Power Train Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

Lifters failed.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Transmission malfunctioned 4 separate times. Engine and service transmission light came on. Vehicle shifted hard and became immobile at certain times. 4 tropes to a dealer for repair. Latest repair was replacing ecm and problem still persists.

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

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

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Yukon 🔎.

2019 GMC Yukon xl. Purchased pre-owned from a dealership in July 2023. This month, August 2025, my transmission has failed. Apparently this defect is notorious for this particular year of GMC Yukon xl. There was a lawsuit against GMC but it was closed in June 2025. The issue is real and widespread and GMC should absolutely be responsible. There’s no reason a six year old vehicle should require this extensive repair.

I bought 2016 Yukon xl 9/2020. At 74k miles (2022), the transmission was replaced by warranty. Now (2025), at 126k miles, the transmission needs replaced again. This can’t be normal.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The electronic solenoid in the valve body failed and it is available for inspection. It was struggling to shift on freeway at speeds of 65 mph and I would lose power. The vehicle was inspected by a gm dealership service man. There were no warning lamps when part started to fail, luckily when I parked the vehicle would not go into gear and then the warning light (check engine light) came on.

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

I had just backed the truck out of a parking space (while turning) and shifted the transmission into 'drive' with my foot pressing the brake pedal (not the gas pedal). When I took my foot off the brake pedal in order to transfer it to the gas pedal the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward without my foot ever pressing the gas pedal. The vehicle traveled forward about 20 feet before I was able to stop it by pressing the brake pedal. I am a retired general motors safety engineer and I know I was not pressing the gas (accelerator) pedal when this sudden acceleration event occurred. I believe this type of event occurred one other time while I was driving this vehicle. However, I am not as clear about the circumstances surrounding this previous event.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The transmission is going out and it started with a shudder. The change for the transmission filter and oil was only a temporary fix. It also shifts hard or there is a delay in the shift.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact initially began to notice that no sound would emit from the vehicle while using her turn signals. The contact then stated that upon coasting into a parking spot while in reverse(r), the vehicle shut off while going over a bump in the parking spot. A red "park" warning light appeared on the instrument panel upon restart of the engine. The contact then stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle shut off while driving on a bumpy road. Due to the failure, the contact lost brake function and was forced to coast the vehicle to a stop. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, a "service transmission" warning light appeared on the instrument panel as the turn signal sound returned. The contact drove the vehicle home where it remained in her possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; they agreed to have the vehicle towed to a dealer to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon 🔎.

10 speed transmission it’s been at the dealer for a month and they checked it today. Same issues as the mass recall dash alert for reduced speed drive with caution. It was extremely dangerous because it malfunctioned on curvy winding roads.

My 2021 GMC Yukon xl denali is part of the April 2025 recall for the 6. 2l v8 engine defect. The dealership confirmed the engine must be replaced, but the part is on backorder, potentially for several months. In the meantime, GMC only authorized a GMC acadia as a courtesy vehicle. The acadia is not comparable to our Yukon xl. We are a family of six, and while the acadia has a third row, there is almost no cargo space with it in use. Our Yukon xl has over three times the cargo capacity, which is necessary for safely transporting luggage and sports equipment during our frequent trips (2–3 times per month). Because of this, we have already been forced to rent a larger SUV at our own expense for a recent trip. GMC’s courtesy transportation program states that owners should receive comparable transportation during recall repairs. Despite escalating through the dealership, GMC customer assistance, and even the regional manager, we were denied a comparable loaner or guaranteed rental coverage. This leaves our family in an unsafe and impractical situation while waiting months for the recall repair.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control valve had failed and needed to the replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The transmission quit working and we were almost in an accident. This is a known issue on the interweb and I think gm needs to step in and help!.

116k miles and the transmission went out. Spent almost 6k on a jasper to replace it. I don’t think I need to explain what happens when a trans goes out. It did all of those things.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Vehicle equipped with 6. 2l v8 engine. Have been experiencing hesitation upon acceleration, decrease in power/reduced performance, trouble starting, abnormal shifting (particularly from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear) for about two months. On two separate occassions(once about 1yr ago and the second time about a week ago) during normal use of the vehicle, the car started to shudder and the cel began flashing. Both times I immediately pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Fluids were good, car has never overheated, regular maintenance has been performed as well. When I turned the car back on, the light was off and didn't show any signs that there was an issue. Two days ago during normal use of the car at about 35mph, a loud knocking/ticking sound started. I was about 1/8 mile from my destination so I attempted to make it there. Driveway is uphill and when I accelerated to get up the hill the sound got much louder and ticking was twice as fast. Shut off the car, let it cool, and knocking sound was just as bad the next time I started the car. Had the car towed to prevent damaging the vehicle further. This car is financed and I have three payments left on the 54 month contract. Today I reached out to the dealer about the issue and asked if I should bring my car to their service dept. I explained how I have been experiencing most of the issues that gm has identified as warning signs that indicate a potential engine failure and I was told theres no way my car has a recalled engine and the guy laughed at me when I tried to give him the information I found on the NHTSA website. Not really sure who I'm supposed to call to get some help with this issue.

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact became aware that the vehicle continued to move forward while shifted into park, neutral, or reverse. The contact stated that the message "transmission overheating" was then illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 119,000. The contact declined to provide the VIN.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Yukon 🔎.

GMC refusing to provide new engine and repair. Gm sent letter with no date for repair. Gm will not provide alternate transportation. Gm states engine failure could cause loss of power resulting in an accident but will not provide alternate transportation.

I am filing this complaint regarding gm recall n252494000 (NHTSA campaign number 25v274) for my 2024 GMC Yukon xl (VIN: [xxx] ). The issue involves a serious engine defect related to the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, which can result in catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving—a clear and dangerous safety risk. I first became concerned when early reports of this issue began circulating publicly. As a father of young children, I became increasingly uneasy that my vehicle could potentially fail while in operation. Receiving gm’s formal recall letter only validated my growing concern for my family’s well-being. It’s deeply frustrating and unsettling. The notice states that parts to repair or replace the engine are not currently available, and offers no clear timeframe for when a remedy will be provided. I feel like we are being strung along while forced to continue using a vehicle that may become unsafe at any moment. This delay is unacceptable. There has been no offer of a loaner vehicle, no proactive communication from the dealer, and no assurance from gm that they are prioritizing driver safety over logistics. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether gm is doing enough to provide timely remedies to affected customers. I also urge you to consider whether interim solutions (such as alternative transportation or more aggressive recall execution) should be mandated. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Driving and vehicle started making noise and lost ability to accelerate fully. Mechanic stated he’s had numerous issues with this model with lifter and camshaft damage especially with the 6. 2l engine which has a recall on the 2021-25 models but not the 2020. $5,000+ to fix at this point.

The transmission failed at 59,700 miles. The transmission will shift up and down by itself. The transmission is revving up when trying to pass and the vehicle will go limp for a few seconds and then the gear with kick in really hard. In stop and go traffic the transmission slips constantly and could cause an accident due to the limp mode.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Issue: transmission safety complaint: immediate reduction in forward motion dealer: dealer currently has the car, stuck transmission valve solenoid's. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer: awaiting backorder part to see 30 days warning lights: car had no current warning lights before car immediately down accelerated while on the highway.

My transmission failed again after being replaced by general motors certified dealership. The transmission in question has failed again after less than five months being back in service. In 2024 and 2025 my vehicle has been in and out of the service department at other dealerships and they cannot repair the vehicle according to the dealerships they do not have the staff for it. General motors will not stand behind the transmission as they have now labeled it as a part so they will not have to provide transportation. According to dealerships in my area in michigan, they do not have the staff or the parts to service my vehicle. I contacted general motors customer service multiple times regarding the situation. We truly have a bad transmission again in my vehicle. The transmission in question is a c8 transmission that has failed due to shuttering and downshifting, which the replacement remanufactured transmission for $8000 continues to fail. General motors will not buy back this vehicle or address this ongoing issue. I truly believe I am not the only person with transmission issues as this is a major defect by the manufacturer, which is general motors. Will you please look into my complaint is this is caused severe hardship to my family. General motors needs to take responsibility for this failure to the transmission. I’ve had seven other items that have failed also on this vehicle, including the engine. Thank you for your time and consideration looking into this matter. Sincerely [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2018 GMC Yukon sle has a transmission failure and a engine oil coolant failure. The issues occurred while driving when the vehicle had to go into limp status to prevent the transmission from complete failure. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership 2x and they changed the fluid once and replaced the thermostat the second time. Neither case fixed the vehicle, it is currently in the shop for transmission and radiator w/ engine oil cooler replacement - $8200 the vehicle has been inspected by aamco of dover, DE and is awaiting inspection by warranty company 3rd party inspector. There are no warnings before the system is overheated and goes into limp status and at that point an alarm sounds in the car.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Yukon 🔎.

My denali had no previous problems, I pull out of the driveway and I felt a hard lunge forward without me pushing the gas. Almost like the car accelerated like a hard jerk. I pulled over because I thought I had been hit by another car. After checking no cars around, I pull back out and I felt it again a hard lunge forward. If someone would have been in front of me I would have hit the car in front of me without even pushing the gas. These GMC are dangerous and can’t trust my vehicle. After getting stranded on the road found out the transmission went out. My SUV is now being repaired at GMC at my expense. Only had the vehicle 6 months. Recall the transmission.

Vehicle was brought to dealership fountain Buick GMC 8701 s orange blossom trail, orlando, FL 32809 (866) 465-4364 for recall on engine. Dealership told our company that they were unable to repair or diagnose the recall this month June 2025. Vehicle has had an intermittent check engine light from time to time. I was instructed that it was safe to still drive the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

I am filing a complaint regarding a potential safety defect in my 2024 GMC Yukon denali (approx. 25,000 miles), which has been in the dealership’s service department for about 30 days due to a faulty valve body in the transmission system. There is currently no estimated date for repair completion due to a lack of available parts. This is the second time the vehicle has been in the shop for the same unresolved issue. Earlier in 2025, I brought the car in due to driveability concerns and error messages appearing on the dash, but the dealership dismissed it and claimed I had “turned the vehicle on wrong,” despite it having a push-button start. The problem persisted until June 2025, when they finally diagnosed the valve body failure. This issue directly affects drivability and vehicle safety, particularly during acceleration and gear shifting. I am concerned that general motors is aware of widespread valve body and transmission failures in these vehicles, yet continues to produce and sell new units while failing to ensure parts are available to support timely repairs. It is unacceptable that a major safety-related transmission issue can sideline a relatively new vehicle for over a month with no resolution in sight. Gm’s lack of urgency in addressing this defect suggests a disregard for consumer safety and reliability. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential pattern of safety defects in gm’s full-size SUV transmission systems.

Knocking coming from engine, seems like engine failure.

Problems with the engine shifting gears stalling delayed or won’t engage hard shifting while it’s in motion something’s going on with the engine we’ve called several and had it serviced times of times to ask them what was going on with it in newport oregon you can fill it still when you drive. The problem still is not fixed. It’s been happening since we purchased it took it in right away. We’ve asked if our VIN number has come up for a recall repairs we are worried for safety and are currently parking in the car because the dealership is unable to fix what is wrong with the car. They’re telling us there is something wrong and are aware of the recall and won’t fix the problem dealership refuses to take the car they don’t want it without the recall fixed due to safety concerns. You can definitely fill it when you drive I’m not exactly sure what the other issue if with the sounds it’s making when the issue keeps happening but it’s scary there is the recall on it. They are not taking into consideration or the seriousness of the situation and the safety of lives.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated while driving approximately 45–50 mph, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The rpm increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, hennessy GMC (145 industrial blvd, mcdonough, GA 30253); where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

The valve body failed on 6/4/25. This caused the car to have a sudden jerk and then suddenly decelerate while driving with my children in the vehicle. It could have caused an accident if another vehicle had been following behind. The vehicle has been at the local GMC dealership for repair for almost 8 weeks now, and is available for inspection by 3rd party upon request. The same part failure has been found in the 2019-2022 models. There was no warning to this happening to my vehicle, just a sudden jerk and deceleration. After it occurred the check engine light came on.

The transmission failed while driving it and no warning lights were visible on the dashboard before hand or afterwards . . The vehicle is presently at a legitimate transmission repair shop and needs a new transmission supposedly this particular vehicle is evidently not included in the recall although the make and model are listed as part of the recall.

For whatever reason our 2021 GMC Yukon denali is not listed in the current 2025 GMC motor recall including cams and lifters and accompanying parts. While driving our truck about a mile from the house the vehicle began seizing and shaking (almost as if we had blown several tires); we immediately pulled over and accessed. Called dealership and had truck towed there immediately. We are told that it needs cams and lifters and that b/c our VIN does not pull up a recall that the repairs will cost ~$9800.

SUV appears to get stuck in gear or struggle shifting causing jerky behavior and erratic drivability. Stopped driving and had it towed to dealer. Dealer stated engine code p0747 shown. Dealer stated faulty transmission valve body but no eta on parts. Told to keep driving unless condition gets worse. Vehicle is less than 2 years old and 20,000 miles. Check engine light goes on and off relating to the same condition and sometimes having shift issues.