Use this guide to organize a VIN check, document a concern, prepare for service, and follow official campaign updates. It is built around GM Recall 25V-274 and campaign N252494000. [1] [2]
If an open recall or a concerning engine symptom is involved, arrange professional service promptly. This guide does not establish recall eligibility, promise a specific repair, or replace a dealer’s diagnosis. Confirm all campaign information by VIN. [4] [5]
Owner action 1
Use GM’s Recall Center or NHTSA’s recall lookup to check the exact VIN. Model year and name alone are not enough to establish that the vehicle has an open campaign or is within the L87 population. [1]
Owner action 2
Record the date, mileage, warning lights, sound or driveability concern, and whether the concern changes. The recall documents list knocking or banging noise, a check-engine light, hesitation, unusually high RPM, abnormal shifting, reduced propulsion, and no-start as reported signs. [1]
Owner action 3
When making the appointment, ask the dealer to check open recalls by VIN and to document the inspection result and any campaign work on the repair order. Bring prior repair orders and receipts related to the concern. [2]
Owner action 4
Maintain a folder with repair orders, invoices, tow or rental receipts, dates, mileage, and photos of any warning messages. GM’s dealer bulletin says owners may submit requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs related to the recall condition through a dealer, subject to GM policies. [2]
Owner action 5
If your VIN has no open recall or your engine was built outside the original campaign range, that does not make EA26005 a recall. Follow official NHTSA and GM updates and ask the dealer what campaigns or coverage apply to your VIN today. [3]
Use the right label
Model year, an online report, or a past repair does not replace a current VIN lookup. Use the result to organize the conversation—not to self-diagnose an engine or assume a specific outcome.
Ask the dealer to confirm the campaign status and provide the documented inspection and remedy result on the repair order. [2]
If a later concern occurs, keep the prior remedy date, repair order, and symptom history. RQ26001 and EA26005 concern reported failures after recall remedies; they do not automatically determine coverage for an individual vehicle. [8]
Do not assume recall eligibility from model year or engine size. Ask the dealer what campaigns or coverage apply today and monitor official NHTSA and GM updates. [5]
Investigation context
NHTSA’s August 2026 Engineering Analysis is not a recall. These figures show what NHTSA is reviewing, not a promise that any vehicle qualifies for a particular repair or coverage. [3]
Special coverage check
GM’s bulletin describes a phased Special Coverage N252494003 for certain vehicles after related recall actions were completed and closed. Its published coverage period is 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original in-service date. [6]
GM’s May 2025 bulletin describes a phased special-coverage population for certain VINs that had completed and closed the related safety-recall actions. It directs the dealer to confirm a VIN in GM’s Investigate Vehicle History before beginning work. [6]
The bulletin lists exclusions and VIN-specific conditions. A listed model or symptom does not establish special-coverage eligibility. [6]
Bring these questions
Questions do not change a campaign decision, but written answers help you understand what was checked and preserve a reliable service record.
Can you confirm the open recalls, special coverages, and campaigns on my VIN today?
Was my vehicle inspected under campaign N252494000, and what was the documented result?
Which campaign actions were completed, including the oil, filter, cap, or any engine procedure?
If a recall remedy was completed and I now have a concern, can you record the prior remedy date and current findings on the repair order?
Does Special Coverage N252494003 appear for this VIN in Investigate Vehicle History?
May I have a complete copy of the repair order and inspection findings?
Monitor the timeline
January 16, 2025
NHTSA opened its preliminary evaluation into loss of motive power from L87 engine failure. [9]
April 24, 2025
GM submitted Safety Recall 25V-274 / N252494000 for certain 2021–2024 L87-equipped full-size trucks and SUVs. [1]
October 23, 2025
NHTSA opened an engineering analysis after receiving 1,157 L87 bearing-failure reports, including 173 reports outside Recall 25V-274’s scope. [7]
January 16, 2026
NHTSA opened a recall query after 36 owner reports alleged a failure after the recall remedy had been completed. [8]
August 20, 2026
NHTSA opened a separate analysis of reported post-remedy failures and later-production L87 engines. It is an investigation, not a new recall. [3]
An NHTSA investigation may lead to additional information or action, but it does not by itself make a vehicle recalled. Continue to confirm the current VIN status with GM or NHTSA. [3] [5]
Official next stops
NHTSA Safety Recall Report 25V-274
GM Part 573 safety recall report, submitted April 24, 2025.
Open sourceGM Safety Recall N252494000 dealer bulletin
Revision 12 dealer bulletin retained by NHTSA, February 2026.
Open sourceNHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005
Opening resume, August 20, 2026.
Open sourceGM Recall Center
Official VIN recall lookup.
Open sourceNHTSA Recall Lookup
Official VIN safety-recall lookup.
Open sourceGM Special Coverage N252494003
May 2025 L87 loss-of-propulsion special-coverage bulletin.
Open sourceNHTSA Engineering Analysis EA25007
October 2025 review of L87 bearing-failure reports outside the recall scope.
Open sourceNHTSA Recall Query RQ26001
January 2026 review of reported failures after the recall remedy.
Open sourceNHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25001
January 2025 opening document for the original L87 loss-of-motive-power review.
Open source