Chevrolet has announced the expansion of a global vehicle recall linked to potentially defective V8 engines, confirming that approximately 10,000 vehicles in Australia and New Zealand are now affected. The issue involves the popular 6.2-litre ‘L87’ petrol V8 engine, which powers various General Motors models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pick-up.
The recall, which spans over 721,000 vehicles worldwide, addresses a serious engine fault that could result in engine damage or failure during operation, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Local models impacted by this recall include Silverado 1500 vehicles built between 2021 and 2024.
Scope of the Recall in Australia and New Zealand
General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), the local importer of Chevrolet vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, has confirmed the regional extent of the recall. Around 10,000 Silverado 1500 pick-ups are subject to inspection and potential repair.
The recall does not affect the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which uses a different variation of the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, nor does it include the 2025 model year of the Silverado 1500 or other GM SUVs like the GMC Yukon Denali currently on sale in the local market.
The affected Silverado models were imported and converted to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group under GMSV’s oversight. All affected units are expected to be identified and addressed through official communication from GM.
Nature of the Defect
According to a statement released by General Motors globally, the issue stems from a manufacturing defect involving critical internal engine components—specifically the crankshaft and connecting rods. The defect can result in significant engine damage, ultimately leading to engine failure.
“If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash,” the GM statement reads.
While the issue is serious, GM has also reassured customers that the failure does not affect the vehicle’s braking system or cause an abrupt halt. In the event of failure, drivers will typically experience a gradual reduction in performance, allowing enough time to pull over safely.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
GMSV has advised that drivers may notice early warning signs prior to engine failure. These can include:
- Knocking, banging, or other unusual engine noises
- Check engine light illumination
- High RPMs or unusual shifting patterns
- Hesitation or reduced power delivery
- No-start conditions
Owners are advised to stay alert for any of these symptoms but are not required to take any interim action unless these signs are observed.
Dealer Response and Repair Strategy
GMSV dealerships across Australia and New Zealand will handle the recall by performing inspections on all affected vehicles. Depending on the results, vehicles will either:
- Pass the inspection: In which case, dealers will provide a higher viscosity engine oil, install a new oil fill cap and oil filter, and include an updated owner’s manual insert.
- Fail the inspection: Where manufacturing defects are confirmed, the engine will be repaired or fully replaced.
“We are currently planning for full engine replacements in the cases where it is necessary,” a GMSV spokesperson stated. “However, we expect only a small percentage of affected vehicles will require this level of service.”
The inspection and repair process will be conducted free of charge to customers, under warranty support.
Customer Communication and Timeline
GM has committed to contacting all affected owners directly. Notifications will be sent via mail or digital communication depending on the registered contact information. Owners will be advised to schedule an inspection with their nearest GMSV dealership as part of the recall campaign.
At the time of writing, no injury or accident reports have been linked to the engine defect in Australia or New Zealand. However, the move to expand the recall indicates GM’s proactive approach to maintaining customer safety and confidence in its products.
Global Impact of the Recall
Globally, the recall affects over 721,000 vehicles across the Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac line-ups. This includes popular models such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade. All vehicles in question are equipped with the L87 6.2-litre V8 engine.
The scale of this recall highlights the importance of quality control within large-scale automotive manufacturing. While GM’s prompt action is commendable, the incident has sparked conversations about engine reliability and the challenges of mass production in the high-output V8 segment.
Final Thoughts
The expansion of the Chevrolet Silverado V8 engine recall into Australia and New Zealand serves as a crucial reminder for vehicle owners to stay informed and responsive to recall notices. With around 10,000 vehicles locally affected, GM and GMSV are moving quickly to inspect and resolve the issue with minimal inconvenience to customers.
For Silverado owners, the best course of action is to await direct communication from GMSV and remain vigilant for any unusual engine behavior. With a structured repair process in place and a limited number of expected replacements, the situation is under control—but attention to detail remains essential.