general problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon - part 1

Engine coolant control valve has failed three times. This last time so severely the car forced me to come to a complete stop in the middle of a busy street. Dangerous to drive while severe reduced acceleration is all that’s available during the episodes.

I am filing this complaint regarding severe, excessive oil consumption in my 2021 GMC Yukon equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine (VIN: [xxx]). The vehicle is consuming oil at an accelerated and hazardous rate. Specifically, the engine oil level drops completely below the viewable crosshatches on the oil dipstick well before the vehicle’s automated oil life monitoring system reaches 50%. This level of rapid oil depletion creates a significant safety risk, as it puts the vehicle at risk of sudden engine stalling, severe mechanical failure, or total engine lockup while driving at highway speeds, potentially causing a crash. General motors has issued safety recall n252494000 to address internal manufacturing defects within the 6. 2l engine that lead to mechanical damage and heavy oil loss. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model with the exact 6. 2l v8 engine experiencing the identical, severe oil loss symptoms detailed in the recall, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and pressure general motors to expand the parameters of recall n252494000 to include all affected 6. 2l engines exhibiting this dangerous defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The rod bearing failed while traveling at highway speeds, so yes our safety as well as others traveling on the interstate. It is available for inspection. A dealership inspected and confirmed the reported problem. The manufacturer is aware of the persistent problems with these vehicles' engine components, reliability and safety. There were not any symptoms, warning lights, etc. Prior to failure. I had just purchased the vehicle and it was inspected by two independent mechanics prior to failure. I have contacted the manufacture to find that my VIN was not covered under the recall. The recall covers vehicles manufactured starting 3/1/2021, my vehicle was manufactured 10/2020. The recall should be expanded to cover all of these vehicles.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 mph on the highway at higher speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine, ecu, and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message "shut off vehicle as soon as possible" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic retrieved ddtcs: p0307 and p050d, indicating a failed roller lifter, valve spring, and valve roller lifters. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where the dealer diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle has been consuming engine oil at a rate of approximately 1 quart per 500 miles. On xxx, owner added 1 quart of oil in [xxx], then drove a round trip to [xxx] and back (approx. 860 miles). On xxx at 55,329 miles — only 9 days and roughly 860 miles after that quart was added — an oil change was performed at an independent shop; the technician noted no oil was present on the dipstick prior to service. On xxx at 55,829 miles — exactly 500 miles later — the vehicle was taken to an authorized GMC dealership, and the dipstick again showed no oil prior to service. The dealer began the manufacturer's oil consumption test protocol, performing an oil and filter change and other maintenance. Within approximately 74 miles of this service (current mileage 55,903), the engine began making an audible knocking noise. Oil level was checked and confirmed full/normal, ruling out low oil as the cause. The knock has been intermittent — not present at cold idle start, but returning during driving conditions, raising concern about potential engine failure or loss of power while driving. They can not get it back in till xxx. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Lifter/camshaft/engine failure. Gm knows this is an issue with these models/years. They only want to cover half of the repair sticking me with a bill for $5600. Safety is a concern because they know this is an issue and not issuing a recall currently. I was driving when this happened which could have caused me to get into an accident. Very dangerous. Car is currently as GMC started by showing low oil in between oil changes last year. Went in for an oil change and told them about it. Dealership told me it was the air hose box and that they didn't see any other issue. I believe they are told to lie to get each customer further out of warranty. I was driving and all of a sudden the car started violently shaking and lights started flashing at me.

Was driving the vehicle at 70 mph on the highway without any issues for several hours and suddenly the vehicle lost power and had no propulsion. It went into neutral automatically and the engine shut off while driving. Thankfully I was on a downward slope and could steer the vehicle off the very busy highway. Once safe, I tried to restart the car but the engine would not start or turn over. Roadside assistance came to help as well as a flatbed tow truck. It was taken to a nearby GMC dealer but it remains completely dead despite the battery being fully charged and all of the electronics working. No known error codes are showing up. It’s an l87 engine and was part of the gm recall. The recall work was completed in Nov 2025.

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.

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.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon. While driving on the highway during a long-distance trip from [xxx] to [xxx], my vehicle suddenly experienced a serious loss of power, drivability issues, and loss of propulsion. The vehicle began shaking violently, slowing down unexpectedly, and struggling to maintain speed while in active highway traffic at highway speeds. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed a warning message indicating “conditions not correct for shift” at approximately 127,506 miles. Shortly after, the vehicle set diagnostic trouble code p0011, which relates to the engine and transmission system not performing as expected and indicates an issue with the variable valve timing (vvt) system affecting engine timing and performance. The vehicle also entered a reduced performance state, and I was advised through the vehicle’s warning system to reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and avoid heavy load conditions. Despite following these precautions, the vehicle continued to run poorly and became increasingly unsafe to operate in highway traffic. This created a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, as I was traveling in fast-moving traffic and the vehicle lost normal propulsion and stability. I had to carefully maneuver out of active traffic lanes to avoid a potential collision. The vehicle eventually required roadside assistance/towing due to its inability to operate normally. Diagnostic trouble codes and warning messages were present at the time of failure. After the incident, I checked my VIN through the NHTSA recall system and discovered that my vehicle has three unrepaired safety recalls. Of particular concern NHTSA recall number: 25v274 gm manufacturer recall number: n252494000 this recall involves certain gm vehicles equipped with the 6. 2l v8 l87 engine and describes a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that may result in engine damag information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

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.

As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "no drive mode available" message. Third-party diagnostic scanning revealed network power codes u3018, u3505, p00ff, and p0700, indicating a total loss of power to the body control module (bcm). This is the second life-threatening incident with this vehicle I have experienced following a previous highway engine stall due to engine recall. The vehicle was towed to a gm dealership for diagnostic and emergency electrical repairs.

The engine failed, shop confirmed and replaced motor. No warning lamps on dash.

Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban st. Louis missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil. . . . ). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph with family members in the vehicle, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle into a residential driveway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact requested towing services; however, the initial tow driver failed to arrive after nearly three hours, requiring the contact to call a second tow company. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired, but replacement parts were ordered. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that in January 2026, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, but the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the recall inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer offered a 90% discount on the repair costs; however, the contact declined the offer and requested a full refund for both towing service fees. The failure mileage was approximately 151,017.

The vehicle was driving down the highway when the oil pressure instantly dropped. 2021 Yukon’s safety system advised pulling over immediately, engine warning light appeared, and vehicle turned off. No prior indications of an issue. It would not restart and was towed to mechanic. Independent service center diagnosed issue as a broken crank shaft. It now needs the engine replaced and does not fall under the recall VIN numbers acknowledged for the same issue.

Engine making a loud ticking noise. Lifters broke in the engine. No warnings, no lights. I turned on the vehicle and it started making the noises. Dealer wanted to do an engine swap. Independent service center is changing out the lifters.

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.

Driving on the freeway the engine started making super loud knocking noises for while going 70mph . Then it immediately died everything turned off no power I was barely able to get it off the freeway while coasting. And my husband tried to push it off the road more but when it dies we are not able to put the car in neutral !! it’s a push button gear shift ! when there’s no power the buttons don’t work!! it was 105 degrees out that day in sacramento , the car had zero power the battery is not the problem . The motor is blown and the car hasn’t started since that day. These cars are dangerous to just die in the middle of the freeway! the motor has already been replaced in Feb 2026, we bought it in March of 2026 with 57k miles on it. I added about 12k miles and the motor blew up again!.

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).

I’m currently on my third motor as a result of the l87 engine loss. When I bought the vehicle, I was not aware that the engine had already been replaced however, due to hearing a tick, I brought my vehicle to the dealership for the recall and was told that this is not the original engine, but they had the paperwork for this engine as well. Nonetheless, the engine “passed” their inspection. They changed my oil and replaced my cap. Within six months, I threw a rod. Not only did I have a horrible experience with the dealership, my new motor is also ticking.

My 2021 GMC Yukon denali features the 6. 2l l87 v8 engine. This vehicle was previously serviced for the gm voluntary recall regarding engine bearing failures, and the dealership completed the remedy by inspecting the motor and changing the oil to the thicker 0w-40 specification. Since completing this recall fix, the vehicle has developed an intermittent rough idle and sputtering behavior. The dealership has been unable to duplicate the intermittent issue and claims it falls under normal behavior. I am filing this report because my vehicle is exhibiting post-recall remedy engine degradation, matching the exact failure patterns outlined in the NHTSA engineering analysis ea26005 escalated on August 20, 2026. This intermittent sputter represents a severe safety hazard regarding potential sudden loss of motive power while driving.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a stuck lifter. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an undisclosed recall number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

On July 28, 2026, while traveling on vacation with my family, our vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There were warning lights displayed for 30 seconds prior to the engine failure. On July 23, 2026, one day before taking the vehicle to the dealership, the following warning indicators appeared on the dashboard and then disappeared: “service esc,” “service traction control,” and a flashing engine light. We took the vehicle to the dealership on July 24, 2026, because we wanted to be proactive and ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The dealership inspected the vehicle but reported that no diagnostic trouble codes were identified and no issue was found. We picked the vehicle up from the dealership on the evening of July 27, 2026. On July 28, 2026, while traveling on the highway approximately 2. 5 hours from home, the same warning messages appeared on the dashboard again. Because we were traveling at highway speeds and vehicle speed management was becoming an issue, I immediately exited the highway and stopped in a parking area. I placed the vehicle in park, at which point the engine began idling extremely rough. I could feel the vehicle shaking while sitting in the driver's seat. I exited the vehicle to open the hood, but before I was able to do so, I noticed gray smoke coming from the exhaust. We located a GMC dealership approximately two miles away. Because of the vehicle's condition, we drove there slowly on the frontage road at approximately 15 mph and dropped the vehicle off for diagnostic inspection. The GMC dealership subsequently diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection. We made a reasonable effort to have the vehicle inspected before our trip because we were concerned about the warning indicators and wanted to ensure that the vehicle was safe to travel.

My vehicle is making a knocking sound and has the l87 6. 2 v8 engine that is under recall for catastrophic failure. It has been evaluated by 2 mechanics that say it needs a new engine. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Although it has not shutdown yet, both mechanics have said it is eventually going to be a catastrophic failure. My safety and families safety is at risk of it shuts down and causes an accident. There is no warning light currently displayed.

Engine seized while driving on the highway. This is the same engine that is being recalled and gm has said that the VIN is not covered. The vehicle stopped running on a major highway with my [xxx] old son in the car. The dealership is saying this is the exact issue that is part of the larger investigation for gm v8 engines. There were no warning lights at all prior to the engine seizing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally before the vehicle went into limp mode. The traction control light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a lifter failure inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds from 2 - 30 mph, the vehicle hesitated and bucked while accelerating and switching between 4- and 8-cylinders operation. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who installed a part used to override the engine cylinder mode, and the engine only operated using 8 cylinders. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.