756 of the
3,211 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon XL
are about the engine —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
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.
This email is a continuation of complaint # 11760621 that I filled on August 29th 2026. The vehicle was authorized by General Motors to have the engine replaced and the Service Department at the GMC Dealer informed that the replacement engine was installed and failed immediately upon it's initial test drive. I have absolutely no faith in GMC's solution to the engine issues or the safety of the vehicle in the future with myself or family in it.
NHTSA complaint #11763857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Update to original claim filed 11760897. Dealership inspected on 9/9/2026 and found engine damage severe enough to warrant a complete replacement. Catastrophic damage. Unspecified what caused the damage, but service advisor made me aware of a deep gash along the cylinder wall after removing the cylinder heads, unspecified cylinder. Likely from cylinder 3 where the code was being displayed- P0303. Vehicle was in the beginning stages of an oil consumption test and had a history of oil loss without any visible leaks. Add oil light came on 650 miles after oil change. Oil was likely being burnt up through combustion due to damaged cylinder wall. Unknown time for new engine to be installed. Estimated backlog 600 engines, could be regionally or nationally. Replacing engine at 29,800 miles, however vehicle has been having these issues much longer- closer to 20,000 miles. I want consumers to be aware this vehicle was not part of the national recall. Vehicle was manufactured in July 2024, two months past the recall date established for these GM engines.
NHTSA complaint #11763337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
2024 Yukon XL 6.2L V8 following a complete engine failure at 37,446 miles and the significant safety incident that resulted. On XXX, while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while traveling at 65mph on a 2 lane HWY, displayed a Low Oil Pressure warning, developed loud knocking and ticking noises, and became inoperable. We were forced to drift to a stop in an isolated desert location after passing a highway sign stating “Next Gas Station 94 Miles.” Our family of four remained stranded for approximately 5½ hours in temperatures exceeding 100°F. During that time, we spent more than three hours working with OnStar, but no workable transportation or towing solution was provided. Ultimately, my mother drove approximately five hours from [XXX] to retrieve our family, and we arranged and paid for commercial towing ourselves. As the hours passed, our focus shifted from transportation to protecting our children from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. This concern was heightened because our youngest son has an underlying medical condition that affects his ability to regulate body temperature and has a single functioning kidney, increasing concerns about dehydration. Following delivery to Michael Hohl GMC in [XXX], the dealership documented the following findings: “Metal in oil.” “Metal bypassed oil filter.” “Need to replace engine.” We appreciate the professionalism of the dealership throughout this process. Our request is not directed at the dealer; it reflects our belief that replacing the engine does not adequately address the circumstances surrounding this failure or restore confidence in the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
Driving down [XXX] in [XXX] the engine seized and blew every major electrical fuse. The suv was in the center lane of [XXX] at rush hour unable to be put in neutral and rolled to safety. SUV was towed home then to dealership for confirmation. Engine and all wiring were replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a loud ticking and tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a lifter failure caused by the AFM system and an engine misfire, and that the lifters, camshaft, and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.