What's GM Doing About Reliability?

#144

Today, we’re discussing the most reliable American brand. It might not be the one you think of–in fact, I bet it isn’t. 

Let’s dive into GM’s contradicting relationship with reliability.

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In The Know

GM's toxic relationship with reliability 

GM products incite loyalty. We would know.

At FWT, we've had Silverados, Tahoes, and Suburbans, and we love them. As a result, it hurts to see the brand have so many ups and downs when it comes to reliability. 

There's no denying it. GM is a walking contradiction.

That's what we're discussing today, and it all starts with one of the most significant quality problems it has faced. 

For decades, GM has built a reputation for having durable V8 engines, as this article reminds us. 

However, that has changed in 2025. GM recently found itself in hot water over its trusty (or not-so-trusty) 6.2L V8 L87 engines in full-size trucks and SUVs. 

Starting in early 2025, the company issued a voluntary recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles—including Chevy Silverados, Suburbans, Tahoes, GMC Yukons, and Cadillac Escalades—built between March 2021 and May 2024. You can read more about it here. 

These are some of the very same cars we've owned. Not only that, we're sure you've owned as well. So, it hit close to home.

Manufacturing defects in the crankshaft and connecting rods could lead to sudden engine failure or even crashes, sometimes without warning. 

The NHTSA investigation was spurred by field reports and complaints going back to January 2025, including signs like knocking noises, engine shutdowns, and check-engine lights. GM halted sales of affected units and is offering free inspections, oil changes, and repairs or replacements as needed.

It got so bad that the Feds are involved. 

However, things got even more complicated. GM faced lawsuits because people accused the company of not addressing the root cause (although it was aware of the magnitude), leaving drivers exposed. 

If this is true, GM could be forced to pay millions. Here's one of the most detailed explanations about the lawsuit.

As a result, GM's reputation has suffered a significant blow. However, if we zoom out, we realize that GM isn't doing too bad, and it's all thanks to a sleeper brand in GM's catalogue. 

Every year, J.D. Power releases its Vehicle Dependability Study and, every year, there are few surprises, if any. In 2025, Lexus earned the top rank, Mazda earned third, and Toyota earned fourth place. 

There's nothing to write home about. 

What J.D. Power does is calculate the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), and rates the brands on how they perform. The national average is 202 PP100. 

When we start looking at the numbers, we find there's a surprise in the second spot. Out of all brands, it's Buick, with 143 PP100, only three less than Lexus. 

Here's the complete list. 

Not only that, but Buick also clinched the Overall Mass Market Nameplate Award, with other GM models like the Corvette, Silverado, and Tahoe earning individual model-level recognition.

So, GM does make reliable cars. What's more, an interesting question arises: what makes Buick more reliable than the other GM brands?

One aspect is their catalogue. Buick doesn't sell anything with the troublesome V8 in the US. In fact, its lineup is quite limited, as shown here. 

A small lineup means fewer varied parts, which also implies that service and maintenance should be easier. 

Here’s how it ranks in RepairPal.

Not only that, but these vehicles aren't the pinnacle of technology. Their components are usually tried and true, which means they fail less. 

The prospective buyer is also someone who enjoys a more luxurious option that's still American. Therefore, they prefer to care more for their cars. 

However, we all know that Buick will never be the best-selling brand in the US. It won't even be GM's top seller. In fact, that's why it will continue to be so good.