Oct 27 (Reuters) - The National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration is expanding its probe into 286,000 GM

vehicles in the U.S. over a possible engine failure issue, the

safety regulator said on Monday.

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 had led to a recall.

The NHTSA on Monday upgraded the probe to an engineering

analysis, citing continued reports of engine failures.