general problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon - part 2

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph and merging onto the freeway, the check engine warning started flashing and the vehicle started losing automotive power. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. After stopping the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly and was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and became aware that there were two open investigations for engine failure that included the year and the model vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Hello, I was driving on the highway with my family and my engine had a sudden loss of power. I only have 52,000 miles on the engine and it has been serviced the entire time. We almost got in a major accident as we had cars and trucks moving around us at a very high speed as we tried to pull over in the breakdown lane. I brought the car to daddario GMC in shelton, CT. They did a diagnostic test and said that cylinder 2 was misfiring. Upon closer inspection they saw that there was oil sitting on top of the piston head which indicates engine failure. I have since contacted gm warranty services given my car was just past the warranty date of November 2025, but still under the 60,000 miles of coverage. I did some research and have seen this is a very common with these engines as gm did a recall on 600,000 already. For some reason my VIN # is not listed on the current recall even though my engine is in the same year as the others that were. I would like gm to cover my engine 100% but was told they may only pay a % to fix it. Can you do anything to help me get them to cover the engine at 100%? I also wanted to let you know about this issue as my VIN was not under recall and this may happen to other people/families who have the same engine as mine that isn't recalled. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

March 29th 2026 my 2021 Yukon xl engine stalled while driving at 45mph (no prior warning lamps or messages, restart engine came on dash) causing me to immediately pull over and come to a stop still in traffic, it shifted my vehicle into park, I was in an in an un-safe spot and was stuck in park (conditions not correct for shift on dash) because my vehicle would not allow me to shift to neutral and push it to the side of the road, (could not jump start) had towed to dealership and mentioned engine failure and fuel pump control module recalls but according to them it was a starter issue, I asked them to still check the fuel pump control module regardless. Picked up vehicle and a week later April 14th the exact same thing happened vehicle stalled while driving dash said restart engine while coasting (no prior warning lamps or messages) forcing me to pull over where it rolled to a stop and locked itself into park leaving me in unsafe conditions again. Had towed back to the same dealership and waiting to hear back from them.

Without any warning, the v8 l87 6. 2 liter engine suddenly seized up, began shaking with significant reduced power. I was fortunate that I could drive slowly to safety and was not on the expressway. In my research, I understand this is related to a design/manufacturing issue with the connecting rods and crankshafts in this type of engine. As I investigated the issue, I found that 600,000 vehicles were recalled with the recall either completely replacing the engine or upgrading the oil type from standard to a thicker, higher-viscosity 0w-40 full synthetic to provide better protection under high stress, along with a new oil cap and filter. In our case, we were directed to change the oil and even with that change, we experienced this dangerous engine failure which cost us $12k ! for that cost of repair, we elected to have the engine replaced for about $1k more to get a 100k mile warranty on the engine. However, our additional concern with the replacement engine is they gave us a remanufactured version of the l87 and we have not found confirmation that they have adequately addressed the design/manufacturing flaws so may be vulnerable to the same seizing issue. We appreciate your attention to this widespread gm issue.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and was losing automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that it was the second transmission failure in less than 2 months. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the manufacturer had recommended a diagnostic test on the engine. The diagnostic test had not yet been performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Ngine seized (according to GMC dealership service department). I was driving 75mph down the highway and the car shut down. I noticed it losing power so I was able to get off at the exit ramp, but not in a safe location. The car shut completely down in the right lane at the stop sign. Approximately 7:50pm car broke down - stuck on the road until 10:22pm. Yes safety of myself and others were put at risk. We purchased the car 2 weeks ago with no signs of issues. Bought the car with 103,499 miles. The car had very well maintained service records as well at time of purchase. We towed the car to the GMC dealership and they said the engine is seized up. No warning lamps or messages at time of failure. I drove the car early that day and it was running fine. I do not have any documents to upload at this time. Since this all happened on Friday and we are just now getting the report back today (Tuesday).

Engine failure from the connecting rod and/or crankshaft. There is a current recall for this and my vehicle should be a part of it. I broke down on the side of a highway and had the vehicle towed to GMC dealership. There are now warning lights on with code p0016 and p0324.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with blue smoke coming from the exhaust, with the message "lane departure assist" displayed. The check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #1 misfire. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the GMC service bulletin:15-06-01-002l. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

2021 Yukon denali 6. 2l v8, 137k miles- engine failure—driving down road 55mph and engine light came on, along with check esc and check traction warnings, vehicle began to rough idle and shake, motor knocking. Personally feel this is related to recall but my VIN not included says dealership- I feel this recall is affecting way more vehicles than VIN’s included. Dealership charged 220$ to plug it in, codes weren’t specific for problem. They are stating “lifter is bad and possibly cam, won’t know if the lifters scarred the cam until they take it apart” and charge me at least 6k is price quoted. No warnings at all before this happened. 137k miles so out of warranty. This put myself and kids in dangerous riding condition as I had to stop and have vehicle towed to dealership.

Exhaust fumes and stink on cold start . Vehicle only has 40,000 mi and I have exhaust smells coming in through hvac system!!.

The contact's daughter owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was intermittent but frequent. The vehicle stalled intermittently with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not yet diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

Engine shut down in 2022 due to faulty lifters. Repairs were made. Same problem again in 2026.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle had a rough idle. There was an abnormal ticking and rattling sound detected. The vehicle lost oil pressure. The contact located smoke emerging from the vehicle. The engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure with cylinder five, no compression, and bearing failure. The dealer suggested the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling) but was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted who referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

My vehicle started making a weird noise and when I took it to the shop, they told me my crankshaft has gone bad and I was lucky I caught it before the entire engine blew.

Lifter failure, resulting in costly repairs and possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle has 78,000 miles and has been regularly serviced.

I had just pulled off from street light, hit button to turn auto engine shutoff off, all of sudden I lose power as if I'm in neutral, engines reving up but won't go. Then kicks in but with less power like gears will not shift. I get to my destination but car will not go in reverse.

My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.

The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6. 2l engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. While no active recall is currently associated with this specific vehicle, similar vehicles with the same engine platform have documented issues, raising concerns about reliability and safety. The failed components are available for inspection upon request.

Right as I was coming up on my powertrain warranty, I began to have lifter issues. I had two repairs of the original lifters that ultimately were not successful. I ended up replacing all lifters with the updated version that apparently repaired previous lifter issues. That repair cost around ~$6k. After six weeks of reasonable driving, I noticed engine oil notices for low engine oil. I was told today at a local dealership that the vehicle now needs engine replacement at $14k-16k. Both the dealer and corporate confirmed my vehicle VIN didn't qualify for the propulsion recall. GMC corporate also said nothing can be done now that the vehicle is out of drive train warranty.

The engine has started using large quantities of oil. Not dripping oil, burning oil. I have been doing oil consumption studies with GMC for months now. It burned 7 quarts in 5,000 miles. The dealership tells me it is not part of the current recall on others with the same engine, make and model. It is doing the same thing as what the recall is for and my VIN number should be added to GMC’s recall list and the motor replaced. It is a serious safety issue for me and my children,.

Loss of power while driving, no warnings, no lights on dash, no unusual noises, and no codes. The Yukon just randomly went into neutral while driving 65 mph and "press start again" popped up on the dash. I struggled to get the truck to the side of the road safely. After getting the truck into park it started back up, and I was able to make it the 3 miles home. I scheduled it to go into the dealership as it still is making no noises, and had no engine light or codes, about 2 miles from my house it shut off again while driving, only this time when it restarted it now has a ticking sound coming from the engine however no warning lights and no codes being displayed. I am reporting this as I believe it falls under the open investigation ea25007, although it clearly is the same failures others have experienced on models that were included in the recall 25v-274. I am also attempting to contact gm as my vehicle is no longer under the powertrain warranty that was not extended for the vehicles that were not included in the recall.

Internal engine failure car just shut off on expressway, putting the safety of my husband and child at risk. Waiting for a tow at 12:30 in the morning. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. No warning lamps or warnings signs prior to failure. Car just shut down and was not able to start again. Had to be towed!.

Post-recall low oil warning + performance issues on 2021 GMC Yukon denali – campaign 25v274000 vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon denali, 6. 2l v8 recall: 25v274000 owner: one owner since new (purchased 2021) I had recall campaign 25v274000 performed on my vehicle. This was the first low oil warning I have ever received since purchasing the SUV new in 2021. I have always followed the vehicle’s oil life monitor with no prior issues. The change oil light appeared at roughly 7,500 miles after the recall service (when I already had a service appointment scheduled). About one week later, the low oil warning came on. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership and did not drive it after the warning. Since the recall service, I have also experienced performance issues including noticeable stuttering that was really evident before I towed it in. The dealership initially agreed to a consumption test but later acted like it was not needed, said everything was fine, and were dismissive — blaming me for not following their sticker. I am concerned the recall remedy is not fully effective. Please investigate this matter. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine is leaking alot of oil from crankshaft. . I was informed there was a recall on the same type and years for the problem I am having but I do not have a recall on mine.

I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission. I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by lehman GMC in north miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager franklin and he stated to me another client had the same issue and he flush the transmission just like I am doing today and it only worked for a short time and afterwards he had to replace the transmission. I feel this is a problem with these models and GMC don't want to address it. They just want the customer to pay for the repairs. Now I spoke to the manager and the salesman that sold me the car and nicely told me he was sorry and he could get us out of this into a 2026. Now why would I buy a new car if they cannot get the 2021 right. I have included my invoice below I feel some one should look into this I feel this is a recall matter and GMC is trying to pass the buck. Thank you [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving down the highway at normal speeds under normal conditions and the engine light came on and started flashing. By the time I could find a safe place to pull over I heard the engine knocking. Left my wife, two young kids and myself stuck in the middle of the road with traffic coming. Managed to get it out of the road before going to get my truck and trailer to tow it home. I assume this is due to the l87 recall but mine was built in 01/21 and the recall is said to cover 03/21 and up. We don’t really know what to do at this point being its my wife and kids only way to work and school.

I have 60k miles on my 2021 Yukon xl denali. The transmission went out in it in January. I have it in the shop in January for a new transmission. I got it back and the transmssion went out again in it. Its currently in the shop. The transmission is a 10 speed and has been nothing but issues.

I habe a 2021 Yukon denali and I have had engine failure on the road. Lifter issues and rod issues. I have paid out of pocket to fix it because my truck wasnt part of the recall. But I had the first failure in November 2024. Second failure January 2026.

2 days after the delearship changed my oil to a heavier weight, my engine began knocking. I’m told the rod is bent but not covered by warranty.

On [xxx] driving to denver the 52,000 mile Yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60k drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost drive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

I was driving and a message popped up "service traction control", then another message popped up "forward collision system unavailable". Then the car started making this knocking sound and every time I would try and accelerate there would be a loud sound and almost a pulling stopping it from picking up much speed. I took the car into the dealer/repair shop and they said it was an issue with the lifters that had to be replaced and potentially an issue with the cam. They said this repair would cost upwards of $6,000 and I have never had this issue with the car before. This came out of nowhere and the car had not been showing any signs of this occurring before. This is a 2021 GMC Yukon and I drive my wife and three sons in that car daily.

Nhtsa team, I am the current owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon denali (VIN: [xxx] ) with the 6. 2l l87 v8. At approximately 148,239 miles, I experienced a catastrophic lifter failure. My mechanic diagnosed a failed afm lifter and metal contamination, requiring full engine replacement. This is documented under gm case #xxx. Carfax revealed that prior to my ownership, lifters were replaced twice (~10,469 miles and ~25,572 miles). The dealership I purchased from did not disclose these prior repairs, as they used an alternative vehicle history check. Only upon this third lifter failure did my mechanic identify this recurring defect. I submit this to NHTSA’s investigation into post-repair failures of the gm 6. 2l engines. The pattern shows prior remedies were insufficient. Supporting documents (carfax, mechanic report) are available. Please advise if further details or inspection of the failed engine components are needed. Thanks, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving the vehicle on the highway when I started to hear a ticking sound from the engine. After a few minutes, the check engine light came on and started flashing, traction control shut off and some system related to the rear end shut off. After inspection, it appears to have dropped a lifter.

The vehicle shifted into neutral while driving, locked out gear selection, triggered a transmission warning, and now will not restart.