On April 24, 2025, General Motors announced NHTSA Recall 25V274 (GM recall number N252494000), affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles from model years 2021-2024. The recall includes popular models like the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, and GMC trucks equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. GM reports that defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft engine components could cause engine damage or complete engine failure—potentially resulting in a sudden loss of propulsion while driving and a significantly increased risk of a serious accident.
What’s unusual is the recall’s status: “Recall: Incomplete, Remedy Not Yet Available.” Despite this designation, GM’s internal reporting outlines a multi-step remedy that could involve inspections, oil changes, and even full engine replacement. This gap between the NHTSA classification and GM’s proposed plan raises important questions for both safety and consumer rights.
For many California drivers, this situation can feel like being stuck in limbo—knowing your vehicle has a potentially dangerous defect, but not having a clear timeline for when it will be fixed. If you’ve already had similar issues addressed unsuccessfully under warranty, this recall can strengthen your potential Lemon Law claim. And because California has some of the strongest consumer protections in the country, you may have more leverage than you think.
Why GM Must Issue a Recall Even Without a Repair
You might wonder why a manufacturer would announce a recall before they have a repair ready. The reason is simple: the law requires it. Under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, once a manufacturer confirms a safety-related defect, they must notify NHTSA and initiate a recall immediately—even if they haven’t finalized a fix. This requirement exists to protect drivers and prevent the sale or delivery of unsafe vehicles.
When a recall is marked “Incomplete—Remedy Not Yet Available,” it means three things: the defect is confirmed, no permanent fix has been finalized, and dealers are prohibited from delivering affected vehicles to customers. While this status can be frustrating for owners, it’s designed to stop manufacturers from delaying public notification just to buy time.
For drivers, this also means that while the fix may not exist yet, you have a documented safety defect on record. This can be a powerful piece of evidence in a Lemon Law claim, because it’s not just your word—it’s an official acknowledgment from the manufacturer and the federal government. In many cases, these recalls also trigger internal manufacturer alerts that change how dealerships are allowed to handle repairs, inspections, and replacements.
What You Should Do If There’s No Fix Yet
If your GM vehicle is included in Recall 25V274, you should first confirm its recall status. You can do this by visiting SaferCar.gov or GM’s recall lookup page and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If your vehicle is affected, review any interim safety guidance GM provides and ask your dealer whether the vehicle should remain in service.
You should request written documentation of the recall from your dealer, including any instructions on safe use until the remedy is available. Keep records of all communications, inspection reports, and guidance you receive. Federal law entitles you to this information, and it can be valuable if problems continue or escalate.
While waiting, monitor your vehicle closely for any symptoms related to the defect—such as unusual engine noises, reduced performance, or warning lights. If these occur, document them and report them immediately. You should also ask the dealer whether they can provide a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation while your car is unsafe to drive. In some cases, manufacturers will approve temporary solutions, even without a full recall fix.
How This Recall Could Impact Your Lemon Law Claim
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a “lemon” is a vehicle with a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. While a recall isn’t required to bring a Lemon Law claim, the existence of a recall—especially one involving a safety-related defect—can strengthen your position considerably.
The recall itself is proof that GM has identified a significant defect in your vehicle. Even if no remedy is available yet, repeated repair attempts or prolonged delays in providing a fix can trigger your rights under California law. As of January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 1755 also requires manufacturers to respond to a written buyback or replacement demand within 30 days and complete the transaction within 60 days, or risk litigation.
A recall of this scale also gives your case context—it shows that your defect is not isolated, but part of a broader pattern. This can influence how aggressively the manufacturer defends against your claim and how quickly they may be willing to negotiate. It’s also worth noting that if your vehicle spends an extended period out of service waiting for a recall fix, that downtime can count toward proving your Lemon Law claim.
Document Everything While You Wait for the Remedy
Even if your GM dealership tells you they can’t do anything until the remedy is available, you still have an important role to play: keeping thorough records. Documentation is often the difference between a denied claim and a successful buyback.
Start with a dedicated folder—physical or digital—for all recall-related paperwork. Include your recall notice, any dealer correspondence, and notes from conversations. Each time you contact the dealer or GM, write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and what was discussed. If you notice symptoms related to the defect, take photos, record videos, and save any diagnostic codes from your vehicle’s onboard system.
This type of evidence shows not only that the defect exists, but that it has impacted your ability to safely use the vehicle over time. If the manufacturer later claims they weren’t aware of ongoing issues, your records will prove otherwise.
Why Acting Quickly Matters Under California Law
Many vehicle owners assume they should “wait and see” when a recall is announced—especially if there’s no fix yet. But in California, waiting too long can actually weaken your position under the Lemon Law.
If you’ve already had repairs attempted for the same defect before the recall, you may be closer to qualifying for a buyback or replacement than you think. By engaging an attorney early, you can ensure that every repair attempt (or delay in providing one) is properly documented and counts toward your claim.
Additionally, Assembly Bill 1755 imposes strict timelines on manufacturers once a formal Lemon Law demand is made. Acting now can start the clock on these deadlines, increasing pressure on the manufacturer to resolve your case promptly. And because Lemon Law cases in California require mediation before most lawsuits, getting started sooner means you can get to that negotiation stage faster.
Key Takeaways for California GM Owners
An “incomplete” recall doesn’t mean the defect is minor—it means the fix isn’t ready. You still have the right to safe transportation and to clear instructions on how to use (or not use) your vehicle until it’s repaired. California’s Lemon Law gives you powerful tools to demand a resolution if your vehicle remains unsafe or unreliable after repeated attempts to fix it.
If you own or lease a Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC under this recall and the defect has not been resolved, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or reimbursement for expenses like rental cars or towing. Acting now can make the difference between months of uncertainty and a clear path to resolution.
How Win Lemon Law Can Help
At Win Lemon Law, we focus exclusively on protecting California consumers from defective vehicles. If your GM is subject to Recall 25V274 and the fix is delayed—or if you’ve already endured multiple unsuccessful repair attempts—you don’t have to wait indefinitely.
We can evaluate your case for free and explain whether your situation qualifies for Lemon Law protection. If we take your case and win, GM is required to pay your attorney’s fees, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. Our team has helped thousands of drivers recover refunds, replacements, and cash settlements—even against the biggest automakers in the industry.
If your GM recall has left you stranded, frustrated, or uncertain about your rights, call Win Lemon Law today. We’ll help you move from waiting on a remedy to getting a real resolution—so you can get back on the road with a safe, reliable vehicle.