155 of the 307 complaints about the 2021 GMC Yukon XL are about the engine — 50% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 73,000 miles.
155
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ENGINE
Burning oil too much too fast oil all over motor and engine and white smoke inside the car all records are with GMC DEALER
NHTSA complaint #11752184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Engine seized while driving on the highway. This is the same engine that is being recalled and GM has said that the vin is not covered. The vehicle stopped running on a major highway with my [XXX] old son in the car. The dealership is saying this is the exact issue that is part of the larger investigation for GM v8 engines. There were no warning lights at all prior to the engine seizing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the check engine warning light started blinking. The contact pulled over and became aware that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted, with smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced and that cylinder #8 was damaged and had detached. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,204.
NHTSA complaint #11749993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
This is from dealership “found customers concern of engine light is on and ticking noise found cylinder 4 lifters to be collapsed causing the exhaust gasses to be trapped in the cylinder causing the cylinder wall to dry out and leaving scratches on the cylinder wall recommend replacing motor due to this problem at this time”
NHTSA complaint #11748742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11748113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Issue Description: The vehicle experienced a failure of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety Concern: While traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire and loss of power created a dangerous condition. The vehicle could not maintain speed or accelerate properly with surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Failure Details: The issue was diagnosed as a collapsed lifter related to the DFM system. This caused persistent misfiring, rough engine operation, and severe drivability issues. Repair Outcome: Due to the extent of internal engine damage caused by the lifter failure, the vehicle required complete engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11747701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Check engine light comes on and an alert says "acceleration reduced" dealer says the coolant control valve is bad but the engine never overheats but the fans are running max speed 100% of the time.
NHTSA complaint #11743664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L V8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road, as I suddenly lost the ability to safely accelerate or maintain highway speeds while hauling my children.A certified technician diagnosed the issue as a complete failure of the active fuel management hydraulic valve lifters and bent pushrods, a known manufacturing defect explicitly documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5776F. The internal failure required a total engine teardown and valvetrain replacement, costing over $10,000 out of pocket.General Motors has failed to issue a safety recall for this specific 5.3L valvetrain defect, despite it causing unexpected engine stalls, severe power loss, and immediate traffic hazards for drivers. This defective component poses an ongoing safety risk to families and should be upgraded to a mandatory safety recall. I am afraid to drive it every time I get on the highway in fear it could shut down again.
NHTSA complaint #11742514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change. While driving, the oil low light illuminated. The vehicle was burning an excessive amount of oil. The local dealer was contacted again, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #11740801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The vehicle suddenly began vibrating noticeably when idling and at low speeds. About 30 minutes after this started happening a warning lamp lit up. We drove the vehicle about 2 miles to a local auto parts store to get an initial computer diagnosis of the issue. The test resulted in a code of "P0304" which detected a cylinder #4 misfire and recommended a fuel injector replacement. We brought the vehicle to a local mechanic to get the issue further evaluated. After this evaluation, it was determined that the cylinder #4 misfire was related to a lifter failure. The mechanic explained that this situation could possibly have caused more damage, specifically to the camshaft, but that job was bigger than he was willing to take on. He recommended we get the vehicle towed to the dealership for further evaluation. He also informed us that this situation was common with the engine in this vehicle and GMC is aware of it. He directed us to some articles online that elaborated on the potential known issues related to the automatic fuel management (AFM) system and the related engine damage. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership for evaluation. They found the failed cylinder #4 with associated lifter failure and damaged camshaft. We went forward with the repair at the dealership. We asked the dealership about the known engine issues with this vehicle. They acknowledged the widespread issues but informed us that our particular VIN has not been included in any recalls or safety notifications, so we were responsible for the repairs. The vehicle spent nearly 3 weeks at the dealership. One of the parts was on backorder due to a national shortage, which delayed the repair by about one week. That seems to imply that the parts involved in this repair are in high demand, which raises the question of this being a manufacturing/parts issue that may need to be investigated further.
NHTSA complaint #11739769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I took my GMC Yukon in for a recall. They changed the oil, programmed my module, changed the cap, and tested the engine, saying it was good. I took it on a trip, 7000 miles later engine locked up.
NHTSA complaint #11738252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Reduce Acceleration – Drive with Care” and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 MPH. The condition created a significant safety concern due to sudden loss of acceleration and propulsion while operating in traffic. The engine RPM would increase abnormally while the vehicle failed to respond properly in drive and reverse. An independent mechanic inspected the transmission and found diagnostic trouble codes P0747, P0776, and P0700 related to transmission pressure control and valve body operation. Inspection also revealed significant metal contamination, sludge, and clutch material inside the transmission pan and filter. Reverse and 2nd gear were determined to be failed/burnt internally. The vehicle was later transported to an authorized GMC dealer for inspection. Dealer confirmed reverse gear would not engage even after adding transmission fluid. Vehicle is currently available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11737062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
We brought vehicle in while still in warranty complaining of rough running engine and dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong. 2000 miles over warranty the Engine fails with all characteristics of the L87 bearing lifter issue. Now GMC does not want to replace without charging us a ton of money.
NHTSA complaint #11735751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.