A recall of the affected models, which include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, may be issued if needed.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was opening a preliminary probe into vehicles manufactured by General Motors after receiving reports alleging engine failure.

Complaints received by the agency allege a bearing failure that may result in either an engine seizure or a breaching of the engine block. GM said it is cooperating with the agency.

Complaints lead NHTSA to examine certain Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade trucks and SUVs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating reports of alleged engine failures in GM's 6.2-liter L87 V-8, an engine used in a wide variety of trucks and SUVs. NHTSA estimates that more than 877,710 vehicles could be vulnerable to the issue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary probe into more than 877,000 trucks and SUVs built by General Motors. The agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 39 complaints of engine failure due to a problem linked to faulty connecting rod bearings.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday opened an investigation into 870,000 cars manufactured by General Motors after receiving reports of engine failure.