Potentially Swings 570,000 Gallons of Demand from 0W-20 to 0W-40, Challenges Supply Chains

General Motors has initiated a safety recall affecting close to 600,000 vehicles featuring the 6.2L V8 L87 engine due to possible internal engine defects. This concern impacts certain models from the 2021 to 2024 production years, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL; and Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.

The issue pertains to potentially non-compliant crankshafts and contamination in the engine’s lubrication system, which could lead to early bearing failure, engine knocking, or stalling during operation, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

Under the recall service, authorized GM dealerships will evaluate the engines. Vehicles that pass the inspection will be provided with a complimentary oil and filter change, utilizing SAE 0W-40 synthetic oil instead of the previously recommended SAE 0W-20 oil as stated in the owner’s manual. This adjustment aims to improve engine longevity in challenging conditions. According to GM’s recall announcement, necessary engine repairs or replacements will be performed at no cost for vehicles that fail the inspection.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles are advised to contact their local GM dealership or visit the official NHTSA recall database for more information.

JobbersWorld – Editor’s Note

The GM recall has prompted an unexpected yet significant reshuffling in the motor-oil market for the remainder of 2025. As a corrective measure, if all vehicles impacted by the recall switch from 0W-20 to 0W-40, this translates to a deferred demand of approximately 570,000 gallons of 0W-20 and an equivalent surge in 0W-40 sales for the year’s balance.

The recall’s mid-year timing places additional strain on supply chains, compelling distributors, national retailers, and independent service centers to clear excess 0W-20 stock even as they expedite procurement of the heavier 0W-40 grade. Several suppliers say they are already looking to accelerate their ordering cycles and adjust inventory plans to avert potential shortages. More broadly, this incident underscores OEMs’ expanding influence over aftermarket lubricant specifications and reinforces the imperative for oil producers and distributors to adopt more responsive forecasting and inventory-management practices.

In addition, while GM emphasizes that the change in oil viscosity is directly tied to the specific crankshaft issue, the decision will likely stir renewed consumer concern over the effectiveness of lighter-grade motor oils. Some drivers questioned whether low-viscosity oils like SAE 0W-20 offer sufficient protection in high-load or high-temperature environments. That skepticism could, in turn, influence future demand across viscosity grades.