708 of the
3,132 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon XL
are about the engine —
23% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
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.
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.
I purchased my vehicle from GMC on April 13th and had approximately 4,500 miles on it. It was sold as new and drove it for about a week at 4,994 miles on the highway. During this time, it shifted from drive to neutral , but the vehicle was towed back to the dealership. Upon inspection, it was diagnosed with a seized engine.
NHTSA complaint #11758829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
On the freeway in the middle of nowhere Denali jerked, went into neutral, and stopped completely. Needed to get towed and it was complete engine failure. Dealership needed to completely replace engine and radiator
NHTSA complaint #11758729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a follow-up to my previous complaint - 11716917. My second engine, which was installed after my first engine failed after approximately 5,000 miles, also failed. It failed after approximately 5,200 miles on it. I picked up the vehicle after the first engine replacement on 2/19/26 and the second engine failed on 5/18/26. It failed as I was driving to work - I was able to exit the highway and pull into a parking lot. From there I had the vehicle towed to a dealership and they confirmed that the engine had failed and needed a total replacement. This is a 2026 Yukon XL Denali Ultimate with the 6.2 L87 engine. I want to make sure the NHTSA is aware that I’ve now had two complete engine failures and am on my third. I have no confidence in the vehicle and have no reason to believe that my third engine will last. GM has refused to do anything about this vis-a-vis extending my warranty or replacing my vehicle or buying it back.
NHTSA complaint #11758688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
L87 Engine failed 6 months after replacement. Had to get 2nd full engine replacement. The car is currently on its 3rd engine. 1st replacement 10/16/25. Engine failed on 4/30/26. 2nd replacement 6/1/26.
NHTSA complaint #11758647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
No warning the car made a loud clunk that shook the car. The engine began a severe knock with almost compete loss of power. The dealer confirmed the entire engine had to be replaced. I was told my car passed the PICO test recall and only required an oil viscosity change. There is something very wrong here. These engines are not right. I have handicapped twins and have zero confidence it won't leave my family stranded.
NHTSA complaint #11758654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
9 months into ownership, with 24,000 miles I had complete engine failure pulling into an intersection. Slamming into park while moving and shutting down. This is a known issue with the GM 6.2 liter engines but I specifically waited to order a 2026 as this was far outside the recall window GM had in place for this known issue and was led to believe the issue was fixed going forward. The car was towed to a GM dealer and sat for 39 days for a complete engine replacement. Now, a week after it has been returned it has sputtered and shut off as I am coming to a stop requiring a restart, not unlike stalling a manual transmission car. I think your agency needs to expand the investigation far further to include 2026 models. This is a 90,000 dollar brand new family hauler that I am supposed to trust my wife and kids are safe in. Now I cannot even trust it will safely take her through an intersection. Thank you for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11758602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), the contact was informed that the vehicle passed the inspection and no repair was needed. However, the vehicle experienced engine failure approximately seven months later. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and resumed normal driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following morning, where the Electronic Control Module was replaced under warranty; however, the failure recurred while driving 70 MPH three weeks later. No warning light was illuminated. The driver pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH and shut off. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine, radiator and seal kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was concerned that the recall remedy failed to prevent the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a buyback was requested, but the request was denied, and the contact was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 27,800.
NHTSA complaint #11756300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unknown brought my car in on July 24, 2026. They reported they do not know what is wrong with the engine, but stated GM is not letting them take it apart and told them to replace the engine. While the car was parked and during acceleration, my car was making a weird noise that got louder during acceleration. A few days prior to this happening, while driving on the highway, my car's emergency lights came on. I had to pull over to turn it off.
NHTSA complaint #11755802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We took in our Yukon for the recall letters we’ve received in the mail and to check a suspension light the popped up. Our Yukon was given back to us with the ac not working properly anymore and it started to turn off on us out of nowhere. now we need an engine replacement. What’s more aggravating is that the Yukon was checked out the week of july27 -31 according to service advisor the engine was good and the only thing needing to be replaced was the module for the suspension light that popped up. Now it turns out that it doesn’t even need a module replacement and the suspension issue is something else. Super frustrating It’s our only family vehicle and it so upsetting that we were given the Yukon back in the condition it was in. Thank goodness the Yukon shut off at a drive thru and not a freeway or my husband would’ve got into an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11755582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on highway, engine stopped while driving 70+ mph. Had to get to the side of the multilane highway. Was towed to nearest GMC dealership. Dealer said the engine was locked up, and they have many vehicles right now with similar problems. They will have to replace the engine due to complete engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11754396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.