brake fluid drops to the level required by FMVSS 135, concealing a brake fluid low condition from the driver.
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Updated eBCM software installed to remedy 19V889 contains a new error that disables electronic brake assist, further failing to comply with FMVSS 126 and 135.
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eBCM software error disables ESC and ABS systems while suppressing the required FMVSS 126/135 warning lights, so the driver cannot know the systems are inactive.
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Excessive adhesive on battery positive cable ring terminals causes an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator, leading to potential stall or electrical arcing with fire risk.
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Front seat belt pretensioner bracket has an opening through which hot propellant gas can vent during pretensioner deployment in a crash, potentially igniting the vehicle carpet.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act gives you legal protection when a manufacturer cannot repair a defect after a reasonable number of attempts during your warranty period. For safety defects — such as engine seizure, fire risk, or a brake warning light that does not work — California law presumes that two repair attempts may be sufficient to trigger the protections. For non-safety defects like the transmission shudder, four repair attempts, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service during the warranty period, may be enough. If your Sierra 1500 qualifies, you may be entitled to: a full vehicle repurchase (the full price you paid, less a mileage offset), a comparable replacement vehicle, or a negotiated cash settlement. Under Song-Beverly, GM — not you — pays your attorney fees if you prevail. That means many California lemon law claims cost the owner nothing out of pocket to pursue. Owners whose 6.2L trucks received the oil-viscosity remedy under recall 25V274 but then suffered another engine failure have particularly strong repeat-nonconformity arguments. Owners of 2019 Sierra 1500 trucks who went through two cascading brake recalls (19V889 → 20V055) have a documented same-system, same-component, repair-by-recall pattern directly on point. The above is general legal information only — it is not legal advice, and every case depends on its specific facts, dates, and repair records.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
A dealer closing your repair order with 'unable to duplicate' (UTD) or 'no trouble found' (NTF) does not end your options — it starts a paper trail. Here is how to protect yourself: 1. Document before every visit. Note the exact warning message, date, time, mileage, weather, and recent driving conditions. Photograph any lit warning lights and record any unusual sounds or sensations. 2. Ask for the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in writing — including stored and historical codes — even if the light has gone off. Intermittent engine and transmission issues frequently leave historical codes that the dealer is required to disclose. 3. Specifically ask the dealer to check the following TSBs by number: TSB 22-NA-015 (transmission shudder, MY 2020-2024) and EI bulletin PIE0568A (Shift to Park, MY 2019-2020). If your Sierra is a 2021-2024 L87 truck, ask whether recall 25V274 is open and what inspection path your VIN falls into. 4. Keep every repair order, even UTD ones. Under California's Song-Beverly Act, a UTD visit still counts as a repair attempt toward the lemon law presumption. 5. For the 6.2L engine issue: if your truck received the 'passing inspection' oil-viscosity remedy under 25V274 and then experienced further knocking, hesitation, or power loss, return to the dealer immediately and document that visit separately. Post-remedy failure is a powerful same-defect repeat-repair fact. 6. For brake system issues on a 2023 MY: ask the dealer to verify whether recall 24V674 (eBCM software) has been performed on your VIN. An OTA update may be available without a full dealer visit.
GM closed three NHTSA investigations into the 6.2L V8 bearing defect — in 2022, 2023, and 2024 — before a fourth investigation finally resulted in the April 2025 recall. In the interim, tens of thousands of owners experienced engine failures that GM did not formally acknowledge as a defect. The post-recall complaint record shows engine failures continuing after the 'passing inspection' oil-change remedy, raising serious questions about whether that fix is adequate for every affected truck. If your Sierra 1500 has been back to the dealer for engine noise, transmission shudder, or brake system problems, your repair records may already tell the story that a lemon law attorney needs to see. We encourage you to pull those records and have them reviewed before your warranty period closes.
— The Margarian Law team
Has your Sierra 1500's 6.2-liter engine knocked, seized, or lost power — even after the recall inspection? Has your truck shuddered on the highway through multiple dealer visits? If you own a 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500 and have been back to the dealer more than once for any of these issues, your service records may already qualify you for a buyback under California law. The consultation is free and, if you have a case, GM pays your attorney fees. Find out where you stand.
If your Sierra 1500 is a 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 model year equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine (engine RPO code L87), there is a strong likelihood it is included. NHTSA recall 25V274, issued April 24, 2025, covers 153,630 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks built between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024 with the L87 engine. The recall addresses connecting rod and crankshaft manufacturing defects that can cause engine bearing damage, engine failure, and loss of propulsion while driving. You can confirm your vehicle's recall status by entering your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov. If your truck was built after May 31, 2024, it is outside the production date range and was not recalled under 25V274.
This is a pattern that appears in NHTSA complaint records filed after the recall was announced. The three-path remedy under 25V274 allows some trucks to 'pass' inspection and receive only an oil viscosity change — from 0W-20 to 0W-40 — with no engine replacement. Post-recall complaints describe owners receiving this passing-inspection result and then experiencing knocking, power loss, or full engine failure within months. If your truck passed the recall inspection but then suffered another engine problem, that subsequent failure is a documented post-remedy recurrence — a fact that is directly relevant to a California lemon law claim. Document the date, mileage, and circumstances of the new failure, return to the dealer, and keep all repair orders from both visits.
Yes, GM has acknowledged this problem. GM Technical Service Bulletin 22-NA-015 (revised five times, most recently September 2023) describes the exact symptom: a shudder, shake, or vibration at 25 to 50 mph under steady or light throttle, and a separate shudder when coasting at around 15 mph. The bulletin covers 2020 through 2024 Sierra 1500 trucks equipped with the 5.3L or 6.2L V8 and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The correct repair is typically a valve body replacement — GM's own bulletin notes that torque converter replacement often results in return visits because it is usually not the actual root cause. If your dealer replaced the torque converter and the shudder returned, that is a documented same-defect repeat pattern. Ask your dealer to reference TSB 22-NA-015 by number and to follow the GDS graphing diagnostic path before ordering any parts.
Yes. NHTSA recall 24V674 covers 35,989 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks from the 2023 model year, built between January 11, 2023 and April 26, 2024. The defect is a software mismatch in the electronic brake control module (eBCM) supplied by ZF North America — the BRAKE telltale warning light does not illuminate when brake fluid drops to the level required by federal safety standard FMVSS 135. Every 2023 Sierra 1500 in the production date range carries this defect from the factory. The remedy is an eBCM software update delivered via over-the-air (OTA) update for eligible vehicles, or a dealer visit, at no charge. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov to confirm recall status and whether the OTA update is pending or completed on your vehicle.
It may, depending on your specific repair history. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act presumes a vehicle is a lemon if: the manufacturer has made two or more repair attempts for a safety-related defect (such as engine seizure, fire risk, or brake failure) without resolving it; or four or more repair attempts for any substantial defect; or the vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days during the warranty period. For the Sierra 1500, the most common qualifying patterns are: multiple dealer visits for the 6.2L engine knock or failure under recall 25V274 (including a return visit after a 'passing inspection' remedy); repeated transmission shudder repairs under TSB 22-NA-015; or cascading brake recalls (19V889 + 20V055 for 2019 trucks) where GM's own remedy created a new defect. Pull your repair orders, count the visits and days out of service, and have them reviewed by a California lemon law attorney. If you prevail, GM is responsible for your attorney fees.
This is a documented issue on 2019 and 2020 Sierra 1500 trucks. GM issued Engineering Information bulletin PIE0568A (May 2020) to gather data on the problem: the park switch in the shifter assembly fails to send a confirmed Park signal to the body control module, so the vehicle thinks it is not in Park even when it is. The result is that the DIC shows 'Shift to Park,' the vehicle cannot be powered off, or — on keyed ignition trucks — the key cannot be removed. The symptom is typically intermittent. PIE0568A is a data-gathering bulletin, which means GM was still investigating the root cause when it was issued — it is not a recall. However, the existence of a GM engineering bulletin documenting the defect is relevant if you have made multiple dealer visits for this same complaint. Ask your dealer to check PIE0568A by number and to measure the park-switch circuit voltages per the bulletin's procedure.
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