Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Yukon - part 2

The contact's daughter owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was intermittent but frequent. The vehicle stalled intermittently with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not yet diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

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Engine shut down in 2022 due to faulty lifters. Repairs were made. Same problem again in 2026.

2019 GMC youkon with 94,659 miles. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased it used in February 2025. Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to auto zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage. Why would the check engine light not come on sooner to prevent total failure. Vehicle was towed to a GMC certified mechanic where it was confirmed that all lifters and cam shaft were damaged beyond repair and must all be replaced. Estimated cost of repairs so far: $8,596. 80 labor: remove & replace left and right valve lifter (both sides) coolant service oil change labor parts: engine camshaft 1 , genuine gm engine valve lifter oil manifold gasket 1 , genuine gm fuel pump gasket 1 engine timing cover gasket set 1 engine valve lifter guide 1 engine valve lifter guide 1 coolant/antifreeze orange dex-cool 1 gal 3 engine push rod 8 engine oil filter 1 0w-20 full syn 8 engine cylinder head bolt set 1 engine valve lifter guide 1 engine valve lifter guide 1 stock engine valve lifter 4 stock engine valve lifter 4 engine cylinder head gasket kit 1 engine cylinder head bolt 10 approved subtotal $8,422. 71 + est. Tax $174. 09 $8,596. 80 estimated time for repair: going on three weeks.

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On 3/3/2026 during the night-time hours, I was traveling on the freeway in my 2023 GMC Yukon at over 65 mph when I received a notice from the instrument cluster stating that the battery was low and oil pressure was low. Before I could pull over to a safe location, the Yukon turned off while in motion. My wife and two children were in the vehicle. The Yukon stalled in the number one lane of the off-ramp. I had to remove my children and wife from the vehicle while in the roadway on busy throughfares and in darkness. I attempted to jumpstart the Yukon, but efforts were unsuccessful. The Yukon was towed to the dealership where I purchased it purchased from. The Yukon was returned to my custody on 3/10/2026 stating it was an issue with the battery. While driving the Yukon home it began to bog down and stalled out in-front of my residence as it was being driven by my wife. After arriving home (night-time), I went to check the Yukon, and it started with no issues. I drove the Yukon to see if the errors would occur again. While driving the Yukon on the freeway, the Yukon rmps indicated close to redline and I received a notification from the instrument cluster stating to turn the vehicle off (traveling at about 70-75 mph). Once again, I was unable to pull off to a safe location before the Yukon turned off on its own while still in motion; I attempted to jumpstart the Yukon but attempts were unsuccessful. The Yukon was towed again to dealership. On 3/11/2026 I was advised that the engine had seized and on 3/13/2026 I was advised by GMC the engine needed to be replaced (this was covered under powertrain warranty). The approximate milage of the vehicle is at about 42,200.

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2026 Yukon elevation with 3,957miles. I was driving down the road and pulled into the turn lane at an intersection. Vehicle cut off with the auto start/stop function and would not start back up. I continued and tried to restart the vehicle but would not start; I was blocking the lane with cars continuously going around me. Vehicle stated service transmission on the display- I was unable to put it into neutral to push it out of traffic; you are only allowed to put it into neutral when crank and couldnt get the accessory mode to come on without the vehicle trying to start. I called the local police department and they sent an officer to direct traffic until a tow truck showed up. Both observed the vehicle not starting. There were no symptoms prior to the vehicle cutting off, only once auto start/stop initiated did the vehicle not restart. Vehicle will be sent back to the dealership tomorrow to resolve this issue. I have dash cam footage of the incident and photos of the display on the screen.

The engine started a soft, cyclic tapping sound intermittently on 2/28/26 while I was out of town on a trip. No alerts showed on the gm systems app. On 3/1, while driving home from the trip, the car started hard braking at cruising speed and the engine died and would not restart. I had the car towed to the closest gm dealership and have been told the engine locked up. I just rolled 6000 miles and showed 18% oil life from the original engine oil it came with from the factory. I had been watching the engine problems for years now and waiting for them to be resolved before buying a new gm; only to be lied to that the issue was resolved. Now they're going to install yet another defective engine.

My vehicle started making a weird noise and when I took it to the shop, they told me my crankshaft has gone bad and I was lucky I caught it before the entire engine blew.

2026 GMC Yukon xl denali, VIN [xxx] , 6. 2l v8 l87 engine. At 3,168 miles, vehicle developed rough idle and knocking noise. Delivered to sewell Buick GMC dallas on 3/2/26. Dealer diagnosed crankshaft thrust bearing spun. Tech pinpointed bottom-end noise via stethoscope, found excessive metal debris in oil and oil filter. Engine teardown confirmed thrust bearing failure. Required complete engine replacement (gm #xxx), plus oil cooler/radiator, oil cooler lines, torque converter bolts, and all one-time-use parts due to metal contamination. Old engine serial [xxx] , new engine [xxx] . Repaired under warranty 3/9/26, ro #xxx. This is the identical failure mode that caused NHTSA recall 25v-274 covering ~597,630 l87-equipped vehicles (my 2021-2024). Gm stated manufacturing improvements were completed by 6/1/24 and 2025+ models were not affected. My 2026 model year failure directly contradicts this claim and suggests the defect persists in current production. Safety concern: bearing failure causes sudden complete loss of propulsion at any speed. Nhtsa investigation pe25001 notes most failures occur without warning. Loss of power at highway speed creates serious crash risk due to loss of ability to accelerate and reduced power braking/steering. Had this failure progressed further while driving with my family, consequences could have been severe. No crash or injury occurred in this instance. This 2026 model year failure indicates NHTSA's investigation scope should expand to include current production vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Lifter failure, resulting in costly repairs and possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle has 78,000 miles and has been regularly serviced.

I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe to be a serious and systemic safety defect involving gm 6. 2l engines equipped with fuel efficiency systems such as active fuel management (afm) or dynamic fuel management (dfm). I have experienced catastrophic engine failure in two separate GMC Yukon denali vehicles with nearly identical symptoms, which strongly suggests a broader design defect rather than isolated mechanical issues. My first vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon denali xl, developed significant engine performance problems consistent with known lifter and camshaft failures widely reported in gm vehicles using these fuel efficiency systems. Due to ongoing reliability concerns and the financial burden of potential repair, I was forced to trade this vehicle at a loss. My second vehicle, a 2016 GMC Yukon denali xl equipped with the same engine platform, suffered sudden and catastrophic engine failure in February 2026. This failure occurred abruptly and without meaningful prior warning, rendering the vehicle inoperable and creating a potentially hazardous situation. Sudden engine failure of this nature presents a significant safety risk, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. An oil service had been performed on this vehicle in December 2025 at a jiffy lube franchise. After the failure, an independent service provider documented that the oil fill cap had been left loose. However, the jiffy lube franchise and its insurance carrier have denied responsibility, asserting that the engine failure is attributable to known defects and reliability issues associated with gm’s fuel efficiency engine systems. As a result, both the manufacturer and the service provider are denying responsibility for a catastrophic mechanical failure that has serious safety implications. This leaves consumers exposed to sudden engine failure risk with no meaningful recourse. Based on my direct experience with two separate vehicles exhibiting similar catastroph.

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I had just pulled off from street light, hit button to turn auto engine shutoff off, all of sudden I lose power as if I'm in neutral, engines reving up but won't go. Then kicks in but with less power like gears will not shift. I get to my destination but car will not go in reverse.

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into limp mode with a limited speed availability message displayed. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,837.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon 🔎.

On 2/22/2026 we were driving back from west, texas on fm 2311 we were traveling at about 60 mph posted speed limit while we were entering th econsturction zone the vehicle said start the car we were driving in then I noticed we lost propulsion and steering and brakes were very difficult to handle my wife and 10 year child were in the vehicle with me. This road had no shoulders and a very steep deep embankment on both sides of the road. Very dangerous situation. We were trapped between two hills with no way to stay safe or get the vehicle to a safe spot to keep traffic from hitting us or the car we had to go stand down the bottom of the embankment to try and stay safe as best as we could. The leroy texas voluenteer fire department came up on us and was able to block traffic until the car was towed to our home then to freedom Chevrolet in faitfield texas on2/23/2026 on 2/23/2026 we made a claim with gm claim#89328131 and have been ignored by them told them a engone replacement does not fix the saftey issue permantly so I am repspectfully rejecting the repair told dealer not to fix. We had a recall done on 11/17/2025 for this issue and it failed us we could have been killed or seroiously injured. This is a massive saftey issue we even asked gm for a buy back or a swap and we called today on 2/27/2026 and gm told us john whoever that is would call us back never called us. Gm even acted like they could not find the claim number when I have an email about it. I am now very worried that gm will try to erase all the data from the vehicle recording device aka black box. Gm must be held accountable I own 3 gm vehicles worth a total of almost 300k all have a major saftey recall .

My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.

Recall notice for engine - recall service done 12/7/2025 - completed full engine failure 12/22/2025 after recall service completed - engine replaced and returned to us on 1/15/2026 2/20/2026 - service engine light with same warning code now on Yukon with new engine - appears as if new engine has failed.

Please see attachment.

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

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

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the lifter was stuck in the bore, and there was a misfire in cylinder #7 due to a stuck camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,997.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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

The engine failed and had to be replaced with less than 70,000 miles on it. There has already been a recall associated with these vehicles where a part is either replaced or special oil has to be used. It does not seem that the fix prevents the engine from failing.

The SUV has 46,000 miles on it. Recently, the check engine light illuminated, prompting me to take it to the dealership for servicing. The diagnostic codes retrieved were u0285 and u1345. I was informed that the aero shutter required replacement. There was no physical damage; it merely ceased functioning. The dealership confirmed the active check engine light and conducted a diagnosis. While my safety was not immediately compromised, I felt extremely frustrated upon learning that gm would not cover the repair under warranty, despite this being a recognized issue that gm has yet to address. This situation is simply unacceptable and warrants further investigation and resolution.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

My 2023 Yukon at4 was taken to certified GMC dealer in November 2025 for the engine recall. The dealership gave my vehicle a clean bill of health at that time and the recall repair was cleared. On Friday, 2/13/26, myself and 5 other family members were en route to my godfather's veteran funeral service in newtown, PA. We were going 75mph in the middle lane of the PA turnpike when the motor seized up and vehicle lost all steering control and power. Since it was the side of the turnpike, we were limited in resources and stranded, missing the funeral service due to the length of time it took to get the vehicle loaded on a tow truck. Since the vehicle was unable to release the parking brake, the tow driver(s) were struggling to tow it. My husband, ended up having to go under the vehicle (on the side of the turnpike) to disengage the parking brake to help the tow drivers. This could have been a catastrophic situation. My vehicle was taken to a different GMC dealer than the original one that did the recall check. There are no rental vehicles available, so I am too out of a vehicle necessary for my work and family, with no time frame on the repair of my engine that only has 31,000 miles on it.   .

My 2023 Yukon denali is part of the l87 engine loss of propulsion recall. On August 28, 2025 my Yukon was inspected by sterling mccall Buick GMC (where I purchased it) and it was deemed to have passed inspection. They changed the oil and installed a new oil fill cap and filter. On February 13, 2026 I took my Yukon to my mechanic for an oil change. Upon initiation, he advised me that he found the oil stick to be dry, no oil on the stick. There was no leak.

My 2020 GMC Yukon xl denali 6. 2l with 59,000 miles developed a ticking noise and slight power loss diagnosed by three different garages as a "collapsed lifter" on #4 cylinder. It's one of the afm/dod cylinders that shuts down to save fuel. $8,000 repair estimate, or $12,000 if the failed lifter damaged the camshaft. All three garages said "we see a lot of these. " internet forums are loaded with lifter problems on this engine: specifically afm/dod lifters. Safety is not affected. Noise/diagnosis reproduced by three independent garages. Has not been inspected by mfg, police, or insurance rep. No warning lamps or messages, no odb2 "codes" found by garages. Seven months ago the water pump exploded on interstate 70, putting us at serious risk. Now this lifter trouble at 59,000 miles. Both should have been covered by the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, but I'm beyond the 5-year limit.

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.

Vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the highway. Onstar said it was the transmission. Checked the oil and smoke was billowing out of the dip stick and there was no oil. None of the sensors indicated that there was low oil. After sitting and waiting for a tow truck rechecked the oil with the dipstick and there was oil in it. Now requires a new engine.

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

My engine was part of l87 engine GMC Yukon xl 2023 recall, they checked the car at 41,000miles in Aug-sept 2025, then they suggested different oil to be used, they changed the oil and thats it, 5000 miles later my engine died on the high way, it shut off and car seized and shut off on the highway and did not move. I towed it to the GMC dealership, they confirmed the engine is seized, but they have been very secretive, they did not tell me whats wrong, they been some what ignoring me, I dont have a car its been few days, no one reached out to tell me whats happening, no offer to give me a loaner, when I kept bugging me they said we're opening the enigne to send the broken part inside to the GMC headquarters, I asked to know what's the issue what's happening but I'm worried they will do another short cut, I need your help on what to do next.

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.

Complete engine failure while driving on i25 in new mexico, lost all power was able to roll into a airport parking lot. If I had not been close to the off ramp it could have been catastrophic with the truck traffic on the interstate. The vehicle has completed all of its normal maintenance on time, and as of January 30, 2026 had a complete review from GMC that everything was in great shape including the engine. There was never a warning light, a maintenance message or any other indication.

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.

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.