Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon xl denali with the 6. 2l v8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on interstate 10 near litchfield road in arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at risk on the highway. This was a serious safety concern because the engine failed unexpectedly during operation. The GMC dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. The replacement engine was installed in October 2026, and I received the vehicle back on October 13, 2026. My concern is that the dealership installed a remanufactured engine, and I have not received sufficient documentation confirming whether the replacement addresses the underlying defect associated with the gm 6. 2l engine failures. I am concerned about the possibility of another catastrophic engine failure, particularly while traveling at highway speeds with my family. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this engine failure and determine whether the replacement engine adequately addresses the safety defect. I believe these failures present a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and other motorists.

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Replaced the transmission two times at about $14,000. Need a new motor with an estimated replacement of $10,000.

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While driving there was a noise that started in the engine area. The vehicle was going 55-60 mph at the time it started. It became more and more frequent. The check engine light came on just before the engine completely seized up and lost all power. Dealership is saying there is definitely internal engine noise and engine failure.

While driving my vehicle, I noticed no sound coming from infotainment, signaling or lights being able to turn on. After pulling over at the nearest gas station, I parked and turned the vehicle off and waited for 30 minutes. Soon after that time, I turned the vehicle on and sound came back. However, I noticed the fuel management system begin to soon immediately kick in hard and loud while I started to drive away. This caused a major concern because I was with my family and didn’t know if ok we were going to be able to make it to my daughter’s softball tournament and home safely.

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2024 GMC Yukon, l87 6. 2l v8 VIN: [xxx] this complaint concerns the l87 6. 2l engine and NHTSA engineering analysis ea26005 regarding engine failure following the remedy for recall 25v-274. My vehicle underwent the gm recall inspection, including the pico test, and passed the inspection. The engine was therefore not replaced. Since completion of that inspection, I have continued to obtain abnormal used-oil-analysis results showing excessive and increasing engine wear metals. At the most recent oil change, I cut open the engine oil filter and found visible metallic swarf/debris embedded in the filter media. I have retained the oil filter media and have photographs documenting the metallic debris. I also have the previous oil-analysis reports documenting the wear-metal trend. The engine has now developed a loud knocking noise. Because of the knocking noise, documented abnormal wear metals, and visible metallic debris in the oil filter, I no longer consider the vehicle safe to operate due to the possibility of sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion. The significant concern is that this vehicle passed gm's recall 25v-274 screening procedure but appears to be developing the same type of internal engine deterioration that the recall was intended to identify and prevent. I am requesting that NHTSA associate this complaint with engineering analysis ea26005 and review this case as a possible post-remedy failure of the recall 25v-274 inspection procedure. Supporting evidence available includes: • used-oil-analysis reports showing excessive and increasing wear metals • photographs of metallic debris/swarf in the oil filter media • retained oil filter and filter media • dealer repair and recall records • mileage and oil-change records • current loud engine knocking noise the vehicle is presently not being driven because of the potential for engine seizure or sudden loss of propulsion. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving, the engine started making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle had experienced lifter failure and stated that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine if the engine needed to be replaced or if the lifters only needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Driving when vehicle locked up, engine stopped, lost all power steering and ability to control. Ended up stranded in the middle of the road unable to move it out of roadway.

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Vehicle: 2022 GMC Yukon at4, 6. 2l v8 (l87) mileage at failure: 159,605 my 2022 GMC Yukon at4 experienced a complete engine failure at approximately 159,605 miles. The engine seized and could not be manually rotated. The vehicle was inspected by wallick's auto service, which confirmed that the engine was locked up and the oil level was only approximately half a quart low. In July 2025, green GMC performed the gm recall remedy related to potential engine failure on the 6. 2l l87 engine. Rather than replacing the engine, gm's approved remedy consisted of changing the engine oil, oil filter, and oil fill cap. Despite having the recall performed and continuing regular oil changes, the engine failed approximately 15 months later. The most recent oil change was approximately 4,100 miles before the failure. The vehicle was subsequently towed to green GMC for evaluation. Gm declined financial assistance toward the approximately $16,856 engine replacement I am concerned that the recall remedy did not adequately address the underlying engine defect and that my vehicle experienced the same type of catastrophic engine failure the recall was intended to prevent. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall remedy is effective in preventing these failures.

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The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, there was a tapping sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the tapping sound was louder and more persistent. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while out of state. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 33,500.

I purchased this vehicle new in 2021. In xxx, the vehicle started shaking while driving then suddenly cut off. Mileage was a little over 12k. Diagnosis was an engine lifter issue. The dealership replaced all 16 engine lifters. The vehicle now has a little over 52k miles on it. The engine lifters have failed again. This is a known safety issue for this (and other gm vehicles) manufactured in the same timeframe. However, gm has not issued a recall. I am now looking at having to replace the lifters at my cost and/or driving an unsafe vehicle. I have a wife and [xxx] son. This is an untenable situation. Gm must issue a recall and correct this issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle was being driven from work to home on the interstate, when a loud ticking/knocking noise was heard while exiting the interstate. The motor lost power when trying to accelerate while pulling into our driveway. It was noticed that the "service transmission" light came on as well. It was towed to the Chevrolet dealership in bardstown, ky where they did diagnostic testing and stated that the motor had "locked up" and will have to be replaced. The service person at the Chevrolet dealership stated that the transmission could have been affected also because the service transmission light was on as well. We are lucky the loss of power and the engine locking up did not occur on the interstate where multiple people could have been injured. The ticking/knocking and the complete engine locking up occurred within a 5 minute time span. The check engine light and service transmission lights did not come on until the vehicle coasted into our driveway. The vehicle had participated in the recall of putting a higher viscosity oil in by the Chevrolet dealership.

The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.

Engine failed . Stalled in the middle of the road . Engine ran bad . Shaking knocking and trebling. No engine lights on .

This engine failed while I was driving. You need to speed up the process and make gm know that their 6. 2 engines are failing still to this day . People can get in accidents due to this happening. Gm needs to be held accountable for their mistakes. I was lucky my vehicle engine failed near my home and not on the interstate. Please get to the bottom of this . There is no reason that these engines are failing in 2026.

Engine failure at 20,959 miles (gm 6. 2l v8). Sudden knocking noise. I heard noise at idle, accelerating, and decelerating. Sounds increased in volume / frequency within a 24hr period and driving it only a few miles. Gm dealer verified engine failure and is ordering a replacement under warranty.

I am filing a complaint about a serious safety issue with my vehicle. While I was driving on a highway with my spouse and children in the vehicle, the engine began downshifting, the check engine light came on, and an “engine oil hot” warning appeared. The engine then suddenly shut down. With traffic behind us, I had to pull off onto a dirt road in a rural, secluded area. This put my family in a frightening and dangerous situation. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership. After inspecting it, the dealer told me it needs an engine replacement. This would be the second engine replacement for a vehicle that is less than four years old. I have owned this vehicle for only two and a half weeks and have already had to take it to the dealership twice for major repairs. It is unacceptable to make payments on a vehicle this new that has proven so unreliable, especially when it can shut down without warning while my family is traveling. I am requesting a prompt resolution to both the safety issue and the repeated engine failure.

Total engine failure. This is the second time. The vehicle had under 2000 miles when the first engine failure happened and left us sitting on the turnpike. Very unsafe!! we were assured we received a new "upgraded" engine only to find out gm decided to roll the dice with our lives and the lives of our family (grandchildren) and put another bad engine in our vehicle. I will never feel safe with this vehicle or that they are putting in "new" parts.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ""6. 2l engine failed with 4,785 miles"" how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ""engine failed in active highway jug handle and required police assistance and vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer. "" has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ""the dealer has confirmed that the engine failed and needs to be replaced. "" has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ""at this point only the dealer. "" were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?"" no just started sputtering and shout down. "".

My 2024 GMC Yukon denali has experienced repeated and serious stalling, restart hesitation, shutdown, and loss-of-propulsion issues that have created an ongoing safety concern for me, my children, and other drivers. On one occasion, while I was actively driving with my children in the vehicle, the Yukon completely lost propulsion and died. I was only able to coast/roll the vehicle to a complete stop because it no longer had power. I previously reported that incident to NHTSA. Since then, there have been numerous additional occasions when I have been driving and come to a stop at a traffic light, stop sign, or in traffic and the vehicle has stalled or seriously hesitated before restarting. On September 23, 2026, while driving with my children in the vehicle, I stopped at a red light in heavy traffic. Without warning, the vehicle completely shut off, shifted into neutral, and displayed a message instructing me to restart the vehicle. I had to manually restart the Yukon before I could continue driving. This was the first time while stopped that the vehicle completely shut off, went into neutral, and required a manual restart. During these incidents, my children were in the vehicle and I was surrounded by other vehicles and heavy traffic, creating a serious safety concern. GMC has been repeatedly notified about these issues. Despite multiple complaints and prior repair attempts, the problems have continued and GMC has not provided a meaningful resolution. The cause of the most recent failure is currently unknown.

This is an ongoing problem from date of purchase, before the normal oil change time the low oil light comes on. When I check the oil dip stick it is in fact low. I have to add at least 2 qts of oil to get it to the right level. Time frame would be at least once every 2 months under normal CA driving conditions. Also does have a rough idle and noise that sounds like the motor is going to come apart on startup. I have takin it to the dealer, they performed consumption test and checked the motor recall. The dealer told us that our motor passed the recall inspection, made the changes, oil, oil cap, etc. Then told us it passed the consumption test. Since then I still have to add oil between oil changes. We were told by the service tech that even if the motor is bad, there is no replacements at this time and the vehicle would just sit at our dealership until we can get a replacement. No one has been hurt at this time. I'm just waiting for the motor to lock up. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. The only warning light that comes on is the low engine oil warning.

On xxx, I was driving my 2022 GMC Yukon xl denali equipped with the 6. 2l l87 v8 engine, with my [xxx] stepson as a passenger, when the engine malfunctioned and stalled, leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. The vehicle registered diagnostic trouble code p0016 (crankshaft position–camshaft position correlation, bank 1 sensor a). Prior to this incident, the vehicle had undergone gm's l87 engine loss of propulsion safety recall 25v-274 (gm campaign n252494000). The vehicle passed the required engine inspection and was cleared to receive the prescribed oil viscosity change from 0w-20 to 0w-40. Under gm's recall service procedure, vehicles displaying p0016 during the inspection were required to be quarantined rather than proceeding with the oil-change remedy. Therefore, the completion of the prescribed remedy indicates that p0016 was not identified during the earlier recall screening. Despite passing gm's engine inspection and receiving the recall remedy, the engine subsequently experienced a failure involving p0016 and a complete loss of propulsion. This raises significant concerns about whether gm's inspection procedures and oil viscosity remedy adequately identify and prevent engine failures in affected vehicles. While our Yukon was disabled in traffic due to the engine stall, another motorist failed to stop and struck the vehicle from behind. The collision caused extensive damage, and the vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss. Although the other driver failed to stop, the engine failure was the initiating event that left our vehicle stranded and exposed to approaching traffic. At the time of the collision, I was [xxx] pregnant and required ambulance transportation, emergency medical evaluation, head imaging, and fetal monitoring. I subsequently experienced post-concussion symptoms and a mandibular-joint injury. My [xxx] stepson was also inside the vehicle. Vehicle can be held for inspection w/letter sent. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine began to reduce rpms while driving up an incline and was unable to maintain speed. Warnings came on for battery, oil, transmission failure, engine failure. Power ultimately failed and electric finally shutoff after short period of time. Was able to connect to onstar and they got a tow truck there in 2 hours. I had to hitchhike 30 miles to our residence to get another vehicle to pickup my wife and our 2 large dogs because tow truck unable to transport them. There is no uber or lyft in the rural mountain areas of [xxx], and no cell service. Car was towed into service center about 50 miles away, and I was told that the engine had to be replace. But they don't have the parts available after a week. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On September 20, 2026 around noon while traveling in the left lane on interstate 40w in north carolina the engine of my 2023 Yukon denali seized up with no warning. The screens shut off, then turned back on, and as I attempted to avoid hitting anyone or causing an accident on the road, I tried to shift it back into gear and it would not shift back into gear. Unable to use the gas pedal I put my right turn signal on along with my hazards and slowly made my way over to the right breakdown lane carefully to avoid causing an accident. I tried to start the engine again and the screens would turn back on, tell me to push the start/stop button again, then the screens would turn back off and on again and the engine would not start back up. In the breakdown lane I checked the battery connections and a couple other things that I thought might be the issue, but I had a feeling this was the engine issue that caused the safety recall on the 6. 2 l GMC engine. My safety, my wife’s safety, and every other vehicle around me was put at risk because of this, and it could’ve ended horribly in injury or possible death. Prior to this, I brought the vehicle in for the safety recall inspection, it passed, and they changed the oil and type of oil filter to “fix the issue“. I used onstar to set up a tow (which we paid for out of pocket), the estimated wait time was four hours, so we called an uber (which we also paid for out of pocket) that took over an hour and a half to pick us up due to location on the highway. Vehicle was towed to a dealership and is available for inspection if requested. The next business day, the dealership was unable to get the engine to start and diagnosed with complete engine failure. They began the process of setting up a complete engine replacement. Said it may take 3 to 4 weeks. I am skeptical and think it will take more time. There were zero warning lamps, messages, or noises that could be heard prior to the failure which makes this incident so dangerous.

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

While driving on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration. Other error codes (303) also appeared with the check engine light also coming in. Upon checking the code later once home, it indicated there was an issue with the lifters. The car was then towed to the dealership where it was confirmed there are issues with both the lifters and the cam shaft and both need to be replaced.

On September 17, 2026, at approximately 22,861 miles, the 6. 2l l87 v8 engine in my 2024 GMC Yukon xl suffered a sudden loss of propulsion and was subsequently confirmed by an authorized GMC dealer to be seized and require complete replacement. I was entering northbound I-75 from the mt. Paran road entrance in atlanta, GA with two of my children in the vehicle. This entrance has an extended acceleration ramp where vehicles accelerate to interstate merging speed. While accelerating, the engine briefly stuttered and then the vehicle stopped producing power when I pressed the accelerator. I was unable to continue accelerating and moved onto the limited shoulder. Other vehicles continued accelerating toward I-75 and passed immediately adjacent to us at significant speed. My children and I remained stranded there for approximately two hours waiting for a tow. The vehicle was towed to an authorized GMC dealer, which confirmed the engine is seized and requires complete replacement. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the dealer and available for inspection. This vehicle was previously subject to NHTSA recall 25v-274 / gm n252494000 for l87 engine failure and loss of propulsion. An authorized GMC dealer completed the recall procedure on November 3, 2025. The engine was not replaced; it passed the prescribed inspection and received the higher-viscosity-oil remedy. Despite completion of the recall procedure, the engine subsequently experienced the loss-of-propulsion condition identified by the recall. I understand NHTSA has investigated l87 engine failures occurring after completion of this recall remedy, including rq26001 and ea26005. I am reporting this post-remedy failure because it may be relevant to that investigation.

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

[xxx] - catastrophic engine shutdown. Yes engine is still at don ledford automotive group, cleveland, TN during the engine shutdown, we were still moving on a two lane highway in rural south carolina. Other vehicles had to swerve/pass to avoid our sudden slowdown. On [xxx], I had the car towed(dealers choice - $1,488) from cooper Chevrolet in waltersboro, SC(5. 75 hours from my home) to my home dealership. . . . Don ledford automotive group. On [xxx], dealer confirmed complete crankshaft bearing failure and supposedly is going to replace the entire engine. No warning lamps, messages, etc. Only warning we had was a "pop" sound while doing around 60mph. From that moment we had about 5-6 minutes until the car completely shut down in a parking lot on the side of the road. Other items which I have had to deal. 1. On[xxx], getting a rental car in barnwell, SC so we could continue our trip - (b&b Ford-$800) 2. On [xxx], had to get a rental car at charelston, SC airport (avis-$677. 92). I needed the car so I could continue my business trip. On [xxx], my wife returned the car to b&b Ford in barnwell, SC. I continued on my business trip and returned the rental car I got at the charleston airport on [xxx] to the chattanooga, TN airport. There I had to rent a different/less expensive rental car from hertz($165. 42) on [xxx]. 3. Through enterprise, gm has provided a rental car from information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a bystander warned the contact that there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was running rough, and failed to properly accelerate, with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with crankshaft failure and lifter failure. The contact was informed that the lifters and crankshaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Heard a ticking sound whenever I was driving down the street then all of the sudden it got louder & SUV suddenly put itself into neutral. I was barely able to pull onto side of road to try and switch gears when hazard lights went on by themselves. Car wouldn’t turn on or start and whenever I tried again the check engine light appeared. Got the SUV towed to local, nearest GMC dealership who just called and said it was the engine failure and needed to be replaced.

The contact owned a 2026 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly turned off and lost engine power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the engine failure. The failure mileage was 1,800.

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

According to the gm dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall n 252494000-n252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate at the time of incident.

Vehicle passed the recall inspection and service information was updated to reflect new engine oil viscosity requirements. Now just a few months later we experienced an issue and are told the engine needs replaced as part of the l87 recall. All service and oil changes have been completed by the dealership. This fits under the ea26005 investigation into post-recall failures. Vehicle is currently at freeman GMC awaiting a replacement engine.

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