Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

Windshield needs replacement – one side window installed incorrectly (huge gap) •trim peeling (inside and outside) •heavy rust in engine area •sunroof seals need replacement •all window tints need replacement •headlights not aligned – need new ones •taillights not aligned – need new ones •spoiler damaged – needs replacement •dashboard feels loose – needs replacement •door panel misaligned •rubber gaskets/seals smushed •seat covers smushed (from dealer) •paint peeling (sunroof, edges near wheels) •plastic components worn / damaged •front bumper misaligned •two front fenders need replacement •tow hitch cover needs replacement •cargo protector installed on exterior trunk sill •check engine / transmission alert showed in app (vehicle displayed “check 4x4” while driving) •bluetooth system not working everything on this car is not aligned this is a huge safety hazard on everything electrical,engine,visibility they won’t take responsibility they said they don’t have no update on recall it’s 7 months and the nhsta all won’t take responsibility I contacted them multiple times they just say contact gm for recall info 7 months.

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Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.

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It’s been 7 months of the recall and dealers are not sending repair notices/remedy how is gm allows to take 7 months this is an untimely manner yall need to investigate further and issue buybacks I contacted gm saying the engine is making noise they they I have to pay for vehicle inspection…that is illegal.

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed in the driveway, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power but immediately restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 26,000.

Check engine and transmission alerts appeared in the app; vehicle showed “check 4x4” while driving, cleared next day •engine not sounding normal •paint peeling •fading plastic trim •front bumper misaligned •rear bumper misaligned •loose front door frames •marker lights collecting bugs •plastic becoming loose at the rear hatch •plastic near auto steps: one side has gaps, the other side fits properly •ppf (paint protection film) peeling •taillights movable by hand •fog lights movable by hand •rear spoiler, hatch glass, and surrounding trim loose/movable •cargo protector loose on exterior trunk sill •cracking turn signal stalk •rust developing within the first year •finger can fit into gaps at door frames •exhaust tips showing burnt discoloration •significant loss of vehicle value: ~$70,000 down from $100,000 at purchase.

In January 2021, I purchased a new 2021 GMC Yukon denali from a GMC dealership, which currently has only about 27,000 miles. To date, several recalls have been assigned and completed for my vehicle. Per the websites for GMC and your agency. However, based on published recalls for my vehicle and a repair that is currently underway, I have reason to believe that my vehicle should have been subject to three prior recalls for which it was not [NHTSA id numbers: 20v735000 (front seat bolts), 25v274000 (v8 engine failure, and 21v739000 (fuel power control module] currently, the fuel pump control module is being replaced at a local GMC dealership because it failed last week and left my stranded at home. GMC issued a recall for this in 2021, but my vehicle was not included. Aside from risk and inconvenience, this is also costing my over $300 for a rental. Secondly, though my vehicle's make/model/year is cited in GMC's ongoing engine failure recall, which you are investigating, I have not received a recall notice. I note GMC's financial interest in minimizing vehicle's it recalls for such a costly repair. I have inquired with GMC and two of its dealers and have only received reiterations that my vehicle has not been subject to GMC's recall, which I already knew. I have not been given any explanation for why my Yukon has not been recalled despite my inquiries. Lastly, GMC issued a 2021 recall for front seat bolts; however, I did not receive a notice for my Yukon. I have occasionally felt slight movement in the driver's seat since buying the vehicle. Based on reason and facts, I am alleging that GMC appears to be artificially minimizing recalls and notifications for vehicles that are in fact impacted by defects in their vehicles.

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I attempted to start my vehicle and it turned over and at the end of trying it sounded like it wanted to start. This repeated itself with no change. I contacted the dealer which I purchased it from and the service mgr said it was the fuel pump control module. Numerous 2021 Yukon had this problem and there is both a service bulletin and a recall for this part. N212332040. My vehicle is not on recall. I attempted to have it towed to the local chevy dealer and was unable to as no local tow company had the tool to put the transmission in neutral. They all wanted to drag it onto the trailer. Bad design that it can not be put in park if it’s not running. I purchased a replacement fuel pump control module part 13554821 from the dealership. I installed it and the problem was fixed. I have the defective part if needed. This would have been much more of an issue if it happened anywhere other than my house, especially with the inability to put he transmission in neutral !!.

While driving on the and merging onto the highway, the check engine light and other alerts came on our 2021 GMC Yukon. There was a fluttering noise coming from the engine and the vehicle started to have decreased acceleration. We had to immediately exit the highway and park the vehicle. We then had to take our vehicle to our regular mechanic since GMC dealership was backed up and we needed the vehicle repaired. Our mechanic has identified the issue to be with the engine. The lifters in the engine broke which also damaged the cam shaft. This is a very costly repair. Our vehicle is four years old and out of warranty since we have 80k miles on our four year old Yukon. This problem with the GMC l84 5. 3l v8 engines seems to be a common issue and other owners have posted their frustrations on various websites and there is currently no recall on this 5. 3l engine. This is a safety issue and a recall should be issued like the one for the 6. 2l engine. Why is there no recall for the 5. 3l engine? a recall needs to be issued for the GMC l84 5. 3l v8.

My vehicle is currently in repair due to a known issue with gm. Gm has put out a technical service bulletin 20-na-038 referencing a "well-known" problem with cylinder 5 failing in 2021 5. 3l and 6. 0l engines. However, there has not been a recall. Ironically, there were other vehicles brought to the dealership (sam boswell GMC in enterprise, al) for the same repair on the same day as my vehicle. I'm hoping to get an initiative started for a recall.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who was unable to assist due to the parts not being available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

My 2018 GMC Yukon blew an engine with only 81,000 miles. Had four shops including (2 gm dealerships) look at the vehicle, pictures, and findings and concluded the engine had blown. The vehicle had began running very rough while driving down the road at 45mph. The cel showed a misfire in cylinder one. The spark plug was pulled and soaked in oil. A borescope was put down the hole and found oil pooled on top of the piston. The engine has blow by the piston rings and the cylinder wall was scorn. Four shops. Four results. New engine needed. A quick google search of the engine (l83) showed multiple open class action lawsuits for this exact situation. The cause of the problem is the active fuel management system that gm created. When I contacted gm for assistance at the recommendation of the dealerships (which they have seen an increase in these engine blowing with low miles) I was informed by gm/GMC that they would look into it and could not guarantee assistance. Fast forward a couple of days I was contacted and made perfectly aware that I was 991 days outside and 21,000 miles out of warranty but they would offer “assistance” in the amount of 10% of the total cost. Four shops, four quotes for an engine replacement ranging from $14,750-$17,000 and gm was only offering $1,475-$1,700. Absolutely terrible. With multiple open class action lawsuits, stop sales, and well documented issues. I expressed disappointment and requested assistance to prevent having to seek litigation. I was told “if that’s what you want to do, you will need to talk to our legal department” and told there’s nothing they can do. Will not buy nor recommend anyone buy a gm product. They don’t respect or care for their customers.

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The engine has a knocking noise. Very noticeable. Started around 3 weeks ago and has done it on multiple occasions.

I just bought this 2025 GMC Yukon a little over a month ago, and the 6. 2 engine has seized up. This vehicle started making grinding noises and shut down going 60 miles an hour. I traded in my previous Yukon and the dealer has sold it, so now I have nothing to drive. These engines are dangerous, and gm knows this and they don't seem to be doing anything about it.

I was driving on hyw 64 in cashiers, nc 28717 on August 25, 2025 at around 4:30 pm and my 2022 GMC Yukon denali just stopped in the middle of the road. I was unable to restart it so I was not able to move it from the middle of the road. Someone passing by called 911 so lots of emergency vehicles arrived. The men tried to switch the car into neutral so it could be towed and finally were able to do that reading something in the manual about hitting the start button twice. While being put on the flatbed if the tow truck I noticed the tires were not rolling, just sliding forward. It is being towed to a chevy dealer an hour away.

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I was driving down the highway, and my wife and I decided to stop at costco to get protein bars and gas for the drive home. We also had a [xxx] , [xxx] old, and [xxx] in the car. As we were approaching the end of the exit ramp at approximately 30 miles per hour, the engine jerked the car two or three times then died. When it died, I lost power steering and the car slammed to a stop. The car also displayed an alert about my tow breaking system. I tried to restart it, and smoke began rising from my engine bay. I stopped trying to restart, and got my family onto the hill beside the exit while waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

[xxx] [xxx] phone: [xxx] email: [xxx] [date] national highway traffic safety administration office of defects investigation (odi) 1200 new jersey avenue, se washington, d. C. 20590 subject: safety complaint regarding 2020 GMC Yukon xl denali – repeated engine failures (VIN: [xxx] ) to whom it may concern: I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 GMC Yukon xl denali (VIN: [xxx] ) which I purchased in 2021. This vehicle has experienced repeated and dangerous mechanical failures that raise significant safety concerns. •March 2024: the oil pump failed, resulting in immediate engine issues. Repairs were completed under warranty, but the check engine light remained on afterward. •April 2024: the vehicle broke down again. At that time, the cams and lifters were replaced in addition to other service, but the underlying issues were not resolved. •August 2025: the vehicle failed once again. After taking it in, the service department could not determine the cause. When they believed they had identified the issue and took it for a test drive, the vehicle broke down again and had to be towed back to the shop. At that point, I was informed that the vehicle now requires a complete motor replacement and a new fuel pump. Each of these failures has left me stranded and placed me and my family in unsafe situations on the road. Despite contacting the dealership (joseph Cadillac of dublin), general motors, and the warranty company, none have taken responsibility to properly resolve the issues. I believe this represents a potential defect in the engine or related systems that could impact many other consumers. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine whether a broader safety recall or manufacturer action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping ensure consumer safety. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Recall issued in April states that the engine could experience a catastrophic failure and needs to be inspected for possible replacement. At this time (8-30-25) they are not allowing the dealers to perform these inspections. Why can't they at least perform the inspection to see if in fact the engine will not need to be replaced? they are being irresponsible with their approach to this issue.

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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.

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The v8 engine on our family's 2019 GMC Yukon denali xl check engine light came on and began ticking while taking our daughter to college in montana. The dealer informs us the engine has probable lifter failure and will need to be disassembled to diagnose additional issues. The estimated repair costs are from $3,000 to $10,000+, may require a new engine, and we will be without the vehicle for almost two months. We are incurring additional costs such as lodging, airfare to fly home, costs for an additional car, and storage for a travel trailer that must remain behind. The warranty on our vehcle expired last year. The vehicle has been consistantly serviced at our local dealer. Research and discussions with other gm customers inform us this is a known issue for our year and that a recall was issued for vehicles for 2021 to 2025.

Engine knock, possible piston rods bent. Oil in cylinder. Cylinder has not enough compression. No safety issues, was able to drive to mechanic without harming myself or others. This is the second vehicle in my family to have lifter or rods issues leading to major engine work. Check engine light came on after the vehicle began to misfire.

While driving on the highway, my SUV lost speed and went into what I believe was limp mode and the check engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate quickly which was very dangerous on the highway as I was only able to very slowly go about 45 mph on a 65 mph highway. After the dealer inspected it, I was told I needed a new engine, oil cooler, and turbo. They said it had metal in the oil. My SUV only had 2138 miles at the time of incident.

Full engine failure.

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On Thursday August 14 while driving our traction control light and engine light came on along with the esc light while traveling out of state. The car felt like we were driving on a rumble strip. We immediately took it to the nearest auto repair shop, only a few minutes away. They reset the battery and dash lights and we took it for a test drive. All the lights came back on after a couple of feet and loud knocking sounds started. Our emissions light then also came on and a strong exhaust smell was emitted. Each time the engine was started the knocking grew louder and the engine was severely struggling and sounded very wrong . The shop put their diagnostic tool to use and identified misfiring on cylinder 5. Upon further inspection they identified camshaft irreparable failure. We had it towed to the platteville WI GMC dealership Friday Aug 15. Where they confirmed camshaft failure and informed us our engine needed total replacement. Our safety was at risk since our engine failed while exiting the highway.

Gm may be installing recalled engines into other vehicles through warranty replacements, avoiding recall accountability. I purchased a 2021 GMC Yukon built before recall n252494002. Before my ownership, the original engine failed and was replaced under warranty at 24,339 miles on 9/16/2024. The dealer verbally told me it was new, but it had salvage yard markings and no serial number—indicating it was used. This donor engine was likely from a vehicle later covered by the recall. Gm appears not to track donor vins for warranty replacements, meaning recalled engines can remain in service without repair. This creates a serious safety risk and allows defective engines to escape recall compliance. I urge NHTSA to require manufacturers to track and report donor vins for used engines and major components installed under warranty so they remain subject to applicable recalls.

Driving and pulling up into my driveway when suddenly the message “push start button to start engine” comes on with an alert sound - I notice my gear is lighting up “n” and when I pushed the start button it sounded like my engine restarted. I remained in neutral and had to change it back to drive myself. The engine randomly cut off.

Dealership refused to inspect engine and provide new oil in regards to recall, they charged me $208. 75 for oil that was supposed to be completed under recall l87 for gm.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and then the engine seized. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was the result of an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

After stopping at a stop sign, I accelerated for a few seconds, but then it shifted to neutral and the screen said "press start again". I pressed start, accelerated for a few seconds, and again it shifted to neutral and the screen said "press start again. " I repeated this process a few times and luckily made it to the end of our driveway. I could no longer move the car nor could I shift gears. When trying to shift gears, the screen said "conditions not correct for shift. " I requested roadside assistance. There is no way to get this car into neutral so he had to manually pull it onto the tow truck bed. The nearest dealership diagnosed it as engine failure and replaced the engine. There were no warning signs prior to this incident.

I was driving from new orleans with my family when traveling at 75 mph when it’s like the transmission started straining and the engine was losing power/pressure it’s like the engine or transmission was struggling I’m not sure what was causing it but it was a scary experience knowing I’d my kids and my wife with me and we were out in the middle of nowhere.

Been working with dealership on engine performance for a year, recall is delayed because of no available parts. I had bought a warranty that replaced the lifters and cam. Also this year the transmission, radiator, pully and belt were all replaced. Engine blew up last night and is back at dealership. I paid $80,000 for this vehicle and have had major issue after major issue with it. Looking into seeing if it qualifies as a lemon. Lucky was going slow when it happened and it didn't cause an accident. Could not get the vehicle into neutral to tow it.

Driving the vehicle on a regular city street when the flashing engine light came on out of nowhere. Immediately pulled off and had the vehicle towed to my dealership. Result of the inspection, I have to replace my engine. As soon as I started researching the issue it is clear that this truck should be part of the gm recall. It is a known issue that gm slow played for years, but as of now this vehicle is not part of the recall. It is the same engine and failure mode as the 600,000 unit recall, but mine isn't covered by the recall leaving me responsible for their known and documented manufacturing issues.

While driving the vehicle, the engine started to make a knocking noise and we experienced illumination of the check engine light. We also experienced engine performance issues with hesistation and reduced acceleration. We were able to take the vehicle to a gm dealer and it was determined that the lifters and crankshaft were defective and need to be replaced. There is a warranty out for 2021 GMC Yukon denali vehicles that were manufactured less than a year after ours that have currently have a recall issued by gm for the same problems that we experienced. My wife and two young children, ages [xxx] and [xxx] , frequently ride in this car and catastrophic engine failures put their safety and livelihood at serious risk. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The Yukon has stopped while driving twice. The check engine light came on, the dealership says there is an oil problem and the oil pump is bad along with bad lifters. There is wear to the motor as well.