Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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.

Engine failure while driving 75 miles per hour in highway in brand new Yukon denali. 3,000 miles and got a “decreased acceleration” warning. Then couldn’t accelerate and loud knocking noise from the engine, likely a lifter issue. I will have to get a new engine according to GMC. Unbelievable. Recall was for 2021-2024, but my 2026 is havin the same issue.

While driving down the road, my 2023 Yukon 6. 2l engine shut down, shifted to neutral, and a message on the screen said “press start again” leaving my family in a powerless vehicle in the middle of the road in moving traffic. There were no warning signs nor is my vehicle included in a current recall. The vehicle will be taken to the dealership tomorrow morning.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Post initial remedy, which included oil sand cap replacement to 0-40, as directed by the manufacturer's recall documents, and passing the picoscope test on August 26, 2025, the vehicle lost propulsion while traveling 58 mph, in the center lane of a busy, notoriously dangerous saeford-oyster bay highway. At the time, the vehicle was occupied by a 2-week-old infant, the child's mother, and a dog. Prior to the failure, there were no indications of a pending or present issue. The vehicle's engine shut off, it shifted into neutral, and upon stopping, it shifted into a parked position, where it remains to date. Subsequent to pulling the vehicle onto the shoulder, the engine failed to restart. Approximately 6 hours later, the vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer, which subsequently confirmed that the engine is seized. The dealer submitted a report to gm to remedy the condition, pursuant to the manufacturer's recall instructions, but the manufacturer is yet to approve the remedy.

Check engine light came on. Went off a little later and then came back on. Took it to the dealership where they ran codes. They changed the fuel injector and spark plugs based on the codes listed. They heard a noise coming from under the engine and felt like it was the same failure that it happened in the 2021 to 2024 Yukon models those engines had been recalled. Was quoted $15,000 for a new engine was also charged $1000 for the fuel injector and spark plugs.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Yukon 🔎.

On two separate occasions, while driving at approximately 60 mph on new york parkways, my vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and lost power without warning. During the first incident, a message appeared instructing me to “press start to continue. ” I was able to restart the vehicle and drive home. Two days later, the same failure occurred again under similar conditions. This time, after pulling over and pressing the start button, the vehicle shut off completely and became totally inoperable. The vehicle had no power and would not restart. At the time of this second incident: - I had my [xxx] child in the vehicle - the outside temperature was approximately 20 degrees - recent snow made it difficult to pull fully off the parkway - police assistance was required to ensure our safety - we waited nearly two hours for a tow truck due to the hazardous roadside conditions this situation was frightening, dangerous, and completely unacceptable in a modern vehicle with approximately 24,000 miles. When GMC evaluated the vehicle the following day, I was informed that it requires a full engine replacement. A catastrophic engine failure at this mileage — combined with repeated, sudden loss of power at highway speeds — represents a serious safety defect that substantially impairs the use, value, and safety of the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Engine started knocking and developed slow acceleration out of the blue. In addition car has locked up on freeway despite not having any cars around me. Its been in the shop for 3 days and still no diagnosis.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that years ago, the engine was replaced with a rebuilt engine. Recently, after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine. The banging sound continued, and the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that an engine bearing had failed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

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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.

My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he didn’t sense it but the thermostat was stuck open so they fix that. Second time it went in they thought it was some sort of a filter and some other components I’m not sure. Again it was not fixed then my son and I were out in minnesota freezing cold night in November and go and drive and then when again it was the drive train this time that got fixed a month ago about a week ago it starts making a noise like there’s too much snow in the tires. I get my car washed every few days but I got it washed again and that didn’t fix it so it’s in the shop again and I’m paying for a rental again. I have the walser guard thank the lord because it’s paid for itself about 15 times over. I’ve gotten two transmissions, an air conditioner, two sensors the arm that other people have complained about I don’t know exactly the name of it the trailer component that you plug into also blew out my seven way and I had to have my seven way wire fixed so I’m nervous about plugging that back in. My dad passed away and I spent $70,000 of my inheritance by this car. I should’ve flushed it down a toilet instead. Everybody makes fun at work that this car is literally gonna kill my kids and I because every other day it feels like we’re stuck on the side of the road.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Yukon 🔎.

On [xxx], I was driving on the highway with my family in the vehicle and the check engine light came on, then it started running roughly. I headed off the highway on an exit ramp and the engine died about halfway down the ramp. It wouldn't restart after that. This happened about an hour away from my house in painesville, OH. I live in erie, PA. I had to tow it to the nearest GMC dealer. They've since concluded that the engine failed and have ordered a replacement engine from GMC. The Yukon only had about 4,900 miles on it. GMC has claimed that their engine problems were fixed for the 2025 and 2026 model years, or else I would not have purchased this vehicle. Obviously there are still major issues and the 2026 6. 2l engines need to be recalled. I understand that there is an ongoing investigation into these issues: rq26001. Please see that the investigators are made aware of this incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine died rattling sound undeer car shaking loss of power.

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

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.

Vehicle has 2200 miles, equipped with the diesel engine and failed at a red light. Gm has to install a new engine.

I have a 2024 GMC denali that had an engine service appointment in September 2025 for the engine recall where they did an oil change & put in performance grade oil & scoped my engine. Rochester serra GMC said they sent all the engine pictures to gm and my engine was okay according to them. After that appointment in November my engine light went on and my denali was leaking oil in my driveway. We took the truck back to serra GMC rochester and they replaced the oil filter that they said was defective & an oil change was done after my husband requested that just filling up the oil was not okay. They also told us the engine light didn’t show up on their computer system and it must have cleared out, so nothing was done for that. Today 1/25/26 now about a month later my engine light is back on and has remained on with multiple starts. This is not acceptable and needs to be investigated and I want this escalated. I do not feel comfortable driving my truck with this engine light on with a known engine propulsion recall that has no actual cure. The oil replacement and cap change has done nothing and engine light remains on. I just don’t want to hear the same thing that the computer must have cleared the error code. My engine light is on for a reason and I’m asking for a thorough diagnostic test to be done by a certified technician and a get a valid explanation of why my engine light keeps going on & not just changing my oil or waiting for something catastrophic to happen to me or my family. Gm is putting me and my family at risk by saying that my truck’s engine is fine when clearly the engine light keeps repeatedly going on for 3 months in a row now since November 17, 2025.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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.

The vehicle was running perfectly fine. We pulled into a service station to fill up the gas tank, and suddenly it wouldn’t start at all. We had no choice but to have it towed to mckenzie GMC in milton, florida. After several days of waiting, we were told we now “need another engine. ” yes—another engine. This is completely unacceptable. This same vehicle already had its engine replaced in 2025 under recall 25v274000. It passed the pico test, and the oil was changed to the updated 0w?40 viscosity exactly as required. There is absolutely no reason a vehicle with a recently replaced, recall?compliant engine should be failing like this. Something is seriously wrong with this vehicle, and it needs to be addressed immediately. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

We had the l87 engine recall completed at 14,318 miles on Nov 20, 2025 on our 2023 Yukon xl denali with the 6. 2l engine. Engine passed all tests by dealer and we were sent on our way with 0w-40 and a new oil cap. Fast forward to Jan 21, 2026. . . . My wife pulled the vehicle out of driveway and noticed a deep pitched, knocking sound. She slowly started to drive down the street a bit and then the vehicle shut off and displayed a warning message on the dash (this was on a cold engine, not due to the absurd auto start/stop feature). She was able to restart and get vehicle back to the garage. We had just rolled 15,000 miles on the odometer the day before. Immediately called our dealer and had an appointment set for the next day. We were able to drive vehicle to dealer with knocking and reduced power during the drive. Dealer confirmed next day that an excessive amount of metal was found in oil and on oil filter element then supplied us with video evidence. A complete teardown has been ordered but no cause has yet been identified as of Jan 29, 2026. Service tech stated as we walked back into the dealer that "you are getting a new engine based on the amount of metal found in the oil sample". I asked about timeline for engine replacement and was told that we are looking at a month if not longer until we will get the vehicle back. We know that we are very fortunate to not have had the engine shutdown happen on a highway as my wife would have most certainly panicked in the situation possibly leading to a catastrophic event.

Driving after dark on a main street in st george utah, the engine suddenly surged and then revved down. It felt like someone jamming it into 4wd. Traffic was tailgating me, and I was nearly hit. I could not pull completely out of the right lane. I put on hazard lights. Check engine light came on, and tcs light came on. I decided to get out of traffic & crawled forward about 30 yards into a sinclair station lot, then backed it into a spot where a tow truck could get it. It was clearly not drivable. Called aaa and a driver was able to get to me within 1/2 an hour. Checked the aaa website for mechanics since I was merely travelling through st. George and had no knowledge of the area. Hawker's automotive was listed first, with many excellent reviews. Tow truck arrived and driver loaded it on the jerrdan bed. I asked him to take me to the hawker's garage location. I locked it and put the key in the overnight box with my name, number, and description. Next day the mechanics said lifter arm was collapsed. Needed tearing down, replacing and probably new camshaft. Gave me estimate for "estimated" repair of about $8,000 or new engine at about $12,000! this is a known GMC failure apparently. Recalls have been initiated on newer models, but every mechanic will tell you that this happens all the time to all the 6. 2l, v8 engine at around 150,000. I bought it used at about 156,000 miles and have put about 5,000 miles on it. And changed the oil at purchase, and about 1,000 miles ago. I researched model and year before purchasing. All online reviews I found were positive. Nothing out there on this know manufacturing flaw. But now when I type in 'catastrophic engine failure 2016 denali xl" many many reviews and videos state that it is a known problem to both GMC and NHTSA. I or someone could have been killed by such a dramatic loss of power! this is a safety issue and NHTSA needs to review all the complaints on file already. Thankyou.

We received a notification that our 2023 gmg Yukon denali ultimate engine needed to be tested as a part of a recall. We took the vehicle to our local GMC dealership. The engine was tested and determined to "pass". The "pass", we were told, meant that we did not need a new engine, just thicker oil, and that the engine was safe. Mind you, our car was a custom order, took 8 months to receive, and is not even 3 years old. The vehicle is my everyday driver. I have two kids and live in a large city with a lot of traffic. A few months after it was determined to "pass", I was driving with my kids and dog in the car. The abruptly stopped, putting itself in neutral. Luckily, I had just turned off of a major interstate and onto a side road. The car would not start or move out of neutral leaving me and my kids in the middle of the road. It now needs a new engine. Prior to this issue, the battery died a few weeks after we took delivery of the vehicle. Safety!!!! if this happened just a few minutes prior, I would have been on a major interstate in one of the nation's worst traffic cities. My car would have abruptly shut down absolutely risking other cars hitting my car. All of this could have been avoided if GMC recalled and replaced all impacted engines. The GMC service tech admitted that they (GMC) knew it was a "band-aid" that wouldn't work. GMC is putting lives at risk. In addition, we now have a vehicle we paid more than $150k for that is virtually worthless.

Vehicle had already "passed" the gm testing and received 0w-40 synthetic engine oil. Engine failure. Vehicle is currently at the dealership. This event put my family at risk of serious injury and possible death as the vehicle suddenly stopped working while drive on a bust street. Engine failure has been confirmed by the dealership, who have recommended installation of a new engine. There were no warning lamps on the dash at the time of the event. However, there was a loud noise immediately followed by lose of engine power.

Purchased brand new vehicle 2026 xl denali, hadn’t even had my first oil change, and had a complete engine failure in the middle of the road. Prior to engine failure, car ran fine without an issue - so failure came out of nowhere. Towed, where GMC and dealer determined entire engine needed to be replaced. GMC did cover and dealer did install a new engine. However: 1. I was out of a vehicle for almost a month. 2. I have incurred a depreciation cost of 10-15% on my vehicle due to this problem. 3. I have lost confidence in my brand new vehicle, as GMC has not fixed the reoccurring engine problems from previous years - despite promises to the contrary.

On January 19, 2026, recall 25v274 was performed on my vehicle, and this was not disclosed to me when I picked up the vehicle from the dealership, courtesy Buick GMC in louisville, ky. I only found out when I got home and read through all the service notes. I contacted the dealer on January 19 after I got home, asking for explanation and have not heard back. The recall remedy failed. Since the service, symptoms of hesitation, lack of propulsion and low mpg persisted. As of Feb 1, the vehicle has suffered a transmission failure and is unsafe. The dealer told me verbally everything was fine, and in the service notes from Jan 19, they noted vehicle as 'operating as designed and within spec' despite performing safety recall work. ".

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

Driving down the inter state lost power and rpm raised, oil light came on and said to shut off. We checked the oil it was fine. Got back on the road then a knocking started and the vehicle shut off. I tried to start again and it wouldn’tand hour or so later it started and was knocking bad, I turned it back off. Called tow truck driver to have it towed to the 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.

Misfire on #6 cylinder. Diagnosis revealed the intake valve is not opening due to collapsed valve lifter. No message prior to engine light coming on and car shaking after driving back from the store (speed less than 45 mph).

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph on the highway and attempting to accelerate around a possible drunk driver traveling on the roadway, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called 911 and called for roadside assistance, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

My vehicle failed the picotest that gm is conducting on the engine. It is currently sitting at romain GMC in evansville indiana. I am not sure if I was at risk but the dealership says it's unsafe to drive so my assumption is that my safety was at risk. The dealership states that it will take 3 months before a new engine is installed. There were no symptoms leading up to this recall inspection.

2023 Yukon denali has now broken down twice, leaving myself and my family (husband and children). This last time was on Friday 1/16/26 while we were out of town, the car began malfunction and then we had complete engine failure while drive 70mph down the highway, again, leaving my family stranded on the side of the road, on a busy highway, in an unsafe environment in the winter.