1,025 of the
6,577 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon
are about the engine —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
On May 8th of 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon with approximately 42,900 miles experienced an complete failure of the 6.2L engine requiring replacement. The engine failure occurred despite the engine having recently undergone inspection and special oil being used related to NHTSA 25V274 / GM N252494000 recall. When the engine failed, the vehicle could not be towed or pushed out of the flow of traffic because the computer will not allow the vehicle to be shifted into neutral, only showing "Conditions not correct for shift" in the instrument cluster. This sudden and unexpected loss of engine power combined with the inability to remove the vehicle from the lane of traffic creates a dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11764052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Crankshaft / Camshaft caused catastrophic engine failure while on a family road trip leaving family and kids stranded on the side of the highway for hours. 2021 GMCs are notoriously having this issue but they refused to include our VIN in the recall. It cost us almost $13,000 to replace with a brand new engine and only 4 days after picking up from dealership the vehicle stopped working and shut off at a light in the middle of the road. GMC has been no help and won’t cover anything.
NHTSA complaint #11763546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car lost all engine power on the interstate of I10. Leaving me without power, barely able to get to the side of the road. Warning only when lost engine power on the highway. Cannot be driven.
NHTSA complaint #11763293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, at start-up there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the oil filter and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11763457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Yukon Denali received the Recall 25V-274 oil fix and I am now experiencing an active light engine knock. My gas mileage has reduced significantly and I am having to add oil in between regular oil changes. Not only does it burn through oil and fuel faster but I now get charged an extra fee for "Premium oil". My oil changes cost me roughly $40 dollars more now. ($140 instead of $100) I don't feel as if this fix with the oil change has improved anything and that the cost to maintain the vehicle has only gone up. I am still worried this vehicle will break down on my next road trip.
NHTSA complaint #11762672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The check-engine light first appeared at approximately 42,000 miles. I dropped the vehicle off at the dealership on August 22 and picked it up on September 1. Within TWO MILES of leaving the dealership, the check-engine light came right back on. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as a lifter and wiring-harness failure. They later determined that the #7 oil-lifter solenoid had an internal short, and the wiring harness was replaced because of damage related to that short. What I still don’t have is an answer to the most important question: What actually caused the failure? Based on everything I’ve read about the problems surrounding GM’s 6.2L engines, I’m concerned this is only the beginning. These are extremely expensive vehicles—with monthly payments that can rival a mortgage—and owners shouldn’t have to wonder whether the engine is going to become an ongoing problem at 42,000 miles. Extending the warranty is helpful, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue or restore confidence in the vehicle. If these 6.2L engines have a known systemic defect, GM should be required to provide a permanent solution—whether that means replacing the affected engines or offering owners a fair buyback. Consumers paid a premium price. They should be able to expect a premium vehicle that is dependable.
NHTSA complaint #11762430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. I purchased the vehicle on January 30, 2026. Shortly after purchasing it, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failure was severe enough that the engine had to be completely replaced. My vehicle was out of service for approximately 38 days as a result. This was not a minor mechanical issue or routine repair. It was a catastrophic failure of a major component in a relatively new vehicle. I am extremely concerned about the safety implications of an engine failing without warning. An unexpected engine failure can result in a sudden loss of power and the inability to safely accelerate or maneuver, particularly when traveling at highway speeds or in traffic. The fact that the engine required complete replacement raises serious concerns regarding the reliability and safety of this engine and whether other GMC and Chevrolet vehicles equipped with the same or related engine may be experiencing similar failures. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document this catastrophic engine failure and investigate whether it is part of a broader pattern of engine failures involving these GM vehicles. I have documentation showing the engine failure, dealership diagnosis, complete engine replacement, repair history, and the approximately 38 days the vehicle was out of service. I can provide these records upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11762433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Persistent lifter/valvetrain tapping noise, particularly around 1,500 RPM. 2022 Yukon 88,000 miles. Engine consumes more than 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes. Was told by dealer in the past that this was in normal range.
NHTSA complaint #11762345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1.Description of the Incident: On 6/28/26, while driving my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali at approximately 70 miles per hour with cruise control engaged, I attempted to take an exit. As I approached the exit, the vehicle’s display indicated that it was not in gear, despite being in motion. This malfunction occurred in heavy traffic, and I narrowly avoided a collision with a semi-truck as I maneuvered towards the shoulder of the road. Once safely on the shoulder, I attempted to shift the vehicle into Drive and Park, but the system reported that the application was not available, rendering the vehicle inoperable. After several unsuccessful attempts to restart the vehicle, I lost all power, leading me to suspect a battery or alternator issue. 2. Component/System Failure: The component that failed is the engine, which was subsequently diagnosed as having failed by the dealership. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. 3. Safety Risks: This incident posed significant safety risks, including: •Risk of Collision: The sudden loss of power at high speed nearly resulted in a collision with a semi-truck and other vehicles, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. •Stranded in Dangerous Conditions: Being stranded on the side of the road in 100°F weather further exacerbated the situation, creating a potential health hazard. 4. Confirmation of the Problem: The problem was confirmed by the dealership that serviced my vehicle. They conducted a thorough inspection and determined that the engine had failed. Independent verification of the engine failure is available upon request. 5. Inspections by Authorities: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership; however, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Documentation from the dealership regarding the inspection and engine replacement is available. 6. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Prior to this, there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem prior.
NHTSA complaint #11762311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our Yukon was taken in for the recall. Dealer did the test and said it passed and used different oil. My wife and kids were driving to [XXX] from [XXX] yesterday. As they exited the highway, the car began acting weird. Then the car completely died. It was towed due to error code P0016. Dealer said they are going to put a new engine in. I saw online that cars with replacement engines were failing too? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 GMC Yukon began experiencing severe engine problems, including shaking/rough running, a noticeable ticking/knocking noise from the engine, and a flashing check-engine light. The vehicle also displayed Service ESC and traction control warnings and exhibited symptoms of an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to a dealership for evaluation. I was advised that the problem may involve failed lifters and that the vehicle could be out of service for several weeks for repairs. I was also advised that the repair could be very costly. At this time, I have not been given a final diagnosis, so the exact internal engine component responsible for the failure is UNKNOWN. I am concerned that the condition presents a safety risk because the engine is running extremely rough and the check-engine light is flashing. I am afraid the engine could lose power or fail while the vehicle is being driven, potentially putting me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. I have also become aware of NHTSA's investigation involving failures of the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine in GM vehicles, including the GMC Yukon, as well as reports of engine failures occurring after certain repairs or recall remedies. This has increased my concern about whether repairing or replacing individual engine components will permanently resolve the problem. I am submitting this complaint so that my vehicle's symptoms, dealer evaluation, and potential engine failure are documented. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The dealership has evaluated the vehicle, but a final determination of the exact cause has not yet been provided.
NHTSA complaint #11761792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Yukon Denali, 6.2 Engine. Owner complied with first GM recall and the engine passed inspection. 8/16/26 Engine started making a knocking sound. 8/17/26 Yukon was taken to the dealership and diagnosed as complete engine failure. There were no warnings indicated on the dash. Yukon is currently still at the Dealership with no repair date issued. Today is 9/3/26. I have contacted GM regarding a possible buy-back. GM said they would email in 24-48 hours. I have not heard from GM and it is now 72 hours since my initial phone call.
NHTSA complaint #11761941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 on a high-speed highway near Somers Point, New Jersey, the vehicle suddenly began bucking and the accelerator stopped responding normally. The vehicle rapidly lost propulsion while I was surrounded by highway traffic and approaching a bridge. I was fortunate to get the vehicle onto the shoulder before reaching the bridge. I was then stranded on the shoulder of a high-speed highway, where the disabled vehicle created a serious safety risk to me and other motorists. The engine shut down and would not restart. It initially cranked as though it was attempting to start, but it did not start. I received a diagnostic alert stating, “Service the engine and transmission system immediately.” The vehicle required a tow. The tow operator later reported that it appeared locked up and could not be shifted into neutral. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles and has been serviced regularly. Its most recent oil-change sticker indicated the next oil service was due at approximately 81,000 miles. While safely pulled over, I checked the engine-oil dipstick and confirmed that the engine had oil, with oil visible across the dipstick’s normal measuring area. Despite this vehicle having the 6.2L L87 engine and experiencing a sudden loss of propulsion and no-start condition, its VIN does not currently appear in GM’s public recall lookup for the existing L87 recall. The vehicle is being transported to an authorized GMC dealer, and the precise failed component has not yet been confirmed. This sudden loss of propulsion created an immediate risk of a serious highway collision, particularly because it occurred immediately before a bridge. I understand NHTSA is investigating continuing L87 engine failures, including failures involving vehicles outside the original recall population. I am submitting this complaint so this incident is formally documented and considered as part of that investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11761614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lifters failed under 80k miles. Had lifters replaced with gm parts and engine is continuing to eat up oil and lifters are failing again in less than 3 months after the repair. Vehicle was out of warranty and all costs were out of pocket including a rental for over a month bc parts were on backorder
NHTSA complaint #11761777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle was with ANCIRA GMC Boerne for approximately three weeks where they replaced the transmission control system/module, the centralized OnStar module, and diagnosed both rear screens for replacement. Approximately one month after getting it back, at only 49,800 miles, I experienced a complete loss of propulsion. The vehicle shut down while I was driving. Given the recent transmission repair and the fact that this failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, I no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of this vehicle. I have young children riding in this vehicle daily and I’m not comfortable accepting another repair and simply being told it’s safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11761530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with approximately 88,000 miles developed a significant engine knocking noise and was towed to a GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0301 (engine misfire) and documented a “knocking noise in lower end at piston rod crankshaft area.” The dealership advised that my vehicle is not currently included in the existing GM recall for certain 6.2L L87 engines. The vehicle has the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. I am concerned because the documented knocking is located in the lower engine area involving the piston/connecting rod/crankshaft area, which is consistent with the type of internal engine failure associated with the L87 engine investigation and recall. I am concerned about the possibility of sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this failure and consider whether vehicles outside the current recall population should also be included. I also recently experienced an engine replacement on another 2024 GMC vehicle. I am providing that information as additional customer experience, but I am not claiming that the two failures are necessarily caused by the same defect.
NHTSA complaint #11761322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.