general problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon - part 1

Engine failure with the 6. 2 engine. My engine failed the pico test in July of 2025 with 66k miles. The entire engine was replaced and I was told this would “fix” the engine issue. On April 25, 2026, my engine failed while I was driving at highway speeds. The engine was knocking and I pulled over as I could not accelerate it. I had it towed and was told by the dealership that the rod bearings failed and I would need an entire new engine. 9 months and 10k miles after a brand new engine was installed. This will be the third engine in this vehicle since I’ve owned it. Gm’s “fix” for the 6. 2 recall is not a fix. It’s pushing the problem down the road, risking lives by putting people in vehicles with known engine failures and no true fix.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The hazard lights, collision, road traction, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam lobe and cylinder #6 lifter had failed, and the lifter and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Good afternoon, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my 2022 GMC Yukon denali. While traveling northbound on state road 417 (toll road) in florida, approaching exit 45, I was driving approximately 75 mph when, without any warning, the vehicle suddenly shifted itself into neutral. A message immediately appeared on the dashboard instructing me to press the start button, and the vehicle rapidly lost power and began to decelerate in the middle lane of a high-speed highway. This sudden loss of power created an extremely dangerous situation that could have easily resulted in a major collision. Vehicles behind me were traveling at highway speeds, and I had no ability to safely maintain speed or predict the failure. The lack of warning makes this issue especially concerning, as there was no opportunity to take preventive action. After the incident, I contacted onstar for assistance. The vehicle was towed to carl black GMC, where the service advisor confirmed that the engine requires a full replacement. A complete engine failure occurring suddenly at highway speeds, without warning, is not just a mechanical issue—it is a critical safety hazard. This type of failure puts not only the driver but also passengers and surrounding motorists at serious risk of injury or death. It is deeply concerning that a vehicle of this age and caliber would experience such a catastrophic failure. Issues like this must be addressed immediately, as they have the potential to cause severe accidents if they continue to occur without warning. I strongly urge that this matter be investigated thoroughly and that appropriate action be taken to ensure that other drivers are not placed in similar dangerous situations. I was fortunate that my children were not in the vehicle at the time of this incident. The outcome could have been far worse. Please let me know if additional information is required.

On April 12, 2026, while traveling approximately 65 mph westbound on xxx in [xxx] (just east of exit xxx), the engine in our 2022 GMC Yukon denali failed without any prior warning. This occurred on a four-lane highway where I was in the lane furthest from the shoulder. The engine shut off, the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral, and I had to cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder without power steering while the vehicle was rapidly decelerating. I had my [xxx] son and [xxx] dog in the vehicle at the time, which created a significant safety risk. Vdot arrived on scene within minutes but was unable to jump-start the vehicle. I contacted southern Buick GMC kia in greenbrier, va and arranged for towing through their service. The vehicle was towed to their facility the same day. On April 14, 2026, the dealership informed me that the engine had failed and contacted GMC headquarters to order a replacement engine under the vehicle’s VIN. The vehicle remains at southern Buick GMC kia in greenbrier, va, where it is available for inspection by NHTSA. Previously, a picoscope test was performed on October 7, 2025, under warranty code xxx. At that time, the engine was determined not to be eligible for warranty replacement; the oil was changed and a new oil cap was installed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2022 GMC Yukon xl equipped with the 5. 3l engine (VIN: [xxx] ). The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the lifters and camshaft. Prior to the failure, there were noticeable engine performance issues, including abnormal ticking noises, rough operation, and loss of power. The condition worsened rapidly, ultimately resulting in the engine becoming inoperable. This failure presents a significant safety concern, as the sudden loss of engine performance or power could occur while driving at speed, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently not drivable and requires extensive engine repair or replacement. Given the severity of this issue and the potential safety risks, I am requesting that this complaint be formally investigated. I understand that similar issues have been reported in vehicles with this engine, and I believe this may indicate a broader defect affecting reliability and safety. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine, battery and alternator seem to be failing or not working together. Car will sit in garage for less than 12 hours and will not start the next morning. Take the battery and alternator to get tested and everything passes. Have had the battery tested at multiple times but believe this is due to engine recall. Check engine light comes on, we take it to the GMC dealer and they say they can't determine the issue or why it is happening. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? car will not start or check engine light comes on in middle of trip. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? service center can't "reproduce" any of the issues and are telling us they have no way of checking why the light comes on in software module. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes, check engine light comes on and then goes away.

The current 6. 2l engine recall was completed by janssen Chevrolet in holdrege, ne and it was noted the vehicle was fine. On April 11th, while driving down interstate 80 in nebraska, the engine suddenly died and would not restart. No warning lights or indicators illuminated prior to the failure and there were no symptoms. By sheer luck, it occurred before the head to head construction area with no shoulder and there was a rest area within coasting distance that and we were able to reach. I had little children in the car and we were stranded on the highway until friends were able to pick up the family and transport them to Lincoln and I was able to travel with the tow truck to deposit the vehicle at husker auto group in Lincoln, ne. I was forced to rent a vehicle from a 3rd party as the dealer was closed and it was Saturday evening. On Monday, the dealer confirmed metal in the oil and filter and that the engine was completely dead and unable to be repaired, requiring replacement under the current recall. A much smaller loaner vehicle, insufficient to transport my family has been provided. It has been 13 days and there is no update on how long the vehicle will be out of service awaiting an engine.

We were driving on 95s when the Yukon denali automatically shifted itself from d to n. On the dash it had a warning message to press start again. When my husband did that we could smell a smoke smell. Meanwhile, we are in the middle lane of the highway while trying to safely get off the middle of the interstate without being rear ended by the semi that was behind us. We finally made it to the side of the interstate where my husband was able to put the Yukon in park. He was never able to get the vehicle back in drive. The car would never click back over to start up again. We had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest GMC dealership where it has now been for almost 3 weeks with no timeline for a date of a new engine. I was told it needed a new engine and radiator. Said the alternator was trying to catch fire when he was trying to start the vehicle. This is the second time the Yukon has been in the dealership in 4 months for this recall issue. This time it is 2hrs away from my home.

While driving in traffic on a 2 lane road with small shoulders, the engine stopped, dash indicated automatic shift to neutral, restart vehicle. Vehicle coasted to a stop partially blocking the lane due to lack of shoulder and size of vehicle. Turned off ignition and attempted to restart. There was a click and the dashboard/electronics all went blank/off for several seconds then came back on. Attempted this 4 times with the same results. Called GMC roadside assistance for a tow to the dealership. The vehicle could not be shifted to neutral due to not being able to start. The tow driver had to forcefully pull the vehicle onto the flatbed with the vehicle still in park. I do not know what method was used to get the vehicle off the flatbed tow truck. Vehicle was partially blocking the roadway for an hour before the tow truck arrived leaving me vulnerable to a high speed crash. And leaving the tow operator open to an accident during the 30 minute loading upon diagnostic the dealer informed me the engine has seized/locked up. All recalls for loss of propulsion were completed at 48,711 miles on September 7, 2025 passing inspection and dealer performing an oil change to 0w40 oil. Engine failure was 3429 miles after the recall was performed with 52,140 miles. There was no warning or difference in driving characteristics prior to failure. There was not a loss of oil pressure prior to failure according to dash gauges.

Motor seized while going 50mph down the road. Motor died and had to get to the side of the road. All electrical stuck on.

Monday, March 30, 2026 my GMC Yukon denali had already had the recall pico test and was told it passed on September 2025 six months later March 30, 2026, driving to pick up my wife from work a tapping sound coming from the engine started and about a mile down the road from when I first heard the tapping the engine started juttering and the noise got louder like a clunking sound. I had to pull off the road into a gas station and use the onstar to get assistance the vehicle was towed to a local san antonio dealership cavender Buick west they gave me a loaner vehicle the next morning and the day after that Wednesday I was informed that yes they confirmed the engine will have to get replaced so now I am waiting for that. I was told by the dealer it could take up to two months for them to receive a replacement engine and once they receive the engine, it can take roughly for maybe five days for turnaround. I inquired whether the replacement engine isn’t upgraded engine or is it the same engine that has all the problems I haven’t received an answer for that yet. I am awaiting that answer from my service advisor. He said he is looking into that.

While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and stalled. I was forced to pull over. After stopping, the vehicle displayed a message to restart, but it would not start. All electronic accessories (lights, dash, etc. ) remained functional, but the vehicle would not shift into drive or neutral. The message “conditions not correct for shift” appeared. Nearly rear ended, this created a dangerous situation due to loss of power in active traffic and inability to move the vehicle on a 250,000 vehicle per day very busy tollway.

Motor locked up while going 50 mph.

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon denali at interstate highway speed, the engine suddenly failed without any prior warning. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles. There were no warning lights illuminated before or during the failure. The engine immediately began running rough, produced abnormal knocking/ticking noise, and then completely lost power. This created a dangerous situation, as I was traveling at highway speed and suddenly could not maintain speed with surrounding traffic. I had to quickly maneuver out of traffic and safely reach the shoulder to avoid a potential accident. Due to the complete loss of engine power, the vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed from the scene. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not had any prior mechanical issues. I contacted a dealership, but as of now, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed. Based on the symptoms, the failure appears consistent with a lifter-related engine issue reported in similar vehicles. The sudden and complete loss of power without warning presents a serious safety concern.

After getting the engine recall done on my vehicle over 6 months ago, I was driving down the highway at 70 mph last Saturday and without warning "press start" began flashing on my dashboard and I immediately began decelerating and my car put itself in neutral. I was able to get to the side of the road safely. I was then able to turn the car off and back on. I was able to again accelerate into the road but once I reached 3/4th gear my car again began beeping with the "press start" warning and put itself into neutral. I was again able to coast on the side of the road to a stop where I called a tow truck to drop at my local GMC dealer. When roadside assistance showed up the car wouldn't even turn on anymore and I'm now being told that I need a full engine replacement even though I correctly completed the recall previously.

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon with approximately 150,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and I immediately pulled over. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealer diagnosed a collapsed lifter and camshaft damage and recommended full engine replacement at a cost of about $9,450. The vehicle had no prior engine issues and most miles are highway miles. Sudden engine failure while driving creates a potential safety hazard due to loss of power. I am reporting this because I understand there are ongoing investigations into gm v8 engine failures and I believe this failure may be related.

My vehicle experienced complete engine loss while driving due to a crankshaft failure. There were no warning lights, no messages, and no indication of a problem. The vehicle suddenly lost all power in traffic and then the engine seized completely. This is extremely dangerous and could easily cause a crash. The dealership confirmed this is part of the known national crankshaft defect, but the replacement engine is on backorder for over a month, leaving me with an unsafe and unreliable vehicle. Gm has replaced or attempted to replace the motor multiple times, and the defect continues. This truck should not be on the road. I am reporting this because it is a serious safety hazard to me and other drivers. A vehicle losing all power with no warning is a life-threatening defect.

Car would not engage in reverse. Stranded and needed a tow into dealership. Also experienced rough shifting especially when accelerating in lower gears. Dealership said it needs a new transmission control valve which is a known issue with my model and there has been a recall yet my specific VIN was not included in this recall!!! dealer says the part needed is on backorder with no listed date of when it will be coming back in stock. Quoting me $3300 out of pocket to cover this repair once they can locate the needed part. No loaner car available and this is our main family vehicle!!! they called earlier to tell me they found the needed part at another dealer but it’s now going to cost me $600 more bc they had to buy it off the other dealership. What is happening!? this is not ok! my car should be covered under the recall!.

On [xxx], my 2022 GMC Yukon denali xl (VIN [xxx] ) experienced a complete loss of propulsion while I was driving on [xxx] in el paso, texas, with my wife and two young children in the vehicle. Mileage was approximately 50,364. While in motion, the vehicle was displaying abnormal behavior, concerned the vehicle would stall on the highway, I exited at the geronimo exit. As the vehicle slowed, it shut down entirely. Multiple restart attempts failed. The dashboard cycled on and off, displaying a "service 4wd" warning while the vehicle was in 2wd mode. The transmission locked, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of the roadway with traffic passing on both sides. Onstar sos was activated to communicate the unsafe location. The el paso police department was requested to divert traffic. A city tow vehicle arrived after approximately fifteen minutes; my family was assisted across the roadway. Roadside assistance did not arrive for approximately three hours. This was the second loss-of-propulsion event on this vehicle in less than twelve months. The first occurred in March 2025 and resulted in engine replacement under NHTSA safety recall 25v274 (l87 engine loss of propulsion). The [xxx] failure occurred after the recall remedy had been applied and the engine was replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the throttle body, intake air duct and a service item titled "repair open ground circuit". I am filing this report to document a second loss-of-propulsion event on a vehicle that already received the remedy under recall 25v274, and to ensure NHTSA has visibility into the potential pattern of recurring or inadequate remedy on the l87 platform. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine failed after driving 121 miles on highway from austin to sealy. As I exited the hwy. The motor quit, and would not start. It was stranded in a turn lane at the exit. Tow truck has to remove car from road and tow to dealership where they diagnosed the engine failure.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a consistent failure. No warning lights were illuminated. The message "press start again" was displayed, and the contact restarted the vehicle, and the message "engine oil hot" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall prior to the failure to prevent the failure; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Vehicle: GMC Yukon denali model year: (insert) engine: 6. 2l l87 mileage at failure: 44,000 failure date: February 18, 2026 recall: gm 6. 2l engine failure recall (crankshaft/bearing defect leading to propulsion loss) complaint summary: complete engine failure and total loss of propulsion on a high-speed highway on-ramp with my family inside, causing extreme danger and emotional trauma. Full description: on February 18, 2026, my GMC Yukon denali experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion while we were on the on-ramp to a high-speed, heavy-traffic expressway. The engine failed without warning as traffic was accelerating rapidly around us. My husband, my [xxx] son, and I were all in the vehicle on our way to celebrate my son’s birthday. Instead, the vehicle died in one of the most dangerous locations possible — the merge zone of a busy highway — leaving us stranded with cars coming at full speed. Traffic immediately began backing up for a long stretch behind us. Drivers were honking, yelling, and aggressively swerving because the lane was blocked by our stalled vehicle. The situation felt chaotic and frightening. I genuinely believed we were at risk of being rear-ended at highway speed. We felt helpless waiting for police to arrive to protect us. The emotional distress, panic, and fear for my family’s safety were overwhelming. My son was shaking and visibly upset on what was supposed to be his birthday celebration. None of us felt safe until law enforcement was able to block traffic. After the incident, the dealership confirmed that the failure was caused by the gm l87 engine defect currently under recall and stated that the engine needed to be completely replaced. This sudden stall created a severe safety hazard that could have easily resulted in a catastrophic crash, injury, or worse. It has had a lasting emotional impact on me and my family. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine failure occurred while transferring passengers in a busy road. The vehicle started making noises at first I thought it was a belt that might have been going bad. I looked at all the gages which did not indicate any issues with the battery or oil pressure or any vital issues that might show and merged to the right lane. Less than 2 miles down the road engine shut off and I was able to coast into a parking lot. I took this vehicle as requested for the recall and the only recommendation was to start using os 0w40 and a new oil cap indicating the required oil type. These vehicles should be pulled off the roads, they create a huge safety hazard on our roads and sooner or later someone is going to get killed.

Gm released a special warranty for the coolant control valve. My VIN number does not qualify but it is currently at the dealership getting replaced because it failed. I don't understand how the same exact vehicle with a different VIN qualifies but mine does not. I am within the time frame and mileage of their warranty for their special coverage but because my VIN isn't on the list I don't get the special coverage/warranty.

Sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed in lane of travel. Multiple vehicles almost ran into my vehicle as this was happening and alap afterwards, because I couldn’t get it out of the lane of travel all the way. It was towed to the dealer and determined to have a seized engine. There were zero lights or sounds preceding the loss of power. Safety recall n252494003 was performed at dealer in September 2025 and vehicle was deemed clear and safe.

Driving normally. Stopped at a red light when the car started to touch idle and proceeded to shut off. Tried to restart the car and when ignition button was pressed the screen and all electronics shut off and there was smoke coming from the engine bay. Police were called and the car was towed to the nearest GMC dealer. Was called today 2/10/2026 with the update that it was going to require a new motor.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a dripping sound coming from the vehicle, and the low oil warning light was illuminated. The low oil warning light was illuminated approximately every 1,500 miles after an oil change. After each oil change, the level on the oil dipstick was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil consumption test was performed. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was consuming approximately 25 percent of the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that an additional oil consumption test was needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Engine was replaced pursuant to recall 25v-274. We have driven approximately 4,000 miles since the engine was replaced and all of the oil in the car is “gone”. This match’s with other consumers grouped in investigation rq26001.

On January 24, 2026, my wife was driving the vehicle we purchased in may 2025 from ziegler GMC in lincolnwood, illinois. While traveling on the highway in WI the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. She was traveling with our [xxx] son at the time and was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the highway onto an exit ramp. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not restart. She contacted me and arranged for a tow. We waited approximately four hours for roadside assistance before the vehicle was towed to the nearest GMC dealership, located roughly one mile from where the breakdown occurred. Several days later, the dealership completed diagnostics and informed us that the engine required full replacement. At that time, no replacement vehicle was provided. Approximately one week later, we were finally issued a loaner vehicle. As of today, the vehicle has remained in the shop continuously since January 24. On February 23, we were informed that the necessary parts had only just arrived. There is still no estimated completion date for the repair. The vehicle is covered under both the manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Two weeks ago I heard a faint ticking sound. I had a professional look at it and they said that I had a cylinder sticking and to add an additive the next oil change. I still had 1,500 miles until then and so I did not do that. That noise stopped a day later. Last Friday, it started to tick again, and then it got very loud. I live rurally and was 45 minutes from home. The engine went from ticking to full clunking and very low power in just a moment. I luckily found a small engine shop to check the codes, but as I was parked there, the car would not go in reverse! he had to clear the codes to get it to go into reverse. I had to then slowly drive 45 minutes back to our small town. I drove to and immediately parked it at our local repair shop. It can not be driven now. The lights that came on were the rear axle system off, forward collision system, service traction control, engine light flashing, and service esc light. Not to forget that it would not go into reverse. Also the suspension system seemed to malfunction and not lift or lower the car. It seemed to clunk and try, but nothing happened. The whole car basically went down. I see there is a recall for this year or car, but my VIN is not included. I am hoping that it will be included as the repair shop is telling me it will be close to $10,000.

The engine threw a rod on January 23, 2026. The vehicle stranded me on the side of the road. We called the dealership which they came and towed back to the dealership. No dashboard warnings at all. Oil pressure was good. I heard a low tick to begin with then a slight squeaking noise. After the engine locked it was an abrupt halt with the wheels locking up but didn't come to a complete stop. The noise was very loud after that and that's when I pulled off the highway. The dealership checked it out and did find that the motor needed to be replaced. We just had the SUV in the dealership on October 2025 and they found no need for a new motor, just a change in the oil viscosity.

Traveling at 70mph the engine failed. There were no warning lights or alerts prior to the engine failing. No power at all after failure. Was able to coast to the shoulder of the busy highway without getting into an accident but was then left stranded as the engine would not restart. Upon inspection at GMC dealer I was informed there was a "catastrophic engine failure" and the entire engine would need to be replaced. Note this vehicle was subject a recall for similar engine failures and deemed not to be at risk after inspection by a GMC dealership.

In 2023, the vehicle began exhibiting erratic transmission shifting behavior, including harsh and unpredictable shifts while driving. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer for diagnosis and repair. Recently, the vehicle developed additional drivetrain and engine control issues related to the crankshaft position sensor circuit. The vehicle stalled while driving on a highway mountain overpass with multiple vehicles traveling behind me. When the stall occurred, the vehicle shifted into park and would not restart for several minutes. This created a hazardous situation due to loss of propulsion in active traffic at highway speed and limited shoulder space. Following diagnosis, the servicing dealer determined that the engine wiring harness requires full replacement due to internal wiring integrity issues affecting critical engine control signals. The crankshaft position sensor and related wiring are essential for engine timing and propulsion. Loss or corruption of this signal can result in reduced engine power, erratic transmission behavior, stalling, or no-start conditions. The earlier erratic shifting behavior appears consistent with conditions described in gm technical service bulletin 21-na-149, which identifies engine harness-related causes for drivetrain and shifting concerns. This issue appears to involve degradation or defect within the engine wiring harness affecting engine management and transmission operation. Given that this condition resulted in a highway stall and temporary inability to restart, I am reporting this for investigation as a potential safety-related defect involving loss of propulsion.

2022 GMC Yukon at4 was brought into the dealership for the service recall on the engine. No issues and received the 0w40 "fix". Approximately 4-6 weeks later, I was traveling on the interstate at approx. 75mph when the truck completely shut down mid-passing with a code stating "conditions for not for shifting" and I was lucky enough to get the truck to the shoulder of the road without being struck by another vehicle as the truck "shifted" to neutral and would not do anything. Once the truck was in park, it shut off and I was unable to get it started again. Received multiple codes (key fob battery needs replacing, battery low, etc. ) while stuck on the side of the interstate for several hours until I was able to get it towed (at a charge of $500) to my dealership. It then sat in the parking lot for 3 days for diagnosis pending tac deciding whether to tear the engine down or replace it. It was determined to meet the recall qualifications and the dealership has ordered a replacement engine and was told they would start at a estimated 4 week repair time but would probably take closer to 6-8 weeks. Dealership has provided a rental at no cost to me but did not refund my towing costs associated with the repair.

On 15-Jan-26 (approximately 5 weeks after the vehicle was serviced for the NHTSA #25v274) while doing highway speeds the vehicle suddenly started huffing and loosing propulsion. After the dealership did their initial inspection found that lifters in at least one bank were damaged. The suddenness, the randomness and severity of this unprovoked failure (I wasn’t towing anything or going uphill) combined by the fact that the dealership previously gave this vehicle a clean bill of health makes me have no confidence in the road worthiness of this vehicle.