GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8 has had a rough stretch, and now owners have one more update to track. In the wake of last year’s massive recall and a continuing federal look into potential catastrophic failures, GM is again revising what oil dealers should use when servicing certain recalled engines. If you drive a half-ton GM truck or a full-size SUV with the 6.2, this is one of those small-sounding changes that still matters because it directly affects how your vehicle is maintained under the recall remedy.
The backstory starts with the recall that expanded into a huge campaign covering nearly 600,000 vehicles. GM’s initial response was to move away from the original 0W-20 oil and recommend a heavier 0W-40 as part of the fix for engines that were inspected and did not require a full replacement. That first switch pointed dealers toward Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40, and for a while, that became the go-to for addressing the recall requirements on affected models that passed inspection.
Now GM is changing the guidance again, but it is not changing the viscosity. Instead of Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40, the updated bulletin directs dealers to use Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. In practical terms, you are still looking at 0W-40, and that’s important because the heavier weight is the core of what GM originally specified for the recall remedy. The update is more about which specific Mobil 1 product line gets used, not about reinventing the solution.
So why bother with another change if the weight stays the same? The simplest explanation is also the most believable: price and availability. Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 is far easier to find on shelves and typically easier to source in bulk, which helps dealers keep service moving without getting stuck waiting on the Supercar-branded supply. GM’s message is essentially that FS 0W-40 meets the performance criteria needed for the recall remedy, and the switch makes it easier and cheaper to execute at scale.
If you own one of the recalled vehicles, the smart play is to focus on the spec and the paperwork. Make sure your service invoice shows 0W-40 and keep records, especially if your truck or SUV was inspected and cleared without an engine replacement. If you are due for service and you’re unsure where your vehicle stands in the recall process, call the dealer with your VIN and ask what the current bulletin instructs for your specific situation. It’s another reminder that with a high-volume recall and an ongoing investigation, the details can evolve, and staying on top of the latest guidance can help you avoid headaches later.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
