Power Train Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

Electronics- module went out @40,000 brand new car drive train teal differential went out.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

On may 23, 2025, I purchased a 2023 GMC Yukon xl VIN: [xxx] from the GMC dealership. ? at the time of sale, I specifically asked about the active gm engine recall. They assured me the vehicle had been inspected and was unaffected. On October 30, 2025, the engine catastrophically failed on a highway while my family — including my two small children — were in the vehicle. This created a dangerous emergency situation as I had to avoid high-speed traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

While my wife was driving to pickup my son from school, the vehicle was stopped at a stoplight and the engine turned off approximately 1 mile after departing the house. After getting the vehicle towed to the dealership because it wouldn’t start, it was determined by the dealership that the engine was seized. The vehicle has 60,500 miles on it and is driven by a suburban woman and has always had all maintenance done at the dealership. The vehicle is parked in our driveway and there are no signs of oil leaks or anything else that would indicate a potential engine failure. This VIN was not recalled with the larger GMC 6. 2l engine failure recall, however other 2021 model years were recalled. Recommend immediate expansion of recall due to the unforeseen engine failure while driving with no previous warning lights (oil or check engine) or other indications prior to seizing. This experience indicates that the initial recall was not sufficient enough to locate and identify all of the 6. 2l engines affected by the poor quality control issues at GMC.

Faulty transmission at 90,000.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact own a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear while driving and remained stuck in gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance would not be provided because the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Lifters failed.

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.

On 15 Aug 2025, I was driving this vehicle on rte 151 in raccoon township with my 2 children when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly experienced a “loss of propulsion” with a corresponding uncommanded shift to “neutral”. Attempts to shift the car back into drive were met with a “parameters not safe” caution. I was fortunate enough that the vehicle behind me was able to slow and an accident was avoided. The thought that this could have happened with my family on the highway, during adverse conditions, or any other scenario is frightening to say the least. Other owners of affected models weren’t as fortunate.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

While traveling on the interstate at 10:30p, 6 hours into a highway trip, the vehicle shuttered violently and lost propulsion and powered systems control. We were traveling at 75 mph on cruise control and immediately had to take evasive action to avoid other vehicles traveling at highway speed as our vehicle rapidly decelerated to a stop. We were barely able to get to the shoulder of the highway before the vehicle came to a complete stop and all dashboard lights illuminated. There was no warning or indication of immanent failure or engine issue. The catastrophic engine failure did not allow for the attempted restart. After opening the engine bay we noted that the coolant reservoir was empty but there was no indication of any leaking fluid in the engine bay or on the ground. The coolant levels were normal at the trip start. We were stranded on the side of the busy interstate for approximately 2 hours awaiting onstar assistance and were forced to exit the vehicle due to its proximity to the edge of an active lane, leaving us exposed and without any protection for 2 hours, in the middle of the night, until assistance arrived. It was a harrowing experience and we are lucky that we were not injured or killed. The vehicle could not be disengaged from park and had to be dragged onto the flatbed. It was taken to the local GMC dealership and left for diagnosis. It was determined that the #2 piston rod broke, smashed valves and sent metal into all engine systems. Bothe the engine and coolant system were replaced. In addition, the torque converter locked up and had to be removed during servicing. All parts were retained by gm.

Vehicle information make: GMC model: Yukon xl denali year: 2021 VIN: [xxx] 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine failed due to defective lifters and camshaft components, along with excessive oil consumption. These issues rendered the vehicle inoperable and required over $10,000 in repairs. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous situation for my family and other drivers. Sudden loss of engine power could have led to a collision or left us stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by defouw GMC in lafayette, indiana. GMC has acknowledged the defect and agreed to cover all but $2,000 of the repair costs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle has been inspected by defouw GMC. GMC is aware of the issue under case #[xxx]. No inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, it all happened at once. The vehicle was extremely well cared for, and gm has all of the oil change records. Additional comments: we have been without our family vehicle since [xxx], and GMC has not provided an estimated arrival date for the replacement engine. We are now entering month four without a vehicle, which has severely impacted our family’s mobility and safety. This delay is unacceptable and reflects poorly on GMC’s commitment to customer safety and service. Has also cost us over $10,000 out of pocket, which I will seek reimbursement for legally, if I must. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

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.

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.

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.