WASHINGTON, April 29 (Reuters) - GM is recalling 721,000

SUVs and trucks worldwide due to engine issues that could lead

to a loss of power and boost the risk of a crash, the company

announced on Tuesday.

The Detroit automaker is recalling 2021 through 2024

model-year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet

Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and

Yukon XL vehicles with 6.2L V8 gas engines.

GM said the connecting rod and crankshaft engine components

may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage or

failure. The recall includes nearly 600,000 vehicles in the

United States.

GM said it identified 12 crashes and 12 injuries in the

United States that may be related to the recall issue. Dealers

will inspect the engine and, if needed, repair or replace it.

Vehicles that pass inspection will be provided a higher

viscosity oil, which will also require a new oil fill cap and an

oil filter replacement, GM said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

opened an investigation in January into 877,710 GM vehicles over

reports of engine failures involving vehicles with the V8

engine. The company subsequently opened an investigation.

GM previously closed three prior investigations into the

issue since 2022 based on available safety field information.

It identified 28,102 field complaints or incidents in

the United States potentially related to failure of the engine

due to crankshaft, connecting rod or engine-bearing issues,

including 14,332 involving allegations of loss of propulsion.