GM 6.2L V8 Oil Recall — What the Service Bulletin Actually Says
Updated April 2026 | 5 min read
What Is the GM 6.2L V8 Recall?
In 2024–2025, GM issued a safety recall covering certain 6.2L V8 (L87) engines built between 2021 and 2024. The root cause is a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and/or connecting rods — components that can fail under load, causing loss of engine power or complete engine failure.
The recall does not mean 0W-20 oil is defective or dangerous. It means some engines came off the line with flawed internal parts, and those engines need inspection and a specific service protocol — which includes an oil viscosity change as part of the fix.
Affected Vehicles (2021–2024)
The following models may be affected if equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine built before June 2024:
| Make / Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
| GMC Yukon / Yukon XL | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
| Cadillac Escalade / ESV | 2021–2024 | 6.2L V8 L87 |
2025 model year vehicles are excluded — GM addressed the manufacturing issue before those engines were produced.
Check your VIN at my.gm.com/recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is covered.
The Oil Specification Change: 0W-40 dexosR
For engines that pass inspection, GM's service protocol updates the required viscosity from 0W-20 to 0W-40 dexosR. The switch to a higher-viscosity oil gives wider bearing clearances extra protection while GM-authorized repairs are completed or while the engine is running in a mildly stressed state.
Why 0W-40 for affected engines?
- Higher HTHS (high-temperature/high-shear) viscosity = thicker oil film at operating temperature
- Better protection around potentially stressed crankshaft and rod bearing surfaces
- dexosR certification ensures compatibility with GM's engine management and emission systems
If you have not been instructed to switch, continue running 0W-20. Thicker is not automatically better — the L87 is engineered around 0W-20 clearances.
The Right Oil If You've Been Instructed to Switch
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil (AZF)
Fully dexosR certified. Built for high-output V8 engines that operate under sustained load and elevated temperatures. 50% more detergency than industry standard and 90% better protection against sludge.
This is AMSOIL's own recommendation for customers affected by the GM recall and instructed to move to 0W-40.
Buy AMSOIL 0W-40 AZFWhy not just use a conventional 0W-40?
Any dexosR-approved 0W-40 satisfies the viscosity requirement. But synthetic construction means AMSOIL Signature Series holds its viscosity longer under heat and load, resists oxidation over the full drain interval, and protects better at cold start than conventional or semi-synthetic alternatives — particularly relevant if you're towing or running this engine hard.
What You Need to Do Right Now
- Check your VIN at my.gm.com/recalls
- If your vehicle is affected, contact your GM dealer to schedule inspection
- Ask specifically whether the service bulletin requires an oil viscosity change on your unit
- If instructed to switch: use a dexosR-certified 0W-40 — AMSOIL AZF qualifies
- Do not switch to 0W-40 without dealer instruction — it can hurt cold-start performance in unaffected engines
- Do not ignore the recall notice — engine failure is the documented consequence
Frequently Asked Questions
Did 0W-20 oil cause the GM 6.2L V8 failures?
No. According to AMSOIL's own technical response to this issue, the failures are occurring because some affected engines contain defective parts — not because 0W-20 is inadequate. GM continues to recommend 0W-20 for all unaffected 6.2L engines, including current model year vehicles.
Do all 2021–2024 6.2L V8 owners need to switch to 0W-40?
No. The oil change is part of the service protocol for inspected and confirmed affected engines. Your dealer determines whether the viscosity change applies to your specific vehicle based on the service bulletin outcome.
What is dexosR and why does it matter?
dexosR is GM's OEM oil specification for high-performance gasoline engines. It sets minimum requirements for viscosity stability, oxidation resistance, deposit control, and low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) prevention. Any oil used under the recall service bulletin must carry dexosR certification. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 (AZF) is dexosR approved.
Can I use AMSOIL 0W-40 in my 6.2L if it has not been recalled?
It is not recommended unless instructed by your dealer. GM engineers the 6.2L L87 to run on 0W-20. A heavier oil can increase cold-start wear and reduce fuel economy without providing meaningful additional protection in an engine with no defective parts. Stick to the OEM spec unless the service bulletin requires otherwise.
Will switching to 0W-40 hurt my gas mileage?
Possibly. Thicker oils carry slightly more internal friction, which can result in a minor MPG reduction — typically less than 1–2% in real-world driving. For an engine flagged under this recall, that trade-off is appropriate. For an unaffected engine, it is an unnecessary compromise.
Where can I buy AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40?
AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 (AZF) is available online through Vyscocity, an authorized AMSOIL dealership operating in the USA and Canada since 2006. Preferred Customer membership saves you 25% on all orders. See the link above to purchase.