They’re finally looking into the 6.2

[ThatGuy]

Unbiased observation here. The squeeky wheel gets the grease, right? The question that is not known right now is out of all the wheels that were made, how many are squeaking or will squeak. The known failures can be quantified via service records obviously. But until/unless they can identify the root cause of the failures (seems like multiple standalone issues), identify the impacted VIN's, and provide a reliable solution....then the number of "squeakers" are out there cannot be ascertained. Could be <1%. Could be 25%. Could be more. Nobody knows.

I think this is a very important point. Just because there were only "39" complaints to NHTSA does not mean that is a proper representation of the problem.
I gave my son my 2017 Yukon Denali 6.2L when he graduated from college last year. It only had 73,000 miles on it. He pushed it up to just over 80,000 miles by December and then he had a lifter failure. He had three shops and a dealership look at it, and everyone of them told him he needed a new engine. The quotes ranged from 15k to 18k including labor. He does not have the money for a new engine or a new truck. He ordered the parts online, replaced all of the lifters and a bent rod himself. It runs fine now, and there are no codes, but we all know that engine will never be the same. He knows that he is on borrowed time, and he will probably never take long roads trips in that vehicle ever again.
Anyhow, my point is that he did not file a complaint with NHTSA or even GM for that matter, he just repaired it himself so that he could get to work each day. From the stories that I have read online, I'm sure the problem is fairly significant, and that a large portion of the problems have just never been reported.

 

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[Leo581]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but NHTSA is only looking into the complaints of the engine shutting down while driving, correct? Not every single case of lifter failure?

 

[ThatGuy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but NHTSA is only looking into the complaints of the engine shutting down while driving, correct? Not every single case of lifter failure?

That is what the AP article says, but in my novice opinion, I believe that it is all related.

Once my son got his engine apart and he sent me photos of all of the failed parts, I was astonished that his engine did not seize up.

 

[SigFTW]

Hopefully this will bring light to what’s causing these failures.

I traded a 2012 Tundra with 222,345 mils, still running strong. I would not go back with a Tundra because of the new six-cylinder turbo engine. They lost me as a long time customer. If I’m gonna own a big truck, I wanted a V8.

Now I have to worry about engine failures on an $87,000 truck. I will buy that extended warranty just before the 12k miles.

It seems no matter who you go with, there’s always issue. Tundra is having their share engine failures. The only difference is that GMC has had this engine out for a long time, and should’ve worked out all the issues.
Where Toyota has a totally new design engine and still working out quality issues.

In all my years of owning vehicles, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve purchased extended warranties. At the cost of these vehicles today, I wouldn’t dare to NOT buy an extended warranty.

 

[sanny651]

I think this is a very important point. Just because there were only "39" complaints to NHTSA does not mean that is a proper representation of the problem.

Speaking candidly here, I never even knew that I COULD submit anything to the NHTSA. Never had a situation that merited it before, and had someone not mentioned it here on the forum to do so, I would've never thought about doing it. So to your point, 39 reports is quite likely a very small percentage of the greater whole. And the greater whole still may be a small percentage of the overall production counts. We will never see that data. But it could also be more widespread than we realize. Just don't know right now.

 

[sanny651]

In all my years of owning vehicles, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve purchased extended warranties. At the cost of these vehicles today, I wouldn’t dare to NOT buy an extended warranty.

Bingo. Back in my day *putting my teeth in* EFI was new technology, and computers were for the rich. A radio was just that...a radio, and nothing more. Now, with everything going through computers, wire looms, sensors, etc. the average putz like me doesn't stand a chance at being able to diagnose the issue, much less fix it in a cost efficient manner. Seems that extended warranties are just as essential as tires.

 

[R467X]

I've been saying this for years. If you want GM reliability, you are stuck with 2006 or older. Anything newer, unless you lose certain things in a boating accident is a ticking time bomb. It's not just the engines too. Youre Lucky to get 150k out of the transmission.

I'm also not big into warranties. More often than not, the dealer will do everything they can to turn it into a no warranty issue. If you want reliable you have to buy reliable. Not junk and then get a warranty because you know it's junk and youll need it.

If I were in the market for a 1/2 ton truck, I am absolutely not buying any V6 turbo charged junk. V8 gas only. Staying far away from 2007+ GM 1/2 tons. And if it's newer it'll have to be either a Nissan Titan or a 21 and older Tundra.

 

[sanny651]

Just got a call from the dealership. Still no ETA on the engine (not surprising). Asked why they don't take new engines from the assembly line and reallocate them for warranty fixes and work to backfill the factory vs. having the customer wait. While my rep admitted her answer was purely hypothetical (which I believe her...she's been straight with me this entire time), she thought GM may be stopping production using these engines until they figure out what's going on. If that (or some derivation of it) is in fact the case, I am likely out a truck for months or maybe even a year.

Here's a recent article I read about it. Kind of "more of the same" but some additional commentary that was interesting reading I thought.

I looked for a very long time for this specific rig, and was thrilled to find one in my budget and the condition it was in with low miles (27k miles). Threw on a new set of tires, Access tonneau cover and airbags to boot. And now after owning it for a total of 3 months having to be honest with myself and consider the BBB Lemon Law as an option is deflating. What's even more deflating is that to get the power I'm looking for, I'd have to go with a 6.6 gasser or a full on diesel, and living in MN where I ice fish in -30F ambient temps without thinking twice....well, a diesel isn't really ideal. Not to mention the rest of the time I'm not hauling or need the power a diesel provides.

But what's the alternative? Guess I'll have to look around to see what's available and do a crap ton of research (Ram, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan). MAN I love my Sierra! Love it! But I shudder to think what would have happened if my wife was driving it. Or if the failure happened in rush hour. Or if I was 20+ miles out on a frozen lake. I have to be confident in my vehicle.

GM has already offered me $3000 GM Rewards Cash towards a trade on a different truck. That tips their hand a bit as to what they're dealing with. I realize they didn't do this intentionally...doesn't mean I have to like the position they put me in either.

 

[R467X]

Just got a call from the dealership. Still no ETA on the engine (not surprising). Asked why they don't take new engines from the assembly line and reallocate them for warranty fixes and work to backfill the factory vs. having the customer wait. While my rep admitted her answer was purely hypothetical (which I believe her...she's been straight with me this entire time), she thought GM may be stopping production using these engines until they figure out what's going on. If that (or some derivation of it) is in fact the case, I am likely out a truck for months or maybe even a year.

Here's a recent article I read about it. Kind of "more of the same" but some additional commentary that was interesting reading I thought.

I looked for a very long time for this specific rig, and was thrilled to find one in my budget and the condition it was in with low miles (27k miles). Threw on a new set of tires, Access tonneau cover and airbags to boot. And now after owning it for a total of 3 months having to be honest with myself and consider the BBB Lemon Law as an option is deflating. What's even more deflating is that to get the power I'm looking for, I'd have to go with a 6.6 gasser or a full on diesel, and living in MN where I ice fish in -30F ambient temps without thinking twice....well, a diesel isn't really ideal. Not to mention the rest of the time I'm not hauling or need the power a diesel provides.

But what's the alternative? Guess I'll have to look around to see what's available and do a crap ton of research (Ram, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan). MAN I love my Sierra! Love it! But I shudder to think what would have happened if my wife was driving it. Or if the failure happened in rush hour. Or if I was 20+ miles out on a frozen lake. I have to be confident in my vehicle.

GM has already offered me $3000 GM Rewards Cash towards a trade on a different truck. That tips their hand a bit as to what they're dealing with. I realize they didn't do this intentionally...doesn't mean I have to like the position they put me in either.

If you are dead set on GM look at the 3/4 ton gas version. It will be what you like. Just bigger and so far very little problems that I've seen around

 

[Johnv76]

GM's Broken 6.2L V8s Are Stranding Owners for Weeks as Replacement Engine Pipeline Dries Up

The situation has left dealers struggling to source new engines and owners with no clear repair timelines, and it's especially dire for people who need their trucks for work.

www.thedrive.com

 

[sanny651]

If you are dead set on GM look at the 3/4 ton gas version. It will be what you like. Just bigger and so far very little problems that I've seen around

At this point I’m not dead set on anything other than safety and reliability

 

[R467X]

At this point I’m not dead set on anything other than safety and reliability

It'll of course be up to your personal preference in the end.

The reason why I push Titans so much is because I know many owners to include my in laws. Every single one swears up and down by them. They are also the only manufacturer to offer a 5 year 100k bumper to bumper with no additional $$$. Can't beat that. Look at the Titan XD too. It's halfway between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton.

You also won't be dealing with cylinder deactivation or start stop trash.

The cons? They're discontinued after 2024. But you can land a solid deal on a brand new one right now for what is left over. Shop around. I think there are still some dealers offering 0% for 60 months.

 

[sanny651]

Appreciate the honesty sir. Something I’ll consider and look into. Out of curiosity, why did they stop making them?

 

[R467X]

Appreciate the honesty sir. Something I’ll consider and look into. Out of curiosity, why did they stop making them?

Nissan failed to properly promote them. Sales kept going lower and lower. Also brand loyalty and finally, emissions /EPA. Majority of truck buyers won't even take a look because of brand loyalty.

 

[sanny651]

My loyalty is to stands behind their products, good or bad, and take care of those who stood behind them. As of right now, GM ain’t doing that. It’s the unraveling of their brand and is ultimately their path to bankruptcy. Again.