488 of the
6,577 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
488
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
12
Crashes
4
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
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.
Had a valve body failure in mid XXX. The vehicle would not go into reverse and drove it in limp mode to a dealership about 5 miles away. Fortunately they were able to get a new valve body and repair it in one day. Cost was approximately $3,500 and not covered by warranty. The vehicle had about 110,000 miles on it at the time. This is a known defect on this vehicle and a recall should be initiated. Had we started our trip from [XXX] back to [XXX] before the failure occurred, we likely would have been stranded on the highway, or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunday XXX, we were riding in our 2022 Yukon Denali with my wife driving on [XXX] at the speed limit of 75 mph when the vehicle stumbled for a moment then returned to normal operation... a few seconds later the engine just died. No drive information center warning or check engine light, no funny noises or catastrophic banging. It just quit running. There was traffic on the highway but with my wife's quick reaction we were able to get off the highway to the breakdown apron without crashing. We called AAA and had the vehicle towed to the GMC dealer (Oxendale GMC) in Flagstaff. We were at this point about 200 miles from home in [XXX] City. On Wednesday, XXX, the service writer called us and informed us the engine was seized and would have to be replaced. We were aware of the NTHSA recall and had taken our vehicle in on XXX to have the recall (N252494000) and at that time we passed the pico test and the oil was upgraded to the higher viscosity and oil fill cap changed. We were sent on our way with no advisory the recall may not have fixed the underlying problem. GM has agreed to replace the engine. We filed a complaint with GM (GM case #XXX) Since this happened, we have been looking into this situation and discovered ours is not an isolated case. A lawyer told us that here have been more than half a million vehicles recalled and an unknown number of catastrophic engine failures just like our, but NTHSA has received less than 1000 complaints. I wanted to make sure that my experience was conveyed to you. An additional note - we special ordered this vehicle new and began to have recurring electrical problems with it shortly after we took delivery. GM offered us a buy-back or a 100,000-mile warranty to keep the vehicle. Since then have had the vehicle serviced at regular recommended intervals by Brdley Chevrolet in [XXX]. We have repair invoices for every service and Recall repair done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
L87 recall was completed on 10/22/2025. On August 8th 2026 the engine developed a loud knock. It was taken to the dealership on 8/31/2026 after inspection it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. There was no warning lamps that indicated there was an issue with the engine. The vehicle was still driveable when it was taken to the dealership. If the engine had completely failed while on the highway it could have caused a major incident.
NHTSA complaint #11761950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2023 GMC Yukon that has been to the dealership 3 times in a weeks time, and as of today, 8/31/26 will be the fouth time. On 2 occasions, the SUV has entered Limp Mode while driving. I had the SUV towed for the first limp mode, and the dealer claimed it needed recalibration modules. I picked up the car and drove home eight miles, and the check engine light came on. I returned the next day for readings and TCM P0700, P1789, U0101, U220F. The dealer's solution was to recalibrate the gateway module this time. I drove the car about 20-ish miles, and at highway speeds on the freeway, I got limp mode again. Off to the dealership, having the SUV towed again. The dealership has claimed the electrionic car codes clear themselves and because of that they can't re-create the codes to find a solution. I am scared to drive my SUV, I do not feel safe in it let alone my children.
NHTSA complaint #11760969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issues with the google voice, transmission issues, engine failure to start or restart. Reported same year vehicle was bought. Repeatedly. Dealership even with video evidence stated could not repeat issue and nothing wrong. My car then starts rattling in the engine and they do a full replacement had it for over three months. Now it’s leaking fluid and smoking. They try to send the consumer away and delay delay until the warranty is over. Unethical practices. They knew there was an issue with my engine as it was on the recall list but kept denying any issues until complete failure. Now less than 20 days after that repair the car is leaking and smoking.
NHTSA complaint #11760762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took car in to have it checked for recall on engine and have oil changed to new standards with WD40 was told the engine and car was fine “just use this new oil” A MONTH later was driving and engine would not shift come to find out our transmission was going out it was replaced thanks to our extended warranty (even tho it only had 98,000 miles on it) a week after a fuel pump was out and we had to pay to replace it. There were never check engine signs and no signs of the car having failure truly it ran great until the new oil.
NHTSA complaint #11760681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had a check engine light come on a couple months ago and vehicle went into Reduced Accelaration safety mode. Come to find out, it was a faulty Valve Body. I came out of pocket for $2,800 to get it replaced because GMC said the Valve Body/Special Coverage was not assigned to this VIN. Even though it was a 2022 with 60,000 miles on it fitting every criteria of the exact recall (mind-blowing). Now fast forward to now, the same check engine light and reduced acceleration fault is active associated with a Transmission Control Module Fault. This truck is entirely too new and taken care of to be dealing with these types of major issues. It’s been a severe inconvenience for my wife as it’s her daily driver. To make matters worse, the lack of support and assistance from GMC has made us go from very loyal customers and supporters, to now seeing how quickly we can get away from this disaster of a vehicle and Customer Service.
NHTSA complaint #11760568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle previously experienced engine problems severe enough that the engine was replaced. Despite the engine replacement, the vehicle is continuing to experience an engine misfire, and the check-engine light has been flashing. A flashing check-engine light and active misfire are a serious safety concern because the vehicle may experience rough running, reduced power, hesitation, or potential loss of power while driving. The fact that the misfire continues after an engine replacement raises concerns that the underlying problem was not resolved or that another component or system is malfunctioning. The exact cause of the current misfire is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle and/or affected components are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11760669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The powertrain malfunctioned and it at the dealership for an engine replacement. The vehicle lost propulsion on a 2-lane road while passing another vehicle. It cut off completely and started to decelerate. There was no warning or indication that this would happen and was dangerous in that I was accelerating to pass another vehicle when the event occurred. I was able to safely pull into a driveway, but the vehicle would not crank as it could not detect what gear it should be in. It was towed to a GMC dealership locally who confirmed 2 days later that the engine would have to be replaced. It is under warranty and will take 3-4 weeks.
NHTSA complaint #11759987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 with the 6.2L V8 has experienced multiple serious engine-related failures. The original engine previously was making a whining / knocking noise, then seized and required complete engine replacement under a GM recall/campaign involving 6.2L engine failures. The replacement engine later developed a lifter/valvetrain failure and required lifter replacement. The vehicle is now again exhibiting a pronounced rhythmic mechanical knocking/tapping noise, primarily during cold starts after sitting for an extended period. The noise occurs on most cold starts and has been documented in multiple videos. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership for inspection. I provided the dealer with several videos clearly demonstrating the noise. The dealer has stated that it has not yet been able to reproduce the condition and is attempting additional cold-start testing. The exact cause is currently UNKNOWN. No consistent warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared with the current knocking condition. My concern is that this vehicle has already experienced a catastrophic engine seizure, followed by internal valvetrain/lifter failure in the replacement engine, and is now again exhibiting abnormal mechanical engine noise. I am concerned this may indicate another developing internal engine failure that could potentially result in engine seizure or sudden loss of power while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. The vehicle and engine remain available for inspection, and multiple video recordings of the recurring cold-start knocking are available.
NHTSA complaint #11760082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle lost all power and shutdown coming off the highway. This all happened even after the heavier ow-40 oil was added from the initial engine inspection. Been waiting almost 2 months for a total engine replacement
NHTSA complaint #11758792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
About 6 times during higher speed operation 80+km/hr during a downshift, the rear wheels lock up causing panic from screeching tires and sudden deceleration. Extremely unsafe. The vehicle is in with the dealership and as suspected, they can't find any issues with codes or transmission pressures. We even have a sound recording of the tires locking up. Typical symptoms of the valve body failure. Hopefully there's parts available soon.
NHTSA complaint #11755336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While traveling at highway speeds, my 2017 GMC Yukon SLE suffered a sudden, catastrophic Active Fuel Management (AFM) valvetrain lifter and camshaft collapse. This caused an immediate and highly dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion in live moving traffic on I-95, creating an extreme physical safety hazard for my family. General Motors has extensive, documented internal corporate knowledge of this severe design defect under Technical Service Bulletin TSB #18-NA-073.
NHTSA complaint #11753782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who confirmed the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the failure was confirmed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued a special coverage associated with the failure but offered no assistance. There was no fault code retrieved associated with the previous software update that was performed under the recall campaign. The failure mileage was 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.