2023 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I got a yukon at4 and I had to replace it for the one with this vin number [XXX], the first one had a problem with the engine and the offer me to change it for a new one and accept it but since then it has given me problems, at first it was a small pull that felt, then an engine problem, that they "fix" and i have to come back because the " pull " still existed, they fixed it, and after around 3 months after, I had a an engine light one , collision light on, and ESC light one, took it to the dealer and it was something related with the engine again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11761846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine failure

NHTSA complaint #11761217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion on a highway after completing GM's OW-40 oil recall remedy.

NHTSA complaint #11760907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After engine passed check for possible replacement because of recall, engine failed 5000 miles after. Even though I have a new engine now, there is no warranty coverage other than the lower part of the engine. I am already having misfire issues.

NHTSA complaint #11761072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was Driving down the interstate when the RPMS on my car increased and my car started to shutter. I went to get off the roadway and it put itself into neutral and lowered my speed. when i got On the shoulder it stalled and would not turn back on. I had To be towed. To this point, my car has been in the shop for over a week with no solution.

NHTSA complaint #11760684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

PICO scope test #FDYZ295894391 on engine for recall #N252494003 engine , passed test. Drain oil filled with 0-40 replaced oil cap. Date 09/19/2025, mileage in 20142/mileage out 20142. Vehicle runs rough. Not stable at times. Vibration noise coming from the motor at times.

NHTSA complaint #11760813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am reporting a severe, recurring, and life-threatening manufacturing defect involving a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds on the interstate. This vehicle has suffered two identical valvetrain failures that placed my passengers and nearby motorists in extreme danger. Incident 1 (Approx. 40,000 miles): While traveling at high speed on the interstate, the vehicle violently shook, all engine warning lights flashed, and the engine suffered an immediate, near-total loss of propulsion. The vehicle was towed to an authorized GMC dealership, where technicians diagnosed a collapsed Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) hydraulic lifter in Cylinder 3. The lifter bank was replaced under the factory powertrain warranty. Incident 2 (Approx. 77,000 miles): While driving at high speed on the interstate, the exact same vehicle behavior occurred. The engine suffered a sudden, total loss of power, and all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously. Out of absolute necessity and to avoid a catastrophic high-speed collision on a dangerous stretch of highway, the severely crippled vehicle had to be forced through active interstate traffic without proper engine power all the way to my home. The vehicle has since been inspected by a GMC dealership, which has confirmed that the exact same Cylinder 3 lifter has failed a second time. The dealership and the GMC Regional Service Manager are currently refusing to honor the 24-month dealer-installed service parts warranty, demanding an out-of-pocket deposit of $5,000, and denying alternative transportation. GM's failure to permanently remediate this known, systemic valvetrain defect has twice left me navigating a failing vehicle through high-speed highway traffic, heavily compounding the safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11759755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle had a previous engine recall that was “fixed” per the dealership recommendations. However, I succumbed to total engine failure last week at 70000 miles with my 2 little kids in the car on an interstate. My engine needs replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11759765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Second engine sized at 87,834 miles. Third engine installed three weeks later.

NHTSA complaint #11759344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine shut off with no warning, all electronics disabled and couldn't shift out of park. Was driving down the road at approximately 50mph, Yukon shifted itself into neutral. Vehicle previously complied with the 25V-274 recall and passed, was operating on the new oil that GM recommended.

NHTSA complaint #11759366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle was taken in as part of the 25v-274 recall. It passed and was given the new oil. It underwent a second oil change using the new oil and before the third oil change at around 46,000 miles the engine was having trouble. I took it in for the oil change and the engine issue. I have barely been told anything but from what I understand I have a camshaft issue and need new lifters. I haven't seen my car in 12 days and have received almost to no updates.

NHTSA complaint #11759128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2023 Yukon XL AT4 with 67k miles suddenly had lifters fail. GM service said cam scored & metal debris all the way through to the pan, requiring total engine replacement. Vehicle was very well maintained with premium fluids and parts.

NHTSA complaint #11759137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,460.

NHTSA complaint #11759138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving down the highway, extremely dangerous. Would not shift into gear and could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and the vehicle would not restart. Had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealership found a blown fuse, problem happened again twice and the dealer could not find the problem. This was July 28th, 2026. On August 20th, while in cruise control, slight ringing noise began, then a loud thump, then a loss of oil pressure. Unable to do anything other than pull over on an interstate with my family. Again, very dangerous. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted out of park. Had to have the vehicle towed again. Have also had at least 8 recalls on the vehicle. Unbelievably dangerous situations with my family, aside from inconvenient and expensive.

NHTSA complaint #11758865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL, used as a commercial vehicle for my business, experienced sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles with no prior warning. No check engine light, no unusual noise, and no other symptoms. The vehicle had previously been inspected/serviced under GM Safety Recall 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) and had been deemed safe prior to this failure. The failure occurred while driving on a two-lane road in Durango, CO. The vehicle lost all propulsion and came to a stop in the roadway, blocking the lane of travel and forcing other vehicles to cross into the oncoming traffic lane to go around the disabled vehicle. This created a serious and immediate hazard to myself and to oncoming traffic. The vehicle was not driveable and had to be towed. The dealer confirmed catastrophic engine failure requiring a complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the Morehart Murphy GMC dealership in Durango also failed to properly recalibrate vehicle sensors. They did not reinstall certain suspension components that had been removed for the engine replacement, requiring multiple additional dealership visits to resolve along with recalibration of the air ride suspension. After the replacement I was getting messages that the vehicle was "too low to drive with caution" and "Reduced Acceleration Drive With Care." This vehicle failure occurred during our peak season (June 10-July 2). The vehicle being out of service, I was required to rent a replacement vehicle at my own expense because GM did not provide a loaner vehicle. I estimate loss revenue at $1k/day. When I attempted to raise this issue with GM directly, their response was to submit letter to a P.O. Box, with no other means of resolution or contact offered. Given that this vehicle had already undergone the recall remedy and was represented as safe, this incident is relevant to NHTSA's ongoing investigation into post-recall L87 engine failures (Recall Query RQ26001).

NHTSA complaint #11758687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Our lifters in cylinder 3 were replaced after failing at 40,000 miles. The exact same lifters broke again at 77,000 miles.both events caused engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11757144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2023 GMC Yukon XL(6.2 liter engine).Engine has failed twice with the first incident being on the interstate and the engine seized without warning with only 38,000 miles. GMC replaced the engine and now the second engine has failed with only 80,000 miles on it. I am told there needs to be a third engine installed and the vehicle is only three years old. If an engine fails without warning this puts everyone in danger. My [XXX] son was in the car when the first engine failed. There is an obvious manufacturer's defect that needs to be addressed before innocent people are injured or killed. The vehicle is currently located at Darrell Waltrip GMC in Franklin, Tennessee. It is not drivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11756862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I’m terrified of driving this car with my children as I don’t know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11752591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was released back to the owner; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and jerking abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the drive to the residence was not a smooth drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a technician performed a ride-along. The contact stated that the engine seized three times during the ride along. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released, the rear bumper was damaged. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.

NHTSA complaint #11750354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine seized after the pico test. Been 3 months waiting on an engine

NHTSA complaint #11747663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My wife and I were traveling to Denver CO to pick up my son and grandson from the airport. The engine started to make a very exaggerated rattle. We found a dealership near our motel where we took the vehicle to and were told not to drive home that the engine needed to be replaced. We had to arrange our own transportation for both us and the vehicle 8 hrs back to our home in Rapid City, SD where our local dealership replaced the engine. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles when this occurred. Fortunately we were in a populated area when this occurred as there is a lot of very sparsely populated area between our home and Denver. This malfunction not only cost me a lot of money but also put my family at risk in unfamiliar areas.

NHTSA complaint #11743381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

lost power going down highway and coasted to a stop on the side of the road. car was towed to a nearby gmc dealership and after inspection a new 6.2 motor is needed. I did not notice any warning signals when I lost power.

NHTSA complaint #11743167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine 6.2L failed going down the highway. Very Scary

NHTSA complaint #11742091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was on the highway heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat and without warning the engine shut down and luckily we were on the exit ramp and away from heavy traffic. I pulled over to the side and tried to start it again but it won’t even crank. The cabin heater stopped working too, It was -9 Degrees outside that day and we started to freeze, luckily my wife was able to get to us in 20minutes. The vehicle was towed to GM dealership and they confirmed the engine seized and will need a new engine under special coverage N252494003-03. This was after the recall was completed for this vehicle. It had only 61392KMS on it. We live in [XXX] and it gets extreme winters with below -40degree temperatures. It’s a remote area and there is no service on the highway for 200KMS when heading south to city, if this would have happened on the highway with no services and extreme weather we wouldn’t have made it out alive. We are a family of 5 with a [XXX] and a [XXX] and we bought this vehicle after knowing that the engine recall was completed and GM deemed it safe. Unfortunately that’s a lie and GM is putting peoples safety and life at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11737238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This vehicle was identified as recalled in 2025 for total engine replacement and the engine did fail in May 2025 it would stall while driving. GMC performed the engine replacement in June of 2025. The car stalled again on Friday May 1. It was taken to the dealer on May 7 and was diagnosed as needing another complete engine replacement. I was told that gmc identified a need to replace more parts after my engine was replaced but I was never informed of this. I was told my this dealership that I am the first vehicle they’ve seen that will require a second full engine replacement It is a 6.3L v8. This car stalled while I was driving with a 3yo in the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11736444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali is currently at the dealership due to a manufacturer recall involving the engine. The engine issue occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle, which required me to pull over and have the vehicle towed to the dealership After inspection, I was told the vehicle requires a full engine replacement. The dealership has stated there is no estimated time of arrival for the replacement engine due to backorder, and that other customers have been waiting for extended periods. I am currently without my vehicle and have been provided a temporary replacement that is not comparable. The extended delay and lack of timeline are causing significant loss of use.

NHTSA complaint #11734896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

on 2/28/26 i experienced complete engine failure on my 23 Yukon. I was going 70mph on the highway when the engine kicked and and kicked into neutral. the car spent 6 weeks in the dealer to have the engine replaced. i picked up the car on Wednesday, 4/15. On 4/16, i was once again driving, as normal when it suddenly turned off and kicked into neutral. 1 day after I picked up the vehicle it is once again being towed back to the dealer for the same symptoms it had when the entire engine had to be replaced. Both times, there is no warning. The car dings and a message comes up saying "restart vehicle". On 2/28, the car would not restart. On 4/16, the car did restart but only temporarily This is a major safety problem. The first occurrence I was going 70mph on the highway when i lost power. The second occurrence, I was driving 20mph on my neighborhood street and suddenly lost all power.

NHTSA complaint #11731761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I own a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. In Nov. 2023, at about 4,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and electrical failure at highway speed while I was traveling with my husband and three small children. It suddenly lost all power in the fast lane, including acceleration and engine function. Steering became extremely heavy, consistent with loss of power steering assist, and the electronics shut down. We had to guide the vehicle across traffic while coasting downhill to the shoulder beyond a guardrail. Traffic had to avoid us, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed and required a complete engine replacement under warranty. After that replacement, additional issues followed. There was an HVAC/defrost concern. In June 2025, the vehicle again became inoperable without warning while parked at a store. It would not start despite repeated attempts, including by a dealership representative. A diagnostic scan produced over a page of error codes, but the dealership could not identify a cause and stated the vehicle was safe. In Dec. 2025, the vehicle engine was inspected under a recall and I was told there were no issues. In Feb. 2026, the vehicle lost heat and was found to have no coolant despite regular maintenance and recent inspection. In Mar. 2026, at about 37,700 miles, the vehicle developed a loud clunking noise while driving. I stopped driving and returned it to the dealership, where I was told the engine had failed again and required another full replacement. The vehicle has now had two engine failures and three engines installed in less than three years. There were no warning lights or prior indications before these failures. I no longer believe this vehicle is safe or reliable for transporting my family.

NHTSA complaint #11730061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.