Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine

RPO (Regular Production Option) code L87, part of GM’s Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine family Configuration: 6.2 L aluminum‐block, cast aluminum heads, overhead valve (OHV) architecture with direct fuel injection Power Output: 420 hp @ 5,600 rpm and 460 lb‑ft torque @ 4,100 rpm – same as L86 but with upgraded cylinder deactivation system (DFM)

It powers modern Escalades (2019 and beyond) and GM full-size SUVs like Tahoe, Yukon, Sierra, and Suburban.

 Key Strengths Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine

1. Performance & Refinement
   With 420 hp and robust torque, the Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine offers strong acceleration and towing capability (often rated around 8,200–8,300 lb when properly equipped). It delivers refined V8 feel with modern fuel injection.

2. Fuel Efficiency Management
   Its use of Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) allows variable cylinder control—not just V4 or V8 modes but up to 17 firing patterns that optimize fuel economy under varying loads

3. Build Materials
   The lightweight aluminum block and heads help offset mass of the heavy Escalade, contributing to better structural balance and handling.

 Known Concerns & Failure Trends

 Reliability Issues: 2022–2024 Model Years

User reports and service advisories highlight recurring failures:

• Rod bearing and main bearing failures, often resulting in catastrophic engine shutdowns—even under 5,000 miles. Dealers reportedly facing multi-month waitlists for replacement engines Lifter oil starvation design flaws, where variable displacement hardware fails, due to inadequate oil flow resulting in seized lifters or bearings

• Increased failure rates specifically tied to model years 2023 and early ’24, prompting a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and some owners reporting misaligned lifter bores

From Reddit and owner forums:

Overview of complaints:

• Failures often under 20,000 miles, sometimes under 5,000 miles

• Long lead times for replacement engines

• Class‑action lawsuits and NHTSA investigations have been observed in early 2025

Which model years to prefer?

• Earlier Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine (2015–2020) reportedly had fewer failures and were built with older V8 architecture and Active Fuel Management (AFM) instead of DFM. Those appear more reliable—but still not immune to AFM‑related lifter issues

• Some users suggest avoiding 2023–2024, or at least confirming the replacement engine has corrected casting codes (e.g. “N44” code on block) to indicate updated variant

 Where to Buy — Pricing and Options

While I won’t provide listings via product tools, here is a summary of typical aftermarket prices and offers:

eBay Listings

• Used Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine, VIN L, listed at US $7,599.99 (includes shipping & warranty)

• Other comparable prices range $6,000 to $9,999, depending on mileage/warranty—some listed as Brand New OEM (possibly crate) engines

• Lower price tiers ($3,500–$5,000) usually are older or lower mileage units, some from earlier generation L86 or L94 V8s, or engines sold “as‑is—but cheaper”

PartRequest Auctions

• Example: Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine with ~10k miles priced at $5,674.25, available for Escalade, Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe applications

OEM Supply Companies

• Engine suppliers like BS Auto Supplies list Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine units (Part No. 12716401) described as “rigorously tested” and designed for Escalade ESV 2022–23, though they often represent L86 for 2015–20 units too  Buyer Considerations & Checklist

 Verify engine details before purchase

• Confirm VIN 8th digit = ‘L’ and that the option code is L87 (not L86 or L94) to match your vehicle’s maintenance and emissions

• Ask seller for block serial/manufacture code, like “N44”, to ensure it’s among the updated casting variants that reportedly fix earlier bearing/lifter issues

• Request history for oil change intervals, use of recommended oil, and ensure parts like oil cooler lines match your year

 Warranty and support

• Many listings offer 30‑ to 180‑day warranties; longer coverage is preferable

• OEM dealers may honor GM warranty if engine still within original coverage or under goodwill gestures

• Be cautious: some replacement engines reportedly failed again soon after swap

 Installation & costs

• Dealership labor rates reported between $125 to $262/hour, with full swap totaling $10,000–$18,000 including labor and ancillary parts (oil pump, cooler, sensors, etc.)

• Many owners wait 4–12 weeks for a replacement engine depending on supply chain backlog

 Summary Table

 Final Advice Before Purchase

• Avoid buying a 2023–2024 Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine unit unless confirmed as updated version with corrected casting code and full warranty.

• Prefer Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine (2015–2020) if you want reliability and fewer electronic complexities, but know it lacks DFM and may have lower output.

• Verify oil maintenance history; many failures traced to improper service (long intervals, wrong viscosity oil, etc.).

• Check for TSBs or recalls covering lifter bore alignments or engine replacements for your specific VIN.

• Consider legal options if failure occurs under warranty or within lemon law timeframes—buyers report dealers often slow to compensate despite corporate assurances .

 In Summary

The Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine is potent, technologically modern, and well-suited to towing and upscale driving—but some production runs (notably 2022–2024) suffered engine failures tied to oil flow and bearing defects. If you’re shopping for an L87 engine:

• Confirm specific casting revision, seller’s warranty, and vehicle compatibility.

• Be aware of long install times and potential high service costs.

• Consider older Cadillac Escalade 6.2l L87 Engine variants for better documented reliability, albeit slightly less fuel-efficient.