FaultScore

2025 GMC Yukon engine problems

32 of the 77 complaints about the 2025 GMC Yukon are about the engine — 42% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 5,918 miles.

F

32

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 32 100.0%

Engine & Cooling across every GMC Yukon year

1999 12 1.4%
2001 13 1.5%
2003 24 2.7%
2004 17 1.9%
2007 35 4.0%
2008 15 1.7%
2011 14 1.6%
2013 11 1.2%
2015 33 3.7%
2016 33 3.7%
2017 34 3.9%
2018 28 3.2%
2019 28 3.2%
2020 12 1.4%
2021 193 21.9%
2022 110 12.5%
2023 149 16.9%
2024 71 8.0%
2025 32 3.6%
2026 18 2.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Marietta, GA

ENGINE

Vehicle loss of power on the Interstate at a high rate of speed. Vehicle would not start and could not be put in Neutral to safely remove from road.

NHTSA complaint #11758878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clinton, MS

ENGINE

GM performed a vehicle wide Over the Air reprogramming of the modules incorporated in the VIP/Global B electronics platform in April, 2026. Following that my vehicle became totally dead. Key fob would not unlock the vehicle. Had to use the metal key, open the drivers door. Opened the door, nothing moved. No lights, no movement from anything on the vehicle. Opened the hood, charged the battery and tried to crank it. Would not budge. Starter would not engage. Disconnected the negative battery cable. Tried again. Still would not budge. After an hour of so of trying and using jumper cables from our other vehicle, still would not budge. I disconnected the negative battery cable from the right front fender ground and reattached it. It then cranked. Drove the vehicle 30 miles at interstate speed. 8 miles in city traffic. Drove home and parked it in the garage. Drove it abput 10-12 days later to get breakfast. Parked it, locked it with the key fob. Came back after getting food, key fob would not work. Opened it with the button on the door handle. Got In tried to crank it. Would not budge. Disconnected the negative battery cable twice, before it cranked, but would not drive. Message in dash said vehicle could not be driven. Finally got it cranked. GM never advised that the battery must have a 70% charge at all times for the electronics to work. Owner's manual contains no such statement. Vehicle is defective to the extent that it will leave me stranded in wherever the battery power is less than 70%. Dangerous to get stranded at night on a lonely road or highway, away from cities with tow trucks and competent service personnel. Vehicle in shop 32 days before dealer advised resolution. Modules bricked requiring engine control module and telematics module replacement.

NHTSA complaint #11754040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fillmore, CA

ENGINE

Just over 6k miles, engine failure.

NHTSA complaint #11737169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Qatar, AK

ENGINE

The engine has seized and was replaced

NHTSA complaint #11735631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Robinson, TX

ENGINE

My engine completely failed on March 19, 2026 and it is currently at Sterling GMC in Bryan Texas waiting for a backorder engine as it needs to be completely replaced

NHTSA complaint #11729983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE

Engine failure while driving at 60mph that started with a loud knocking sound to eventual engine failure where it wouldnt turn over. Vehicle has 9600 miles and has had issues since day one of leaving lot requiring fuel injector, intake manifold gasket, lifter and rod with last fix being new coil and spark plug that supposedly fixed issue. The most recent engine failure put my family and kids in danager given 100 degree weather in middle of desert on a small highway with very limited cell service. Vehicle provided no warning lights. Vehicle was towed to dealership and I have not received an update. Vehicle has not been inspected by polive or insurance or others.

NHTSA complaint #11726211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kannapolis, NC

ENGINE

Purchased new August 29, 2025 On 12/3/25- Mileage 4495. Took vehicle in for first maintenance service. Tire rotation and oil change. On 1/7/26- Reported grinding noise we had began noticing when starting vehicle. Engine light Service ESC. Service Traction control. Reported to Ben Mynatt GM. On 1/8/26 Mileage 7120- Took Yukon in for service due to grinding noise. Due for 6 module updates and 3 stand alone updates. On 2/16/26 Noticed ticking noise when heat in on high. Scheduled service for 2/26. On 2/24/26 Smell from car, oil reporting low. Dip stick completely dry. Sent email and photos to Ben Mynatt Service. On 2/26/26 Took vehicle in for service. Service advised to start oil consumption test. Ordered blower motor for the squealing noise. Cyl 3 misfire. Was told by the dealer, possibly needs engine 2/27/26 Took Vehicle in for service Check engine light on. Bearing inside blower motor and blower motor replaced. Replaced coil cyl 3 Tire Rotation 2/28/26 Car shaking, smoking, engine light on. Terrible smell from exhaust. Engine light came on, Service ESC, Service Traction Control, Forward Collision Unavailable, Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care Alert. GMC Alert: Service the engine and transmission system immediately alert, Engine Light on. Vehicle Approx miles. Codes misfires to cylinder 3. Took vehicle right to Service Dept. Codes Cleared. Replaced coil on cyl 3 March 7th - Mileage 11,200 Car shaking vigorously! Engine light flashing. Loud knocking coming from vehicle. GMC alert: Service the engine and transmission system immediately alert. Emission system- service now. Engine and Transmission System Service now. Service antilock braking, Stabilitrack stability control systems and airbag system. Service Air Bag System. Emailed to Service March 9th. Took vehicle in. Cylinder 3 & 8 misfire code cold start rough idle code. Oil consumption using approx1 qt of oil/500 miles. Vehicle unsafe risk of engine seizure, fire risk and loss of acceleration is extreme danger

NHTSA complaint #11724693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ely, NV

ENGINE

Vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the highway. Onstar said it was the transmission. Checked the oil and smoke was billowing out of the dip stick and there was no oil. None of the sensors indicated that there was low oil. After sitting and waiting for a tow truck rechecked the oil with the dipstick and there was oil in it. Now requires a new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11722657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,837 miles Mooresville, NC

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode with a limited speed availability message displayed. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,837

NHTSA complaint #11720219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Henderson, NV

ENGINE

The 3.0L diesel motor failed around 5700 miles. The thrust bearing failed and the engine and the turbo needed to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11716889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarkston, MI

ENGINE

Engine started knocking and developed slow acceleration out of the blue. In addition car has locked up on freeway despite not having any cars around me. Its been in the shop for 3 days and still no diagnosis.

NHTSA complaint #11716461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Starkville, MS

ENGINE

While driving on a highway, the vehicle intermittently suffers a sudden loss of engine power during acceleration, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. The most serious event occurred while merging into traffic when the vehicle failed to accelerate normally and briefly lost power, creating a risk of being struck by faster-moving vehicles. Pulling over and restarting temporarily restores normal acceleration, but the problem recurs. The malfunction appears consistent with an engine misfire/powertrain fault. An OBD scan has shown misfire-related diagnostic codes (random/multiple misfire and a cylinder-specific misfire). The condition is intermittent and often occurs after approximately 10–45 minutes of driving. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The vehicle has been presented to authorized service departments multiple times. Dealers reported they were unable to duplicate the issue during road testing and no lasting repair has been completed. The manufacturer has been contacted and the vehicle has been evaluated through authorized service channels, but the underlying cause has not been identified. This remains a safety hazard because it reduces acceleration in traffic. Incident list: • 10/25/2025 (~12:25 PM; ~3,108 miles): Loss of power while merging; flashing CEL; restart temporarily resolved. • 10/27/2025–11/04/2025: Intermittent recurrence, usually lasting a few minutes then clearing. • 11/05/2025 (~8:01 AM; ~3,641 miles): Flashing CEL and misfire/loss-of-power symptoms; taken for service. • 11/26/2025 (~10:06 AM): Another episode consistent with the same pattern. • 12/17/2025 (~8:21 AM): Another episode, including during travel to a service visit. • Ongoing: Episodes after ~10–45 minutes; sometimes requires restart to restore drivability. Observed codes: P0300 and P0301. Safety risk: loss of power during acceleration/merging increases risk of rear-end or side-impact collision.

NHTSA complaint #11715405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Salem, NY

ENGINE

ENGINE died rattling sound undeer car shaking loss of power

NHTSA complaint #11714774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Amarillo, TX

ENGINE

suddenly went into limp mode on the highway, engine had to be replaced due to bearing failure sending metal through the engine

NHTSA complaint #11712964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Castle Rock, CO

ENGINE

Warning about reduced acceleration and need for immediate servicing. Dealership reports notice about this issue by using diagnostic codes. Needs engine and turbo charger replaced. Vehicle has only 6500 miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11712217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Embarrass, MN

ENGINE

Brand new engine blew up while driving. It had 2,000 miles on it. It has been replaced but am worried it will happen again

NHTSA complaint #11711869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Smith, AR

ENGINE

Engine Failure confirmed by dealership. Engine being replaced. Knocking sound and went in to “limp mode” and check engine light. Dealer stated it had issue with crank shaft causing metal in the oil. 5,117 miles at time of failure. 3.0 L Duramax diesel

NHTSA complaint #11711620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carefree, AZ

ENGINE

2025 Yukon Denali - Purchased in July of 2025 Specifically to pull air stream trailer. Vehicle Was equipped with necessary tow package for this purpose! #1 problem: Went into limp mode, stopped in traffic, towed to dealer. One week to repair and replace fuel system. ( under 700 Miles ) #2 Problem: Went into limp mode while pulling trailer, vehicle lost all the transmission fluid on ground. In shop sixteen days waiting for new transmission parts. ( Under 700 Miles ) #3 Problem: Vehicle stopped in traffic, towed to dealer where it was determined it needed new engine. In shop Nov 27, 2025, still in shop as of Jan 14, 2026. No ETA on engine or delivery. ( Under 2000 Miles ) #4 Problem: During last failure attempt to use "on star" failed, still not resolved. This vehicle is a danger to the owner and its passengers as well as others when it simply stops working in the middle of a busy highway with a 23' trailer in tow. Not to mention I have $160,000 invested in a car and camper I have yet to be able to use.

NHTSA complaint #11710882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valparaiso, IN

ENGINE

My 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate experienced reduced acceleration, and I immediately took it to the dealer. The dealer concluded it was a thrust bearing failure, and GM has authorized a complete engine replacement. I wanted to report this issue, as I believe it represents a potential safety concern. I would like to clarify whether GM has identified the root cause of this problem and redesigned the replacement engine to prevent recurrence. Additionally, I want to be able to track the replacement engine through its serial number for documentation purposes. I am submitting this report to formally document my concern. While GM has acknowledged the thrust bearing issue through a memo #25-NA-307, they have not confirmed whether the redesigned replacement engine will prevent this failure from happening again. Please advise. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11707778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint John, IN

ENGINE

I bought a brand new 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 3.0 Diesel on 8/16/25 (had 213 miles on). A month later, with only 2000 miles on the vehicle, I was driving down the road and got a warning "reduced acceleration, drive with caution". Car would hardly accelerate. Had it towed to the dealer on 9/22/25. They found metal shavings in the engine oil. Said there was a quarter inch play around the camshaft (manufacture defect). Told me I need a completely new engine. It's now 12/2/25 and I still don't have a car, and mine hasn't been repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11702528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ridgeland, MS

ENGINE

On November 5, 2025, this 2025 diesel GMC Yukon Denali brand new vehicle went into "limp mode" 75 days after purchase with 3,957 miles on the odometer. Vehicle began to decelerate on a busy road. Warning lights went on to indicate that accelerating was no longer possible. Other fast-moving vehicles on the road came very near to the Yukon and quickly passed it/weaved around it, jeopardizing the lives of this Yukon's driver and occupants. At times, the Yukon diesel vehicle would only reach 15 MPH. Vehicle eventually driven to nearest GM dealership. The GM dealership service center reported a P06D code and reported that the engine experienced catastrophic engine failure. A new diesel engine has been ordered but is not yet available to the dealership for installation. (The dealership also reports that two other new GM diesel SUVs are waiting on new engines due to catastrophic engine failure.)

NHTSA complaint #11699621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Frisco, TX

ENGINE

On October 21, 2025, with only 4,197 miles on my Yukon, the vehicle suddenly died while in drive in a parking lot. The vehicle would not restart or shift into neutral. I contacted OnStar, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest GMC dealership. Since that date, the vehicle has remained at the dealership and has been diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement due to metal shavings found in the engine. There were no warning lights, messages, or performance issues prior to the failure. This incident was both unsafe and alarming, as the vehicle shut down unexpectedly without any warning while I was driving. I would like to understand how such a major failure could occur on a brand-new vehicle with so few miles.

NHTSA complaint #11698966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chino Hills, CA

ENGINE

Driving through the intersection of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Bell Road in Scottsdale AZ my collision warning red light flashed on the screen and the engine turned off. This caused me to lose forward propulsion and forced me to navigate to the side of the road to avoid being hit by another car. At Van’s GMC, the service manager told me that we experienced a catastrophic engine failure and that the engine seized. Vehicle has been inspected, but I have not received an official diagnostic even though I have requested. There were no warnings or indications that the vehicle was compromised prior to the engine turning off.

NHTSA complaint #11698039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Washington, DC

ENGINE

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT:

NHTSA complaint #11697331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waterford, WI

ENGINE

My vehicle, with only 2,400 miles on the odometer, has been diagnosed as requiring a full engine replacement. While driving on the interstate, a warning message appeared indicating reduced acceleration. I was able to exit the freeway safely, but the vehicle could no longer maintain adequate speed to match traffic flow. Prior to this, the check engine light came on, but no issues were reported in the vehicle’s status system. I contacted OnStar, and they advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership within seven business days. It has since been at the dealership awaiting parts. Upon further research, I discovered that this issue appears to be widespread. General Motors has issued a technical bulletin addressing the problem, which involves complete engine replacement. Additionally, the audio system intermittently emits a loud crashing noise that is startling and potentially dangerous—it has caused me to veer off the road due to its intensity. This issue also seems to affect other 2025–2026 Yukon and Tahoe models.

NHTSA complaint #11697262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Atlanta, GA

ENGINE

While traveling on the interstate at 10:30p, 6 hours into a highway trip, the vehicle shuttered violently and lost propulsion and powered systems control. We were traveling at 75 mph on cruise control and immediately had to take evasive action to avoid other vehicles traveling at highway speed as our vehicle rapidly decelerated to a stop. We were barely able to get to the shoulder of the highway before the vehicle came to a complete stop and all dashboard lights illuminated. There was no warning or indication of immanent failure or engine issue. The catastrophic engine failure did not allow for the attempted restart. After opening the engine bay we noted that the coolant reservoir was empty but there was no indication of any leaking fluid in the engine bay or on the ground. The coolant levels were normal at the trip start. We were stranded on the side of the busy interstate for approximately 2 hours awaiting OnStar assistance and were forced to exit the vehicle due to its proximity to the edge of an active lane, leaving us exposed and without any protection for 2 hours, in the middle of the night, until assistance arrived. It was a harrowing experience and we are lucky that we were not injured or killed. The vehicle could not be disengaged from park and had to be dragged onto the flatbed. It was taken to the local GMC dealership and left for diagnosis. It was determined that the #2 piston rod broke, smashed valves and sent metal into all engine systems. Bothe the engine and coolant system were replaced. In addition, the torque converter locked up and had to be removed during servicing. All parts were retained by GM.

NHTSA complaint #11695085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sour Lake, TX

ENGINE

The 6.2 engine in our 2025 Yukon Denali with 3,200 miles just locked up. It needs to be replaced. They said they fixed the problem and it was only affecting 2021 to 2024, but it is carrying over into 2025. They should just buy this vehicle back.

NHTSA complaint #11692029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia, MN

ENGINE

I just bought this 2025 GMC Yukon a little over a month ago, and the 6.2 engine has seized up. This vehicle started making grinding noises and shut down going 60 miles an hour. I traded in my previous Yukon and the dealer has sold it, so now I have nothing to drive. These engines are dangerous, and GM knows this and they don't seem to be doing anything about it

NHTSA complaint #11684385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lathrop, CA

ENGINE

While driving on the highway, my SUV lost speed and went into what I believe was limp mode and the check engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate quickly which was very dangerous on the highway as I was only able to very slowly go about 45 MPH on a 65 MPH highway. After the dealer inspected it, I was told I needed a new engine, oil cooler, and turbo. They said it had metal in the oil. My SUV only had 2138 miles at the time of incident.

NHTSA complaint #11681587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 3,000 miles Jackson, WY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally, and the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the oil pan, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA complaint #11662329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2025 GMC Yukon problems

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