Owners have filed 50 complaints
about the 2026 GMC Yukon with NHTSA between 2026 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 32 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the GMC Yukon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
228.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
457.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2026peak 19Sep 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2026 GMC Yukon
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26005Opened 20 Aug 2026Still openENGINE
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s reca...
Recalls on the 2026 GMC Yukon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V304000
WHEELS:HUB
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
26V289000
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
26V114000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202623257 units in Canada
Wheels
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels that had a dealer-installed accessory brake package or had the front hubs replaced during service. On certain vehicles, the wrong bolts may have been used during installation of the accessory brake package or during service or replacement of the front wheel hub bearings. As a result, the bolts could loosen and cause poor handling and a loss of control. Additionally, this could cause the front wheel(s) to separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: A loss of control could create the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could create a road hazard for others. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts.
Recall 20260861,255 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual may be missing. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Note: For the Escalade model, the recall also affects certain 2026 model year Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL models. Safety Risk: A missing owner's manual could cause confusion on how to safely operate the vehicle and increase the risk of injury or a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install the owner's manual.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Washington, DC1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While operating my 2026 GMC Yukon AT4 (VIN [XXX] ) on [XXX] Pelahatchie, Mississippi, the panoramic moonroof spontaneously shattered at highway speed. No impact, no debris strike, no external cause. The failure produced a violent report and showered tempered glass into the cabin, forcing an emergency stop on the shoulder during heavy commercial truck traffic — a serious secondary-collision risk caused directly by the failure. I spent hours roadside clearing glass and duct-taping the open roof aperture to make the vehicle minimally drivable. Nighttime wind forced an unplanned overnight stay in north Alabama before a multi-hundred-mile drive back to Washington, DC with the vehicle compromised. In DC, I was forced to park the visibly compromised vehicle in a high-foot-traffic area with work valuables that could not be removed, then drive 20 miles to the dealer in heavy rain the next morning — exposing cabin, electrical systems, child seating positions, and headliner to water intrusion. The shattered glass fell directly above the second-row positions where my [XXX] and [XXX] daughters ride daily. They were not present. Had they been, close-range tempered glass would have created serious risk of injury to face, eyes, and airway, plus driver-distraction crash risk at highway speed. The vehicle is approximately [XXX] weeks old. This is the second manufacturing safety defect in under one month — the first a second-row driver-side captain's chair latch defect, filed separately. Replacement moonroof glass is on national back order until ~June 1, 2026; the vehicle will be out of service over six weeks. NHTSA's 2017-2021 panoramic sunroof investigation closed without action despite thousands of similar complaints. The pattern continues into the 2026 model year on GM's flagship full-size SUV. I urge NHTSA to track this and similar reports across the 2025-2026 Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade for a defect investigation. GM Case #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
NHTSA complaint #11738557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Highland, MI
ENGINE
Engine stopped. Would not restart. I had it towed to dealership. They told me the engine is blown. There is only 7700 miles on the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11764153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ingalls, IN
ENGINE
Engine failed on this 2026 GMC Yukon Denali.. It had only 18000 miles on it, it failed in middle of hwy in Indiana. Got it towed to dealership.. they haven’t touched it since last 2 days.
NHTSA complaint #11763830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abilene, TX
ENGINE
While traveling at highway speeds of approximately 82 mph in a 2026 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8 L87 engine), the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and completely seized without warning. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power, power steering assist, and power braking assist while surrounded by high-speed traffic. The sudden deceleration and lack of vehicle control created an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across multiple lanes to reach the shoulder. Stranded on shoulder at night(pitch black) with lots of 18 wheelers passing.
NHTSA complaint #11761517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Athens, AL
ENGINE
-Transmission started to slip when shifting above 2000rpms -Engine light came on and took to dealership -Error code confirmed for valve body, valve #3 failure -New valve body installed after order but also failed as I left the dealership -New valve body currently on order
NHTSA complaint #11760884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snyder, TX
ENGINE
The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11760797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snyder, TX
ENGINE
The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11760798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snyder, TX
ENGINE
The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11760799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, TN
ENGINE
The engine failed at 5383 miles while driving on remote highway in Nebraska.
NHTSA complaint #11760591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NE
ENGINE
Driving down highway the engine made a squeeling noise. The engine shuttered and kept making noise then said to reduce speed. Then quit running all together.
NHTSA complaint #11760278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesBennington, NE
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and approaching a stop in Nebraska, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact called the local dealer, and an appointment was scheduled. The failures persisted while waiting for the appointment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver alerted OnStar about the failure. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact no longer wanted the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and escalated the concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11759661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bromall, PA
ENGINE
While we were visiting Canada, our GMC Yukon had fewer than 5,000 miles when its engine seized on the highway. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealership in Canada. The dealer advised that the engine needed to be replaced, and it has now been replaced. We need to back to Canada to pick up the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11758951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
While traveling on [XXX] from Houston back to San Antonio, my truck engine just blew up without any warning whatsoever. We purchased the truck with 3 miles on it, and we have only put 5,000 miles on it. New cars that cost early $100K shouldn’t be having engine failures like this. I’m lost for words now! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
While traveling on [XXX] from Houston back to San Antonio, my truck engine just blew up without any warning whatsoever. We purchased the truck with 3 miles on it, and we have only put 5,000 miles on it. New cars that cost early $100K shouldn’t be having engine failures like this. I’m lost for words now! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maxatawny, PA
ENGINE
My yukon denali ultimate had only 3,788 miles on it and on 7/27 while merging onto a highway my vehicle made a sound like it was trying to shift into gear but couldn't and then while I'm pressing the accelerator pedal it's slowing down. There were tractor trailer and vehicles speeding up behind me but I couldn't speed up and I was able to pull over on the shoulder luckily and I'm thankful it did not cause an accident. My yukon would not start no matter what I tried and I ended calling a tow truck and had it towed to my local GMC delearship where I was informed that the engine had seized and they would order a new replacement engine. My yukon is still sitting at the dealership waiting for the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11758609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.
NHTSA complaint #11755813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.
NHTSA complaint #11755814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesWebster Groves, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while walking alongside the rear end of the parked vehicle, the hands free function of the lift gate opened up unintentionally, no warning lights were illuminated. The contact was not injured, however expressed concern for safety as the lift gate will open without user consent while walking along the rear end of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicle was manufactured with the feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60.
NHTSA complaint #11755918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60 milesWebster Groves, MO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while walking alongside the rear end of the parked vehicle, the hands free function of the lift gate opened up unintentionally, no warning lights were illuminated. The contact was not injured, however expressed concern for safety as the lift gate will open without user consent while walking along the rear end of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicle was manufactured with the feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60.
NHTSA complaint #11755918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.
NHTSA complaint #11755813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.
NHTSA complaint #11755814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,788 milesMaxatawny, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a wait for the replacement engine. The approximate failure mileage was 3,788.
NHTSA complaint #11754742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tempe, AZ
ENGINE
On July 30th 2026, I was Driving on the highway at about 75 miles per hour and the engine shut down. We were fortunate that we could pull over to the side of the highway. We had the truck towed to Oxendale gmc. Today 8/4/26 I was informed that in fact the engine needs to be replace. No warnings no symptoms, the truck just shut down while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11754757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpine, UT
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle was parked and turned off for approximately 45 minutes on a residential street along the curb in front of a house when the rear window suddenly shattered. I was inside a nearby house at the time. A landscaper working in the area reported hearing a single loud pop and then my vehicle’s alarm sounding. He stated he was not close to the vehicle and did not see any object strike it. When I inspected the Yukon, the entire rear window had exploded outward and inward, leaving no glass remaining in place. Glass was scattered both inside the cargo area and outside behind the vehicle. The upper liftgate section had also popped open, which is consistent with the sudden pressure release that occurs during spontaneous tempered‑glass failure. There are no impact marks, dents, or paint damage that would indicate a rock strike or external force. Given the circumstances, the debris pattern, and the absence of an impact point, this appears to be a spontaneous failure of the tempered liftgate glass, likely due to internal stress or a manufacturing defect. I am requesting that the dealership inspect the liftgate assembly, confirm the cause, and consider warranty coverage for the glass replacement and any related components.
NHTSA complaint #11749167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The center screen (infotainment), which shows controls for cabin climate (A/C, heat) and many more functions of the vehicle fails to turn on at random times. It is available for inspection. The external air temperature is in the upper 90s; temperature inside the car’s cabin is easily 115 or higher. This makes safe operation of the car not possible. Additionally passengers cannot occupy the vehicle safely at these extreme temperatures. The problem has been reproduced by dealers. UNKNOWN whether the components have been inspected by the manufacturer. No warning lamps or lights.
NHTSA complaint #11747012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trappe, MD
ENGINE
Engine failed at 12, 430 miles. Dealer said it required a new engine. This happened on 06/06/2026 and I am still without my very expensive vehicle. There were no wanring lamps or other engine failure notificatioins before this occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11746300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.