Power Train Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

6. 2 liter engine seized on the interstate, I lost propulsion as the car switched to neural on it's own. Auto was towed to applegate Chevrolet in flint, mi.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Yukon 🔎.

For the third time, my vehicle died on me while I was driving; 2 of those times were on the highway going highway speeds. The last (3rd) time, I was towing my travel trailer/RV on the highway. In all incidents, the engine stopped propelling the vehicle. I could see and hear the engine revving but I failed to accelerate. After various warnings on the dash, I was able to pull safely off the road and then the engine just stopped, and nothing else worked. It failed to restart. This could have been a potentially dangerous situation because had I not been able to safely pull over, I would have been rear-ended. My vehicle was not part of the l87 recall for the 6. 2l gm engines but the symptoms sound the same as those that were. The recall probably should have been expanded beyond the dates that gm originally included.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “reduce acceleration – drive with care” and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 mph. The condition created a significant safety concern due to sudden loss of acceleration and propulsion while operating in traffic. The engine rpm would increase abnormally while the vehicle failed to respond properly in drive and reverse. An independent mechanic inspected the transmission and found diagnostic trouble codes p0747, p0776, and p0700 related to transmission pressure control and valve body operation. Inspection also revealed significant metal contamination, sludge, and clutch material inside the transmission pan and filter. Reverse and 2nd gear were determined to be failed/burnt internally. The vehicle was later transported to an authorized GMC dealer for inspection. Dealer confirmed reverse gear would not engage even after adding transmission fluid. Vehicle is currently available for inspection.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

Transmission valve body failed while driving on highway.

I am filing this formal complaint to report a series of catastrophic, life-threatening mechanical failures involving my 2023 GMC Yukon. This vehicle has become a weapon on the road, exhibiting erratic behaviors that nearly resulted in a multi-vehicle fatality on a high-speed highway. 1. High-speed power loss (highway failure while my wife was traveling at 60 mph in heavy highway traffic, the vehicle’s transmission spontaneously and without warning disengaged and shifted into neutral. This caused an immediate and total loss of motive power. In a split second, my wife was left piloting a 6,000-pound unpowered projectile in the middle of high-speed traffic. By the grace of god alone, she managed to navigate to the shoulder without being rear-ended. This is a clear "sudden loss of motive power" defect that poses an immediate threat to life. 2. Unintended directional movement (reverse shift) following a total engine replacement—a repair that took over 45 days—the vehicle has now developed a new, terrifying defect. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle spontaneously engaged in reverse. This unintended movement occurred without driver input, creating a high risk of pedestrian strikes and intersection collisions. 3. Systematic failure and dealer evasion the vehicle previously exhibited "ghost shifts" into park and neutral at low speeds. Despite my repeated warnings to the general motors service department, I was dismissed until the engine ultimately failed. Furthermore, the dealership has been inconsistent and evasive regarding the serial numbers of the replacement components, leading me to believe that unsafe or defective parts are being recycled into these vehicles. General motors is aware of these powertrain defects, yet they continue to allow these "death traps" to remain on the road. My family will not be the "crash test dummies" for gm’s manufacturing negligence.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle reversed inadvertently and then jerked forward to accelerate. The contact added that the battery was drained but the failure was not the most important to report at this time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The issue reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unexpected gear shifting. The check engine warning light illuminated and then disappeared when the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact used a handheld diagnostic machine and retrieved dtc: p0747. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2022 GMC Yukon xl equipped with the 5. 3l engine (VIN: [xxx] ). The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the lifters and camshaft. Prior to the failure, there were noticeable engine performance issues, including abnormal ticking noises, rough operation, and loss of power. The condition worsened rapidly, ultimately resulting in the engine becoming inoperable. This failure presents a significant safety concern, as the sudden loss of engine performance or power could occur while driving at speed, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently not drivable and requires extensive engine repair or replacement. Given the severity of this issue and the potential safety risks, I am requesting that this complaint be formally investigated. I understand that similar issues have been reported in vehicles with this engine, and I believe this may indicate a broader defect affecting reliability and safety. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My Yukon denali xl gm engine that was put in on 07/2022 has already failed. It failed as I was driving down highway at 65 mile per hour. It failed on 04/12/2025. I paid almost $7,000 to have my engine replace due to the original engine failing in early 2022. Now the engine that I paid thousands of dollars for has already failed and has no compression in cylinder 4. I have researched this and can see gm is currently in litigation over car owners reporting engine failure due to either liftors or cams. My car should be considered in this class action lawsuit against gm. It's wrong for a company to take so much money from owners and use an engine that gm knew had issues and was faulty to place it into my vehicle only to have it fail and now make my vehicle undriveable and I am told it's another $8,000 to repair it. Gm should address this issue with my vehicle and replace this engine that I had put in in 07/2022. Gm was aware of this engine problem with my model car Yukon. Gm knew this particular engine that they used in my vehicle on 07/22 (a gm engine) had the issue that gm is being sued for and sure enough the engine has now failed in my Yukon. Please hold gm accountable for this and include my car in this lawsuit.

See all problems of the 2011 GMC Yukon 🔎.

We were driving on 95s when the Yukon denali automatically shifted itself from d to n. On the dash it had a warning message to press start again. When my husband did that we could smell a smoke smell. Meanwhile, we are in the middle lane of the highway while trying to safely get off the middle of the interstate without being rear ended by the semi that was behind us. We finally made it to the side of the interstate where my husband was able to put the Yukon in park. He was never able to get the vehicle back in drive. The car would never click back over to start up again. We had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest GMC dealership where it has now been for almost 3 weeks with no timeline for a date of a new engine. I was told it needed a new engine and radiator. Said the alternator was trying to catch fire when he was trying to start the vehicle. This is the second time the Yukon has been in the dealership in 4 months for this recall issue. This time it is 2hrs away from my home.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 mph. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated at the time of the failure, with the message “reduce acceleration - drive with care” displayed. The contact waited for a while and then attempted to move the vehicle, and the vehicle drove forward slowly, and while attempting to reverse(r), the engine revved abnormally but failed to respond. The gear shifter was shifted to drive, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine continued to rev until depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on back order. The contact researched and associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train), and it opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while accelerating approximately 35 - 40 mph from a stoplight, the contact believed that the engine was going to seize. The message low power mode was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealer, who retrieved dtc: p0700, p0776, and p1881. The contact researched and became aware of GMC recall number: n22382220; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Nothing has happened yet. However, after only 308 miles… my 2026 denali is knocking and ticking very loud. Why? how is this possible? we’ve only had it 2 weeks! I have only driven it 5-6 times in the past 14-15 days, too worried that this might happen. But I was reassured by the dealership it wouldn’t. But here I am now. I am so disappointed. Being a disabled vet I thought we could have something that we both liked. Now I am upset because I feel betrayed and lied to. I did a video but it’s too large to upload so I can’t get it under 10mb.

Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.

While driving in traffic on a 2 lane road with small shoulders, the engine stopped, dash indicated automatic shift to neutral, restart vehicle. Vehicle coasted to a stop partially blocking the lane due to lack of shoulder and size of vehicle. Turned off ignition and attempted to restart. There was a click and the dashboard/electronics all went blank/off for several seconds then came back on. Attempted this 4 times with the same results. Called GMC roadside assistance for a tow to the dealership. The vehicle could not be shifted to neutral due to not being able to start. The tow driver had to forcefully pull the vehicle onto the flatbed with the vehicle still in park. I do not know what method was used to get the vehicle off the flatbed tow truck. Vehicle was partially blocking the roadway for an hour before the tow truck arrived leaving me vulnerable to a high speed crash. And leaving the tow operator open to an accident during the 30 minute loading upon diagnostic the dealer informed me the engine has seized/locked up. All recalls for loss of propulsion were completed at 48,711 miles on September 7, 2025 passing inspection and dealer performing an oil change to 0w40 oil. Engine failure was 3429 miles after the recall was performed with 52,140 miles. There was no warning or difference in driving characteristics prior to failure. There was not a loss of oil pressure prior to failure according to dash gauges.

The 2018 Yukon has been at the dealership several timeswaiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year gm vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. I don’t understand how this 2018 model apart of the recalls when it’s got the same issues as the newer ones. This is the second Yukon I’ve bought in the last seven years and the other one had the exact same issue.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a red traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The message "conditions not available to change gear" was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. The vehicle was restarted and was then towed to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Vehicle lost power on highway with my sons family in the car. Vehicle was towed to dealer from which it was purchased . Outcome was the motor failed and a remedy could be months out with gm only offering a 35/a day rental from enterprise which no vehicle that compares can be rented at that cost.

Monday, March 30, 2026 my GMC Yukon denali had already had the recall pico test and was told it passed on September 2025 six months later March 30, 2026, driving to pick up my wife from work a tapping sound coming from the engine started and about a mile down the road from when I first heard the tapping the engine started juttering and the noise got louder like a clunking sound. I had to pull off the road into a gas station and use the onstar to get assistance the vehicle was towed to a local san antonio dealership cavender Buick west they gave me a loaner vehicle the next morning and the day after that Wednesday I was informed that yes they confirmed the engine will have to get replaced so now I am waiting for that. I was told by the dealer it could take up to two months for them to receive a replacement engine and once they receive the engine, it can take roughly for maybe five days for turnaround. I inquired whether the replacement engine isn’t upgraded engine or is it the same engine that has all the problems I haven’t received an answer for that yet. I am awaiting that answer from my service advisor. He said he is looking into that.

My car lost all power on a bridge and started jerking me forwards and backwards. High rpms and eventually lost reverse. Code number p0777. Seems aligned with the newest transmission recall, but my VIN is not listed.

While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and stalled. I was forced to pull over. After stopping, the vehicle displayed a message to restart, but it would not start. All electronic accessories (lights, dash, etc. ) remained functional, but the vehicle would not shift into drive or neutral. The message “conditions not correct for shift” appeared. Nearly rear ended, this created a dangerous situation due to loss of power in active traffic and inability to move the vehicle on a 250,000 vehicle per day very busy tollway.

I purchased my used GMC Yukon from a used car dealership 3/28/26. I signed the papers for the agreement while I was driving the vechicle home I lost power and it wouldn't go forward with gas applied. The check engine light came on, I pulled the SUV over and it was towed. The code that popped up 0700 and 02723 both codes having to do with the transmission.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and was losing automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that it was the second transmission failure in less than 2 months. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the manufacturer had recommended a diagnostic test on the engine. The diagnostic test had not yet been performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

The 6. 2l motor in my GMC Yukon failed due to the camshaft and stalled me in an intersection on a highway. Had to shut the lanes down to get towed. Lost all power and couldn’t do anything but sit in the road. Just did a pico test and it “passed” but failed 3k miles after the recall was done.

I took this vehicle in for the recall that gm had indicated. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer and “passed” the pico test and the oil was changed out as recommended. Two weeks ago, the engine completely seized while driving in the interstate and was towed back to the dealership. I am now waiting on engine replacement after passing their solution. The car has roughly 30,000 miles on it.

My transmission control valve failed while I was driving causing my speed to reduce on a high speed high. I know longer could go in reverse, about 35mph or above 2nd gear. This is a known issue on the 10 speed transmission for 2022 Chevrolet tahoe, suburban, GMC Yukon however my VIN number was not included in the recall but it happened to me. This was a terrifying situation and I am so shocked as to why my vehicle was not included in the recall to begin with.

From the time I got my 2024 Yukon denali I have had problems with the electrical systems not working, it was in the shop for 2 months upon delivery to me when it was brand new, and since then I have had issues with the engine racing, the start button not working, or cutting off and on , on its own, recently the motor cuts on but never turns over. It has been in the shop again for over a week now and they replaced the engine control module and it is still doing the same thing. The dealership is now telling me its a wiring issue causing it. It has been something the entire time I have owned it. I paid 90k for a vehicle that has major issues. I am looking into the lemon law in my state of nc, and filing a complaint with GMC to see if I can get a replacement vehicle or traded.

On 3/14/26, on I-75 in troy, michigan at 70mph the vehicle, with 4000k miles on the odometer completely shut off. I pushed to restart the engine and it would not restart. My whole family was in the car and we were on a curve. I was able to coast to a flat shoulder. The vehicle would not restart or shift out of park. Onstar took seven hours to tow the vehicle. The dealer is installing a new l87 6. 2l engine. I do not have the vehicle back yet. I received an economy car as a loaner. The dealer says gm will not extend the factory warranty despite the engine replacement. My family could have been easily killed.

I own a 2023 GMC Yukon denali. In Nov. 2023, at about 4,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and electrical failure at highway speed while I was traveling with my husband and three small children. It suddenly lost all power in the fast lane, including acceleration and engine function. Steering became extremely heavy, consistent with loss of power steering assist, and the electronics shut down. We had to guide the vehicle across traffic while coasting downhill to the shoulder beyond a guardrail. Traffic had to avoid us, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed and required a complete engine replacement under warranty. After that replacement, additional issues followed. There was an hvac/defrost concern. In June 2025, the vehicle again became inoperable without warning while parked at a store. It would not start despite repeated attempts, including by a dealership representative. A diagnostic scan produced over a page of error codes, but the dealership could not identify a cause and stated the vehicle was safe. In Dec. 2025, the vehicle engine was inspected under a recall and I was told there were no issues. In Feb. 2026, the vehicle lost heat and was found to have no coolant despite regular maintenance and recent inspection. In Mar. 2026, at about 37,700 miles, the vehicle developed a loud clunking noise while driving. I stopped driving and returned it to the dealership, where I was told the engine had failed again and required another full replacement. The vehicle has now had two engine failures and three engines installed in less than three years. There were no warning lights or prior indications before these failures. I no longer believe this vehicle is safe or reliable for transporting my family.

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon with approximately 150,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and I immediately pulled over. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealer diagnosed a collapsed lifter and camshaft damage and recommended full engine replacement at a cost of about $9,450. The vehicle had no prior engine issues and most miles are highway miles. Sudden engine failure while driving creates a potential safety hazard due to loss of power. I am reporting this because I understand there are ongoing investigations into gm v8 engine failures and I believe this failure may be related.

I just survived a terrifying incident that proves the current gm 6. 2l (l87) engine "recall fix" is a dangerous myth. Living with the "ticking time bomb" I bought my 2023 GMC Yukon at4 brand new, but for the last two years, I haven't truly "owned" it—it has owned me. Every long-distance trip with my family was filled with anxiety. I constantly worried that I’d be the next one stranded on the side of the road while my neighbors' and friends' 6. 2l engines were seizing all around me. I traveled with fear that I’d be coming home in a rental car. The false security of the recall when the recall finally arrived, I thought the nightmare was over. On sept 15, 2025, my dealer in newburgh, NY, inspected the truck at 48,000 miles. They told me my engine "passed," switched the oil to 0w-40, and issued me a 150,000-mile extended warranty. I realized then what I know for sure now: 0w-40 oil is a band-aid, not a cure. Gm used thicker oil to "cushion" a physical manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and bearings just to avoid the multi-billion dollar cost of engine replacements. They traded my family’s safety for their bottom line. The catastrophic failure last Friday, March 13, 2026, the "fix" failed. I was traveling 70 mph uphill on I-84 with my **newborn baby** and two other kids in the back. Without warning, the engine seized solid. I lost all propulsion in heavy traffic and had to fight to get my children to the shoulder. We sat in the freezing cold for over an hour while traffic flew by us. An extended warranty is worthless when your engine dies in a high-speed traffic lane with an infant in the car.

While driving I had a sudden loss of power. Contacted dealership and was ask for engine code light. Told them no light had appeared on dashboard. Did note intermittent shift changes while driving after this occurrence. Transmission and or engine feels like it has a studder. Concerning.

I was pulling out of my driveway when I noticed that my mailbox was blown open from a recent storm. I stopped and put it in reverse (well tried to) but the vehicle would not shift. Quickly I continued to drive to make a u-turn instead and at that point my vehicle would not drive normally. The rpms would not go up despite pressing the gas and the engine was reving very high. Gm dealer said $700 to pull the transmission to determine the issue, but after my research I’m certain it’s the valve failure in the transmission just as it’s done the same to others. Why is this transmission not recalled, but the disel engines on the same model are? seems as though it is a similar issue. I’m afraid to see what they will charge me as my vehicle has 76,000 miles and I’m told is outside warranty coverage.

My 2023 GMC Yukon denali with the 6. 2l v8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70–75 mph on the highway with my wife and young daughter in the vehicle. The engine rpm dropped immediately to zero and the vehicle displayed a message instructing me to press start. I do not recall any meaningful prior warning lamps or symptoms before the failure. I did not hear a loud bang or other dramatic engine noise; the vehicle simply lost power and would not continue driving under engine power. I had to coast across lanes/shoulder to a stop, which created a serious safety risk to my family and other drivers because the vehicle lost propulsion at freeway speed without warning. After stopping, the vehicle would not restart. Pressing the start button produced only a click from under the hood and the engine would not crank. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership in victorville, California. The dealer has since confirmed that the engine requires full replacement. The failure has therefore been confirmed by an authorized GMC dealer and the vehicle should be available for inspection through that dealership/manufacturer if requested. This is especially concerning because this vehicle was already part of the known gm 6. 2l recall population and had supposedly passed the recall inspection/remedy before I purchased it. Despite that, the engine still failed catastrophically only about 1,355 miles into my ownership. Purchase mileage was approximately 26,343 and failure occurred at approximately 27,698 miles. Based on what the dealer told me, the failed component/system is the engine assembly.

2023 GMC Yukon xl 6. 2l v8 experienced progressive engine defects starting in first year. At 7,445 mi (Jan 2023), first dealer visit for engine issues. At 10,315 mi (Apr 2023), cyl 2 fuel injector failed (internally open), vehicle towed to dealer, replaced under warranty. At 14,982 mi (Aug 2023), identical cyl 7 injector failure (internally open), replaced under warranty. Two identical failures on different cylinders within 15,000 mi indicates systemic defect. By 30,409 mi (Aug 2024), dealer performed engine decarbonization due to carbon buildup from fuel injection issues. Dealer recommended additional decarbs at 38,077 mi and 42,577 mi. At 56,028 mi (Mar 2026), engine suffered catastrophic failure: piston ring failure causing excessive oil consumption and engine destruction, requiring full engine replacement. This matches gm's known 5. 3l/6. 2l v8 piston ring defect (subject of $150m class action settlement). Defective injectors caused incomplete combustion, carbon buildup on piston rings, ring tension loss, and catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle also has unfixed suspension defect (camber bolt/alignment). Vehicle visited dealer 8+ times. Engine failure poses serious safety risk from sudden power loss at highway speeds. Vehicle available for inspection.