NHTSA to expand probe into 286,000 GM vehicles over possible engine failure issue

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expanding its probe into 286,000 General Motors GM vehicles in the U.S. over a possible engine failure issue, the safety regulator said on Monday, following several complaints, despite a recall.

The NHTSA said the issue stems from engine bearing failures in GM's L87 6.2-litre engine installed in models such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Cadillac Escalade.

The regulator opened a preliminary investigation into the issues in January, which led to a recall in April.

GM had said the connecting rod and crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage or failure, boosting the risk of a crash.

The NHTSA on Monday upgraded the probe to an engineering analysis on the basis of 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure.

The regulator will also assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope.