2021 GMC Yukon XL problems

ENGINE

According to the GM Dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall N 252494000-N252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate at the time of incident.

NHTSA complaint #11764136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

According to the GM Dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall N 252494000-N252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate at the time of incident.

NHTSA complaint #11764136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine failed, shop confirmed and replaced motor. No warning lamps on dash.

NHTSA complaint #11763845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 has experienced two significant lifter/valvetrain failures. The first occurred at approximately 6,500 miles and was repaired by a GMC dealer. That failure involved cylinder #4, including a collapsed/stuck lifter and bent pushrod. The current failure occurred at approximately 110,269 miles. The vehicle initially operated normally. While traveling about 10 mph and approaching a major thoroughfare, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle began shaking violently. There were no warning lights or other symptoms beforehand. Three children were in the vehicle. When the driver attempted to accelerate, the vehicle failed to gain speed normally, and additional accelerator input made the knocking and shaking significantly worse. The check-engine light began flashing, and “Service ESC” and “Service Traction Control” warnings appeared, along with multiple other warning lights. The engine continued running. The driver made a U-turn before entering the major roadway and drove about 0.2 miles very slowly back home. An independent repair facility diagnosed P0305, cylinder #5 misfire. Moving the ignition coil and spark plug did not move the misfire, and the #5 spark plug was oil-soaked. A GMC dealer later confirmed a stuck lifter on cylinder #5 and advised that the failed lifter damaged the camshaft. My concern is the sudden loss of normal acceleration and severe engine malfunction without warning, especially because this same L87 engine previously suffered a major lifter failure at low mileage. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether repeated L87 lifter/valvetrain failures represent an additional safety-related defect or failure pattern.

NHTSA complaint #11763260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. On September 10, 2026, we checked the engine oil and discovered that it was approximately two-thirds low. Mechanical inspection confirmed that the engine is consuming and burning oil internally rather than losing it through an external leak. The vehicle’s last oil change was performed in May 2026, and it is still more than 1,000 miles away from its next scheduled oil change. The vehicle provided no low-oil, low-oil-pressure, check-engine, or other dashboard warning, despite being severely low on oil and having its alerts enabled. I had no indication that the engine was operating with an unsafe amount of oil. I am concerned that the continued internal oil consumption could cause premature engine damage, engine seizure, or sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning. I regularly use this vehicle to transport my young children. My VIN is not currently included in Recall 25V-274, although my vehicle has the same model year and 6.2L L87 engine involved in the ongoing NHTSA investigation. I am reporting this confirmed internal oil consumption and lack of driver warning so that problems occurring in currently excluded vehicles can be properly documented and investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11763520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I purchased this vehicle 06/14/2026 The vehicle dash started lighting up like a Christmas tree. It was taken to GM Ed Morse Freedom Chevrolet X 3 separate occasions. The lights in the dash were intermittent. Dealership couldn't duplicate the issue. I was told if they aren't active they can't duplicate. The vehicle continued to illuminate on and off after it was returned July 26th. Then August 23 i was driving and it died right in the highway putting me in a bad spot in traffic. I. There was no illuminated symbols in the dash it just died as the symbols them lit up in the dash. I had it towed by AAA thinking just a battery or starter. I was told by GM dealership the engine seized. Propulsion, metal in the oil and the crankshaft failure. The exact recall problem. My Vin fell just outside of GM internal N252494003 program of 150,000 10 year extended warranty. I have 114, 689. 2021 yukon Denali. THE exact engine failure GM put out. GM is refusing to replace the engine. The engine has been torn down. I received pictures of my claim above. It's still at GM . I've opened a corporate GM case. I'm hitting a brick wall

NHTSA complaint #11762576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We had to have an engine replaced because of engine failure. The new engine was provided by GMC free of charge. The second engine also failed and was also replaced by GMC.

NHTSA complaint #11762580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and required a complete transmission replacement at 84,000 miles. I am reporting this because the initial 6.2L engine defect and subsequent recall remedy overlap heavily with severe powertrain and torque converter failures at low mileage

NHTSA complaint #11761330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Our 2021 YukonXL started running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop the next day and was told there was complete lifter failure and that we need a new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11761201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and required a complete transmission replacement at 84,000 miles. I am reporting this because the initial 6.2L engine defect and subsequent recall remedy overlap heavily with severe powertrain and torque converter failures at low mileage

NHTSA complaint #11761330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

the engine started knocking and vehicle shaking while on interstate. vehicle was towed to service center and they determined that one valve was stuck and another one turned 90 degrees and the cam shaft was also ruined. It was required to replace the engine as that was a less costly option than replacing the damaged parts. A dash light came on and was flashing while my daughter was driving it to [XXX]. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot they were at when reaching [XXX]. Unsure of where the engine went to after the service center removed it, but I think they had to send it back to GM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11761076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I have a 6.2L that we took in with bad rods due to the cam. The fixed the motor and now it is consuming oil and GM says it is normal. Normal for an engine to consume quarts of oil?? I cannot trade out of the vehicle because of the extreme depreciation that these vehicles have incurred due to the known engine issues. I know others are having the same issues I just want GM to make this right and help loyal customers.

NHTSA complaint #11760388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali features the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. This vehicle was previously serviced for the GM voluntary recall regarding engine bearing failures, and the dealership completed the remedy by inspecting the motor and changing the oil to the thicker 0W-40 specification. Since completing this recall fix, the vehicle has developed an intermittent rough idle and sputtering behavior. The dealership has been unable to duplicate the intermittent issue and claims it falls under normal behavior. I am filing this report because my vehicle is exhibiting post-recall remedy engine degradation, matching the exact failure patterns outlined in the NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 escalated on August 20, 2026. This intermittent sputter represents a severe safety hazard regarding potential sudden loss of motive power while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11759419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Driving on the freeway the engine started making super loud knocking noises for while going 70mph . Then it immediately died everything turned off no power I was barely able to get it off the freeway while coasting. And my husband tried to push it off the road more but when it dies we are not able to put the car in neutral !! It’s a push button gear shift ! When there’s no power the buttons don’t work!! It was 105 degrees out that day in Sacramento , the car had zero power the battery is not the problem . The motor is blown and the car hasn’t started since that day. These cars are dangerous to just die in the middle of the freeway! The motor has already been replaced in Feb 2026, we bought it in march of 2026 with 57k miles on it. I added about 12k miles and the motor blew up again!

NHTSA complaint #11759446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Lifter/camshaft/engine failure. GM knows this is an issue with these models/years. They only want to cover half of the repair sticking me with a bill for $5600. Safety is a concern because they know this is an issue and not issuing a recall currently. I waS driving when this happened which could have caused me to get into an accident. Very dangerous. Car is currently as GMC Started by showing low oil in between oil changes last year. Went in for an oil change and told them about it. Dealership told me it was the air hose box and that they didn't see any other issue. I believe they are told to lie to get each customer further out of warranty. I was driving and all of a sudden the car started violently shaking and lights started flashing at me.

NHTSA complaint #11759486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2022 GMC Yukon XL suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ASE-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs. GM declined any assistance solely because the repair was performed by an independent ASE-certified facility. I am concerned that a major transmission component failure at this mileage may represent a broader defect, particularly given transmission-related service bulletins and NHTSA Recall 26V085 affecting certain 2022 Yukon XL vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11759178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Was driving the vehicle at 70 mph on the highway without any issues for several hours and suddenly the vehicle lost power and had no propulsion. It went into neutral automatically and the engine shut off while driving. Thankfully I was on a downward slope and could steer the vehicle off the very busy highway. Once safe, I tried to restart the car but the engine would not start or turn over. Roadside assistance came to help as well as a flatbed tow truck. It was taken to a nearby GMC dealer but it remains completely dead despite the battery being fully charged and all of the electronics working. No known error codes are showing up. It’s an L87 engine and was part of the GM recall. The recall work was completed in Nov 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11758876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Was driving the vehicle at 70 mph on the highway without any issues for several hours and suddenly the vehicle lost power and had no propulsion. It went into neutral automatically and the engine shut off while driving. Thankfully I was on a downward slope and could steer the vehicle off the very busy highway. Once safe, I tried to restart the car but the engine would not start or turn over. Roadside assistance came to help as well as a flatbed tow truck. It was taken to a nearby GMC dealer but it remains completely dead despite the battery being fully charged and all of the electronics working. No known error codes are showing up. It’s an L87 engine and was part of the GM recall. The recall work was completed in Nov 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11758876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failed. Had to be towed to the dealer to get a new motor. It was part of the 6.2l L87 recall

NHTSA complaint #11758958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Was driving the vehicle at 70 mph on the highway without any issues for several hours and suddenly the vehicle lost power and had no propulsion. It went into neutral automatically and the engine shut off while driving. Thankfully I was on a downward slope and could steer the vehicle off the very busy highway. Once safe, I tried to restart the car but the engine would not start or turn over. Roadside assistance came to help as well as a flatbed tow truck. It was taken to a nearby GMC dealer but it remains completely dead despite the battery being fully charged and all of the electronics working. No known error codes are showing up. It’s an L87 engine and was part of the GM recall. The recall work was completed in Nov 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11758876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11758496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11758496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.

NHTSA complaint #11758496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon. While driving on the highway during a long-distance trip from [XXX] to [XXX], my vehicle suddenly experienced a serious loss of power, drivability issues, and loss of propulsion. The vehicle began shaking violently, slowing down unexpectedly, and struggling to maintain speed while in active highway traffic at highway speeds. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed a warning message indicating “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” at approximately 127,506 miles. Shortly after, the vehicle set diagnostic trouble code P0011, which relates to the engine and transmission system not performing as expected and indicates an issue with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system affecting engine timing and performance. The vehicle also entered a reduced performance state, and I was advised through the vehicle’s warning system to reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and avoid heavy load conditions. Despite following these precautions, the vehicle continued to run poorly and became increasingly unsafe to operate in highway traffic. This created a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, as I was traveling in fast-moving traffic and the vehicle lost normal propulsion and stability. I had to carefully maneuver out of active traffic lanes to avoid a potential collision. The vehicle eventually required roadside assistance/towing due to its inability to operate normally. Diagnostic trouble codes and warning messages were present at the time of failure. After the incident, I checked my VIN through the NHTSA recall system and discovered that my vehicle has three unrepaired safety recalls. Of particular concern is: NHTSA Recall Number: 25V274 GM Manufacturer Recall Number: N252494000 This recall involves certain GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine and describes a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that may result in engine damag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA complaint #11757435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon. While driving on the highway during a long-distance trip from [XXX] to [XXX], my vehicle suddenly experienced a serious loss of power, drivability issues, and loss of propulsion. The vehicle began shaking violently, slowing down unexpectedly, and struggling to maintain speed while in active highway traffic at highway speeds. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed a warning message indicating “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” at approximately 127,506 miles. Shortly after, the vehicle set diagnostic trouble code P0011, which relates to the engine and transmission system not performing as expected and indicates an issue with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system affecting engine timing and performance. The vehicle also entered a reduced performance state, and I was advised through the vehicle’s warning system to reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and avoid heavy load conditions. Despite following these precautions, the vehicle continued to run poorly and became increasingly unsafe to operate in highway traffic. This created a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, as I was traveling in fast-moving traffic and the vehicle lost normal propulsion and stability. I had to carefully maneuver out of active traffic lanes to avoid a potential collision. The vehicle eventually required roadside assistance/towing due to its inability to operate normally. Diagnostic trouble codes and warning messages were present at the time of failure. After the incident, I checked my VIN through the NHTSA recall system and discovered that my vehicle has three unrepaired safety recalls. Of particular concern is: NHTSA Recall Number: 25V274 GM Manufacturer Recall Number: N252494000 This recall involves certain GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine and describes a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that may result in engine damag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA complaint #11757435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.