Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

Pico scope test #fdyz295894391 on engine for recall #n252494003 engine , passed test. Drain oil filled with 0-40 replaced oil cap. Date 09/19/2025, mileage in 20142/mileage out 20142. Vehicle runs rough. Not stable at times. Vibration noise coming from the motor at times.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

L87 engine already replaced under recall. Failed with same issue in the middle of the road after making heavy squeaking noise.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.

Filing as a proactive data point for the ongoing NHTSA office of defects investigation engineering analysis (ea26005) regarding gm 6. 2l l87 engine failures. Vehicle is a 2026 GMC Yukon xl at4 equipped with the 6. 2l v8 and 10-speed transmission. The vehicle currently has approximately 2,800 miles and operates perfectly with no mechanical symptoms, ticking, or loss of propulsion. As an active preventive measure against internal component contamination, early engine oil changes were performed at 700 miles and 1,700 miles by a certified franchise dealer (alpine Buick GMC). The engine continues to use the factory-specified 0w-20 oil viscosity. A magnetic oil drain plug has been installed to monitor for premature ferrous bearing and crankshaft debris at future service intervals. This report is submitted to ensure 2026 model year data running 0w-20 oil is officially documented within the federal investigation scope.

I was driving on the northeast extension at roughly 70 mph in the passing lane and my car lost forward power and went into reduced acceleration mode. The check engine light is on, violently shakes when parked, with additional dashboard notifications saying service esc, service traction control, and forward collision system unavailable. I had my engine replaced in September due to the recall.

Yukon would not idle without turning off on its own. Check engine light came on. Took it to my mechanic. Check engine light was flashing which indicated an active misfire. A running compression test found little to no compression from cylinder 6. Further investigation found that cylinder 5 had been repaired in 2022. Mechanic recommends engine replacement.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Had a check engine light come on a couple months ago and vehicle went into reduced accelaration safety mode. Come to find out, it was a faulty valve body. I came out of pocket for $2,800 to get it replaced because GMC said the valve body/special coverage was not assigned to this VIN. Even though it was a 2022 with 60,000 miles on it fitting every criteria of the exact recall (mind-blowing). Now fast forward to now, the same check engine light and reduced acceleration fault is active associated with a transmission control module fault. This truck is entirely too new and taken care of to be dealing with these types of major issues. It’s been a severe inconvenience for my wife as it’s her daily driver. To make matters worse, the lack of support and assistance from GMC has made us go from very loyal customers and supporters, to now seeing how quickly we can get away from this disaster of a vehicle and customer service.

Engine shut off with no warning, all electronics disabled and couldn't shift out of park. Was driving down the road at approximately 50mph, Yukon shifted itself into neutral. Vehicle previously complied with the 25v-274 recall and passed, was operating on the new oil that gm recommended.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

On August 22, 2026, I was driving my 2023 GMC Yukon denali with the 6. 2l v8 at highway speed when the vehicle began struggling to maintain power while climbing a hill. The engine then developed a noticeable knocking sound. Shortly afterward, the engine shut off completely while the vehicle was moving, causing a sudden loss of propulsion. I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop, but the engine would not restart. The electronic transmission also would not shift into neutral and displayed a message indicating that the conditions required to shift were not met. Because the vehicle could not be shifted out of park, the towing company had difficulty loading and unloading the vehicle. The failure occurred during normal highway driving and created a significant safety concern because the engine shut down without warning while the vehicle was in motion. I am aware of NHTSA recall 25v-274 / gm recall n252494000 involving certain gm vehicles equipped with the 6. 2l l87 engine, as well as NHTSA engineering analysis ea25-007 concerning engine failures and loss of propulsion. At the time of this complaint, the dealership has not yet confirmed the specific mechanical cause of my vehicle’s failure. The vehicle is being taken to an authorized GMC dealership for diagnosis. I am submitting this complaint because of the sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion while traveling on a highway.

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.

I was driving down the interstate when the rpms on my car increased and my car started to shutter. I went to get off the roadway and it put itself into neutral and lowered my speed. When I got on the shoulder it stalled and would not turn back on. I had to be towed. To this point, my car has been in the shop for over a week with no solution.

Vehicle loss of power on the interstate at a high rate of speed. Vehicle would not start and could not be put in neutral to safely remove from road.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The 6. 2 GMC engine has been replaced. I took my Yukon in for a oil change, on the second engine, the tech said that it now has a new oil synthetic 0-40, and I have to have the oil changed every 3 thousand miles. I checked with a couple of mechanics and they all said, synthetic is good for at least 5 thousand miles, and just thicker oil will not solve the engine problems that have plagued gm. I am bringing this to your attention as these vehicles are pretty much worthless in the marketplace, and as such gm should refund or exchange for the 2027, with the new motors.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving down the highway, extremely dangerous. Would not shift into gear and could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and the vehicle would not restart. Had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealership found a blown fuse, problem happened again twice and the dealer could not find the problem. This was July 28th, 2026. On August 20th, while in cruise control, slight ringing noise began, then a loud thump, then a loss of oil pressure. Unable to do anything other than pull over on an interstate with my family. Again, very dangerous. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted out of park. Had to have the vehicle towed again. Have also had at least 8 recalls on the vehicle. Unbelievably dangerous situations with my family, aside from inconvenient and expensive.

On August 20, 2026, while driving my 2024 GMC Yukon xl denali equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine at approximately 70 mph on the interstate, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power without adequate warning. The vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and would no longer accelerate or maintain highway speed. This occurred in active interstate traffic and almost resulted in a serious accident as I attempted to maneuver the vehicle out of the flow of traffic. The engine would not restart, and the vehicle had to be towed to a GMC dealership. The GMC dealership subsequently diagnosed that the engine had locked up and determined that the engine requires complete replacement. This failure created an immediate and significant safety hazard for me, my family, and surrounding motorists. My vehicle is affected by the 6. 2l engine recall, and I am extremely concerned about the safety and reliability of the proposed replacement engine. I have become aware of reports from other owners alleging failures involving replacement engines as well, including similar sudden losses of propulsion. I am concerned that replacing the engine may not adequately address the underlying safety risk if replacement engines are experiencing similar failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate not only the original engine failure, but also whether replacement engines used as a remedy are adequately correcting the defect. A sudden engine lockup and complete loss of propulsion at interstate speeds presents a serious risk of collision, injury, or death.

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 mph and approaching a stop in nebraska, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact called the local dealer, and an appointment was scheduled. The failures persisted while waiting for the appointment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver alerted onstar about the failure. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact no longer wanted the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and escalated the concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.

While driving in passing lane on interstate highway at approximately 65 mph engine lost power. Dashboard warning "vehicle in neutral" message appeared. "press start" message appeared. Tried to start the engine but did not start. Slight downhill while on highway and had to make it to right shoulder since no shoulder on left side of highway. Glided across 2 lanes to right lane and luckily an exit came up while still gliding slightly downhill. Exited ramp and got off highway to an empty parking lot. Put vehicle in park. Since engine failed, power steering was normal as was all electrical components. Once stopped, vehicle was not able to be shifted into neutral. Message " unable to shift to neutral under conditions " appeared. Vehicle had to be towed with rear wheels on dollies since it was stuck in park. Was very lucky to get vehicle across lanes of traffic and off highway to a safe location. Had vehicle towed to nearest GMC dealership where it was diagnosed as internal engine failure covered under recall for this particular engine. (6. 2 liter).

I have a 2024 GMC Yukon denali equipped with the 6. 2l l87 v8 engine. The vehicle has approximately 23,000 miles. The vehicle previously underwent the remedy associated with the l87 engine recall. The engine now uses sae 0w-40 dexos r oil and has the corresponding 0w-40 oil fill cap. After the recall remedy was performed, the check-engine warning light began intermittently flashing while I am driving. The light may flash for a period of time and then turn off again. I have also intermittently experienced the engine running rough or the vehicle shaking while idling. I have noticed the flashing warning light occurring while the engine is under load, including while driving uphill. I have video documenting the check-engine light flashing while the vehicle is being driven. Because the condition is intermittent, the warning light is not necessarily illuminated afterward. I am concerned because this vehicle is equipped with the l87 engine that was subject to gm recall n252494000/NHTSA recall 25v-274 for potential engine damage/failure, and my vehicle appears to have already received the recall remedy. I understand NHTSA is currently investigating reports of l87 engine failures occurring after completion of that recall remedy. The cause of my vehicle's current symptoms is unknown and has not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am filing this complaint because an intermittently flashing check-engine warning, rough/shaking operation, and the possibility of an engine malfunction or loss of propulsion present a safety concern, particularly if an engine failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven. I do have an appointment with a different GMC dealership for next week instead of the GMC dealership that sold it to me and preformed the original fix.

Driving down highway the engine made a squeeling noise. The engine shuttered and kept making noise then said to reduce speed. Then quit running all together.

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),.

On the freeway in the middle of nowhere denali jerked, went into neutral, and stopped completely. Needed to get towed and it was complete engine failure. Dealership needed to completely replace engine and radiator.

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 contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact pulled over and inspected under the hood. The vehicle was restarted, and the engine revved six times with smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who discovered that jiffy lube had used an incorrect engine oil during an oil change. The contact was informed to contact jiffy lube and file a claim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

On xxx around noon in medium traffic I was traveling on the [xxx] southbound at about 65 miles per hour when the engine suddenly stopped with no warning. To make matters worse the dash instructed me to apply the brake to start?? not at 65 mph! I was able to coast onto the offramp safely and call for a tow to the GMC dealer in [xxx]. They diagnosed the failure to the engine seizing. I was fortunate to pull off the freeway as being an experienced driver for more than 50 years although it would be anyone's opinion that a less experienced driver could have been injured or worse. My fear is that the replacement engine that gm will install again have the same problem at any time in the future with no warning and I or my family will not be as fortunate the next time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle has 43k miles on it and a has a failed oil pump, already switched to the heavier oil and still have engine issue.

As my wife was driven she heard some noise and notice she was losing power. She pull off the side of the road and the car shut off. Could not restart. This happen about 11:30 am on 8/14/26 got towed to salida dealer called faricy GMC about 3:30 pm. Dealer said it was a complete engine failure and engine needed to be replaced.

Driving down the interstate and lost all power, it said start engine and didn’t start coasted to the side of the road. It sounded like locked up engine, confirmed at dealership locked up engine.

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.

My vehicle had a previous engine recall that was “fixed” per the dealership recommendations. However, I succumbed to total engine failure last week at 70000 miles with my 2 little kids in the car on an interstate. My engine needs replaced.

My vehicle was taken in as part of the 25v-274 recall. It passed and was given the new oil. It underwent a second oil change using the new oil and before the third oil change at around 46,000 miles the engine was having trouble. I took it in for the oil change and the engine issue. I have barely been told anything but from what I understand I have a camshaft issue and need new lifters. I haven't seen my car in 12 days and have received almost to no updates.

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.

Our lifters in cylinder 3 were replaced after failing at 40,000 miles. The exact same lifters broke again at 77,000 miles. Both events caused engine failure.

I am reporting a severe, recurring, and life-threatening manufacturing defect involving a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds on the interstate. This vehicle has suffered two identical valvetrain failures that placed my passengers and nearby motorists in extreme danger. Incident 1 (approx. 40,000 miles): while traveling at high speed on the interstate, the vehicle violently shook, all engine warning lights flashed, and the engine suffered an immediate, near-total loss of propulsion. The vehicle was towed to an authorized GMC dealership, where technicians diagnosed a collapsed dynamic fuel management (dfm) hydraulic lifter in cylinder 3. The lifter bank was replaced under the factory powertrain warranty. Incident 2 (approx. 77,000 miles): while driving at high speed on the interstate, the exact same vehicle behavior occurred. The engine suffered a sudden, total loss of power, and all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously. Out of absolute necessity and to avoid a catastrophic high-speed collision on a dangerous stretch of highway, the severely crippled vehicle had to be forced through active interstate traffic without proper engine power all the way to my home. The vehicle has since been inspected by a GMC dealership, which has confirmed that the exact same cylinder 3 lifter has failed a second time. The dealership and the GMC regional service manager are currently refusing to honor the 24-month dealer-installed service parts warranty, demanding an out-of-pocket deposit of $5,000, and denying alternative transportation. Gm's failure to permanently remediate this known, systemic valvetrain defect has twice left me navigating a failing vehicle through high-speed highway traffic, heavily compounding the safety risk.