2016 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

ENGINE

I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe to be a serious and systemic safety defect involving GM 6.2L engines equipped with fuel efficiency systems such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). I have experienced catastrophic engine failure in two separate GMC Yukon Denali vehicles with nearly identical symptoms, which strongly suggests a broader design defect rather than isolated mechanical issues. My first vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL, developed significant engine performance problems consistent with known lifter and camshaft failures widely reported in GM vehicles using these fuel efficiency systems. Due to ongoing reliability concerns and the financial burden of potential repair, I was forced to trade this vehicle at a loss. My second vehicle, a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL equipped with the same engine platform, suffered sudden and catastrophic engine failure in February 2026. This failure occurred abruptly and without meaningful prior warning, rendering the vehicle inoperable and creating a potentially hazardous situation. Sudden engine failure of this nature presents a significant safety risk, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. An oil service had been performed on this vehicle in December 2025 at a Jiffy Lube franchise. After the failure, an independent service provider documented that the oil fill cap had been left loose. However, the Jiffy Lube franchise and its insurance carrier have denied responsibility, asserting that the engine failure is attributable to known defects and reliability issues associated with GM’s fuel efficiency engine systems. As a result, both the manufacturer and the service provider are denying responsibility for a catastrophic mechanical failure that has serious safety implications. This leaves consumers exposed to sudden engine failure risk with no meaningful recourse. Based on my direct experience with two separate vehicles exhibiting similar catastroph

NHTSA complaint #11727109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

AFM system failed resulting in engine replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11719971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he didn’t sense it but the thermostat was stuck open so they fix that. Second time it went in they thought it was some sort of a filter and some other components I’m not sure. Again it was not fixed then my son and I were out in Minnesota freezing cold night in November and go and drive and then when again it was the drive train this time that got fixed a month ago about a week ago it starts making a noise like there’s too much snow in the tires. I get my car washed every few days but I got it washed again and that didn’t fix it so it’s in the shop again and I’m paying for a rental again. I have the Walser guard thank the Lord because it’s paid for itself about 15 times over. I’ve gotten two transmissions, an air conditioner, two sensors the arm that other people have complained about I don’t know exactly the name of it the trailer component that you plug into also blew out my seven way and I had to have my seven way wire fixed so I’m nervous about plugging that back in. My dad passed away and I spent $70,000 of my inheritance by this car. I should’ve flushed it down a toilet instead. Everybody makes fun at work that this car is literally gonna kill my kids and I because every other day it feels like we’re stuck on the side of the road.

NHTSA complaint #11717371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Driving after dark on a main street in St George Utah, the engine suddenly surged and then revved down. It felt like someone jamming it into 4WD. Traffic was tailgating me, and I was nearly hit. I could not pull completely out of the right lane. I put on hazard lights. Check engine light came on, and TCS light came on. I decided to get out of traffic & crawled forward about 30 yards into a Sinclair station lot, then backed it into a spot where a tow truck could get it. It was clearly not drivable. Called AAA and a driver was able to get to me within 1/2 an hour. Checked the AAA website for mechanics since I was merely travelling through St. George and had no knowledge of the area. Hawker's Automotive was listed first, with many excellent reviews. Tow truck arrived and driver loaded it on the JerrDan bed. I asked him to take me to the Hawker's garage location. I locked it and put the key in the overnight box with my name, number, and description. Next day the mechanics said lifter arm was collapsed. Needed tearing down, replacing and probably new camshaft. Gave me estimate for "estimated" repair of about $8,000 or new engine at about $12,000! This is a KNOWN GMC failure apparently. Recalls have been initiated on newer models, but every mechanic will tell you that this happens all the time to all the 6.2L, V8 engine at around 150,000. I bought it used at about 156,000 miles and have put about 5,000 miles on it. And changed the oil at purchase, and about 1,000 miles ago. I researched model and year before purchasing. All online reviews I found were positive. Nothing out there on this know manufacturing flaw. But now when I type in 'catastrophic engine failure 2016 Denali XL" many many reviews and videos state that it is a known problem to both GMC and NHTSA. I or someone could have been killed by such a dramatic loss of power! This is a SAFETY issue and NHTSA needs to review ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON FILE ALREADY. Thankyou

NHTSA complaint #11713229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There is a hesitation when trying to accelerate. The car will then slam forward and there is a rattling noise that the car also makes. This has almost caused accidents. I was driving in town which is where I do most of my driving.

NHTSA complaint #11711810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine is the component that failed and is available for inspection. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center, and the repair quote is attached. There were no prior warning signs before the failure; the vehicle suddenly began making a knocking noise and experienced a loss of power.

NHTSA complaint #11707617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving vehicle the vehicle appears to shut off as if someone is turning off the ignition. The steering control becomes stiff, power is lost and electronics flash and turn off and on. This has happened on multiple occasions and is intermittent during acceleration. The accessible grounds have been checked, battery checked and replaced, and alternator checked and verified to be charging appropriately. Several codes are present and have been cleared to return indicating low voltage issues with multiple systems.

NHTSA complaint #11699390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We own a 2016 GMC Yukon XLT Denali with the GM 6.2 engine. On Saturday, July 26, 2025 our vehicle suddenly lost power and became undrivable in traffic. We had it towed to our GM dealership who still has the vehicle (Reiselman GMC- Springfield, TN) They called today and said the engine could not be repaired. They stated it had no compression in Cylinder 8. The said our only option was a new engine. THIS IS THE SECOND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE we have had. In November 2021 we experienced another CATASTROPHIC FAILURE when the vehicle suddenly lost power. The engine required a valve and valve spring and seal on cylinder #1. This is 2 major failures we have had which could have been dangerous had we not been able to get out of traffic. The vehicle currently has 116k miles. These types of major failures in a vehicle that has been serviced according to schedules and receives only typical local and commuter use is out of the norm. It is the first generation of GM's 6.2L engine and the sister engine to the one currently under major recall and no-sell orders. We believe that GM knows of these issues as we have spoken with other people who have had similar problems. The problems involve the valve train and the crank and pistons much like the recall on the later models. Please advise what we need to do to move our complaint through the system to see if we can get some relief on this matter. The dealer still has the vehicle so we don't have any paperwork yet on the latest incident. I will send the November 2021 information

NHTSA complaint #11677624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light started to flash. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was flashing with DTC: P0300 displayed. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle towed to the residence and then to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a bearing in the cam shaft had failed and had sent metal shavings into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

NHTSA complaint #11672770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In June 2024 I took my vehicle to the dealership for a ticking/clacking noise. The dealership determined lifter failure and that the engine needed to be replaced because the lifters/cam were not readily available from the manufacturer due to a known issue with L87 GM motors. Long block was replaced 7/17/24. I believe this should be part of the recall issued against L87 motors and should be extended beyond the 2021-2024 years initially noted.

NHTSA complaint #11659061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

6.2L collapsed lifter on cylnder 5. This os my second engine with the exact same problem as the first engine reason for replacement

NHTSA complaint #11651502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After leaving a car wash on 12/19/22, the engine began sputtering and did not seem to be able to get any gas. After pressing gas pedal, the vehicle slowly moved forward, but was shifting hard. Pulled over in gas station parking lot and turned vehicle off. Checked Engine. Vehicle would not restart. Vehicle was towed to dealership. They uncovered a broken valve spring, which also caused the catalytic converters to fail. Total bill was over $7500

NHTSA complaint #11640077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Having to replace an engine at one hundred and three thousand miles…not something I would expect

NHTSA complaint #11615730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Merging onto highway and my car would not get up any speed . Was almost crushed by a tractor trailer. If I hadn’t had a long merge lane I could have been killed . Apparently my transmission failed. This is certainly a safety issue . Your car should not just quit! .called dealer and they said the problem is known but gmc is not doing anything about it! Please help 75,000 $ car should last !

NHTSA complaint #11572380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and jumped forward. There was a loud sound coming from the engine. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire on the lifter in cylinders #1 and #7. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty coverage was declined. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,891.

NHTSA complaint #11565155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Like many other complaints..when your driving and accelerating it jerks and try’s to change gears ect. Most recent issue is the temperature sensor went out and my fan was running on full speed. Well I got it fixed and within 2 months it has gone out again! Lastly, the paint on the hood and roof. When I bought the dealership fixed the hood and yet again it’s failing again..

NHTSA complaint #11560465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11539333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

At 90500 miles my Yukon xl started shuddering and the transmission started failing and I have never used it to pull anything so this was very dissatisfying for a 75k vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11488280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The fuel injectors have gone out on our vehicle. While driving the vehicle, the check engine began blinking and our vehicle went into limp mode- could feel the engine misfiring and the vehicle was shaking. We had a family of five and two dogs in the vehicle and were lucky to be in cell service. A message popped up on our dash stating “engine power reduced.” The local dealership confirmed it is a fuel injector issue. GMC has a current recall In place, however it only includes certain states.

NHTSA complaint #11479061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Experienced tapping noise front right passenger side, took vehicle to Firestone diagnosed the problem - the vehicle was confirmed to have 2 broken exhaust manifold studs in the cylinder head. Mileage 85.407- This vehicle has never been used to tow anything.

NHTSA complaint #11453727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

VEHICLE HAS 125K MILES AND HAD A BROKEN VALVE SPRING WHICH DROPPED THE VALVE INTO THE CYLINDER WHICH IS REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN THIS OCCURED ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA complaint #11397570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK CAR SHAKES AND TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING 35-45MPH

NHTSA complaint #11306887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW OR HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AS IF IT WOULD FALL APART. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPPELLINO BUICK GMC (5411 TRANSIT RD, BUFFALO, NY 14221) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER FAILURE AND A TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE FOR 200 MILES TO CORRECT THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE ANOTHER TRANSMISSION FLUSH WAS COMPLETED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE SHEET METAL ON THE CROSS-MEMBER WAS CAUSING THE VIBRATION. THE CROSS MEMBER WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS UNCOMFORTABLE WITH UNEVEN PRESSURE AND A HIGH VELOCITY VIBRATION. THE SAME DEALER AND WEST HERR CHEVROLET OF WILLIAMSVILLE (8040 TRANSIT RD, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221) PERFORMED SEVERAL TRANSMISSION FLUSHES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS COMPENSATED FOR THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE WEST HERR DEALER AS THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING, THE RPMS INCREASED, AND THE TRACTION AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,241.

NHTSA complaint #11270433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE ENGINE IS MAKING A NOISE AND A SERVICE CENTER SAID LOTS OF GM'S VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM ALSO STOP WORKING AND I HAVE TO REPLACE IT

NHTSA complaint #11252626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSMISSION FLUID, AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, PARTS NUMBER: 700, 711, 2429, 7371, AND 87571 WERE ON BACKORDER. THE CONTACT CALLED TED BRITT CHEVROLET (46990 HARRY BYRD HWY, STERLING, VA 20164, (703) 955-3610), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ATTEMPT TO LOCATE THE PARTS; HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A LEMON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,350.

NHTSA complaint #11243866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

BOUGHT SUV 6/25/2016 THE SAME WEEKEND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN :IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. 4 WEEK OLD 2016 YUKON DENALI XL, HAS STALLED 3 TIMES IN LAST 4 WEEKS, ENGINE CUTS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR A RIGHT TURN ONLY AFTER A SHORT DRIVE OUT OF HOME. THE SUV HAS TO BE RESTARTED! COULD HAVE EASILY HAD AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE WESTPOINT GMC DEALER, 3 TIMES. 1ST TWO TIMES, ALL OF SERVICE DEPTARTMENT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. TODAY, AFTER A STALL, I CALLED ONSTAR, WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST,BUT ONSTAR FOUND NOTHING OF VALUE , I LEFT IT AT DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED DISTRICT MGR. MATT TILLSON . I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE ISSUE. I DID TELL DEALER THAT GMC AND DEALERSHIP WOULD BE AT FAULT IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND STALLS NOR STOPS WHILE I AM DRIVING. I DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK WITHOUT THE PROBLEM HAVING BEEN FIXED. ITS DAY 6 TODAY. I NEED TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR, I WILL NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK UNTILL THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED, AND FIXED. I DO NOT WANT ME OR MY FAMILY OR GM SERVICE EMPLOYEE INJURED, OR WORSE, OR TO BE INVOLVED WITH A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT IN MY GMC YUKON DENALI XL. A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THIS CASE ALREADY ! WILL IT TAKE AN ACCIDENT, OR INJURY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS ASSIGNED?

NHTSA complaint #10898532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

IN MY YUKON WHILE IDLEL THE CAR START SHAKING SO BAD, IT HAS A VIBRATION YOU CAN SEE THE NEEDLE GOING UP AND DOWN, TOOK IT SEVERAL TIME TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BUT GENERAL MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT ISSUE ANY REPAIR FOR THAT AT THIS MOMENT, I CONTACT GENERAL MOTOR COMPANY THEY SAID THE CAR IS OPERATING NORMAL BASE ON THE REPORT PROVIDED BY THE DEALERS, FOR ME IS NOT NORMAL HAVING A BRAND NEW CAR SHAKING AND VIBRATING LIKE IF WILL TURN OF, LOOKS LIKE IF MISFIRED ON THE ENGINE,

NHTSA complaint #10887641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.