Power Train Problems of GMC Yukon - part 2

The 2020 Yukon started to have serious loss of speed and decelerating issue when the vehicle would slow down and down shift to a lower gear. The issue with this is that once it downshifted it woul not engage in a gear again and leave me stranded on the road. I had to turn off the car and restart it for it to reengage in a gear enough to get it moving again and sometimes I had to try more than once to get it moving once it no longer wanted to engage in a gear. So in the 10 mile drive, I was left stranded at least 15 times. Each time I had to restart and restart again for the vehicle to engage in a lower gear. Once moving, it would sometimes it would engage in a higher gear and sometimes it would not. Thank goodness I wasn't traveling on the highway when this happened. Beware to anyone if this was to happen on the highway while in the middle lane while in traffic. And the check engine light never turned on and thus no code to help detect the issue. Took it the day before to have it looked at and was told nothing was wrong with it since there was a code and they could not duplicate the issue I described. What?? they reset some transmission computer setting but it only made it worse by the next day. Now this 6 yr on 2020 gm Yukon is at the dealership service department requiring a new transmission for $7200. Said that the transmission fluid was showing particles of stuff and color was 'burnt', I think. Transmission fluid was changed at it's regular check up time so that didn't cause the issue and nor should it have bits and pieces in it and discolored. Is there any recourse to gm and it's crappy transmissions??.

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I was driving down the road and my vehicle went into limp mode, and I had reduced acceleration. I got to my destination then could not reverse the vehicle out of the parking space, reverse would not engage and allow me to have acceleration power. Because the parking space was on an incline we could roll backwards then drive forward, in limp mode, to a nearby mechanic. The vehicle diagnostic codes they got were: no reverse, p0700, p0776 and p18a1. They told us the repair needed would be to remove and replace the valve body assembly for $2,862. 40. There were no warning lights that came on prior to the incident. Once the vehicle went into limp mode the check engine light came on. We had a chevy dealer and got a second opinion at a transmission shop to check the transmission in December 2025, because we were concerned about a possible hard shift when shifting vehicle from park to drive, but both places concluded there were no problems. We now have had it towed to a transmission shop for a second opinion. It is available for inspection. We see a recall issued to other 2022 GMC Yukon xl that does not come up when we put our VIN # in, but could possibly apply to our vehicle too is recall #: n252536750.

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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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Transfercase was casuing the Yukon to serge when in auto mode. No codes warning lights were presented. The dealer did not find any codes but when the transfer case was removed the oil was drained to which metal shavings were found in the oil. After getting the Yukon back the transmission began to exibit the same type of issues. Currently the Yukon is back in the shop.

The 8-speed automatic transmission (hydra-matic 8l90) on this 2017 GMC Yukon slt 5. 3l v8 has failed. This is a repeat failure — the transmission was previously rebuilt in 2020 under a gm recall/service action for the same known defect affecting this transmission type. The transmission has now failed again in 2026, approximately six years after gm's prior repair. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited hard shifting, shuddering during acceleration, and hesitation between gear changes — symptoms consistent with the known defect pattern documented across 2015–2019 gm vehicles equipped with this transmission. The failure was confirmed by a service center. The vehicle is currently not safely drivable. Safety concern: erratic and unpredictable gear changes, including sudden lurching and hesitation during acceleration, create a dangerous condition for the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. Gm has been contacted through their customer assistance center (case opened). Gm's initial position was that they cannot assist because the vehicle is out of warranty. However, this is a repeat failure of a previously repaired known defect. Gm issued 13+ technical service bulletins on this transmission and has been aware of the root defect since at least 2018. A federal class action (speerly v. General motors, e. D. Michigan) covering this exact vehicle type and transmission has been certified and upheld by the sixth circuit court of appeals. The prior gm repair did not remediate the underlying defect.

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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.

On [xxx], my 2022 GMC Yukon denali xl (VIN [xxx] ) experienced a complete loss of propulsion while I was driving on [xxx] in el paso, texas, with my wife and two young children in the vehicle. Mileage was approximately 50,364. While in motion, the vehicle was displaying abnormal behavior, concerned the vehicle would stall on the highway, I exited at the geronimo exit. As the vehicle slowed, it shut down entirely. Multiple restart attempts failed. The dashboard cycled on and off, displaying a "service 4wd" warning while the vehicle was in 2wd mode. The transmission locked, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of the roadway with traffic passing on both sides. Onstar sos was activated to communicate the unsafe location. The el paso police department was requested to divert traffic. A city tow vehicle arrived after approximately fifteen minutes; my family was assisted across the roadway. Roadside assistance did not arrive for approximately three hours. This was the second loss-of-propulsion event on this vehicle in less than twelve months. The first occurred in March 2025 and resulted in engine replacement under NHTSA safety recall 25v274 (l87 engine loss of propulsion). The [xxx] failure occurred after the recall remedy had been applied and the engine was replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the throttle body, intake air duct and a service item titled "repair open ground circuit". I am filing this report to document a second loss-of-propulsion event on a vehicle that already received the remedy under recall 25v274, and to ensure NHTSA has visibility into the potential pattern of recurring or inadequate remedy on the l87 platform. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I had taken care of the recall items in regards to the failing 6. 2l engine. I was driving on the highway (going ~70mph) when all of a sudden the car kicked into neutral and the engine shut off. I was able to pull over, but the engine would not turn on. Electronics worked, but I think I had a total engine failure at 42k miles.

Driving 70mph on highway when engine suddenly failed. Engine turned off and kicked into neutral. Had to pull over on busy highway in a powerless car and have car towed. It is now getting a full engine replacement at 42k miles.

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.

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Transmission surging. Transmission stays in one gear.

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the rear tailgate opened independently. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane and attempted to shift to park(p); however, the vehicle failed to shift to park(p). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the failure of the battery light being illuminated was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

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The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle jerked as if the brake pedal was depressed and failed to accelerate as intended, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The message "reduced acceleration - drive with care" was displayed. The contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was a failure with the transmission valve. The contact was informed that the transmission valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the message "service transmission now" displayed. The driver was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse(r) and turned around and returned to the residence. The contact and his wife researched online and found that there was a recall for the transmission for the year and model under NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact discussed the recall and was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon xl. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into limp mode, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate to exceed 30 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6. 2l engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. While no active recall is currently associated with this specific vehicle, similar vehicles with the same engine platform have documented issues, raising concerns about reliability and safety. The failed components are available for inspection upon request.

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.

Vehicle developed hesitation. Message: "reduced acceleration drive with caution" check engine light comes on, fortunately near home. Scanner showed "po 0747 transmission valve #1 stuck open. " research shows this is a common problem and a safety issue and can leave driver stranded or worse. Had vehicle "serviced" at selling dealer, but they did not touch the transmission. Said they drove it around the block and it was fine. Image attached. I was then told that parts are not available and gm will not authorize swapping out the valve body. Forums posts show a lot of dissatisfaction with gm over this issue.

After a dealership repair to the rear differential, my 2022 GMC Yukon xl experienced a sudden driveline failure. A component detached underneath the vehicle, resulting in loss of control and immediate disablement. This occurred shortly after service and without warning. The vehicle is routinely driven at highway speeds while transporting multiple minor children. This appears to be a serious post-repair safety defect.

Motor blown up, truck shut off while driving. Loss of all power.

Transmission went out very early. Had to get it replaced whenever I reverse. I have to really smash on the break in order for it to stop if it does stop so somethings wrong with the breaking whenever I hit a bump the left side suspension feels like I’m a lose control and sometimes my radio works and sometimes it doesn’t I’ve been trying to work with dealers I have extended warranty on it. They’re saying it’s not covered something about the brake pump is covered, but the belts are not. The transmission was put in only because it left me stranded. Otherwise I would’ve been stuck paying for that. The dealership actually helped me with that. My gps turns on and off sometime. I’m not sure if it’s electrical.

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

This report documents two separate safety incidents involving the same vehicle that occurred on different dates. Approximately one month prior to the most recent incident, while driving my young children to school, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking effectiveness while in motion. I was unable to stop normally at stop signs and had to roll through and roll to a stop. I was required to press the brake pedal fully to the floor to slow the vehicle, and even then braking response was significantly reduced and not functioning as designed. The engine remained running and the vehicle could still accelerate. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, braking function temporarily returned. On a later date, while again transporting my children, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle abruptly shut down while in motion. I was unable to accelerate and experienced loss of power assisted braking. The vehicle only came to a stop after coasting. Following this shutdown, a burning or melted plastic odor was present. The vehicle was later towed and inspected by a dealership. The battery was replaced; however, this did not resolve the issue. After the battery replacement, the vehicle later hesitated to start again. The exact cause of these failures remains unknown. These incidents occurred without warning and represent serious safety critical failures involving braking and propulsion systems. Both incidents placed my children, myself, and other motorists at risk. Had either event occurred on a highway or heavily trafficked roadway, there would have been little to no ability to safely slow or stop the vehicle, creating a significant risk of collision or serious injury. Due to these events, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle and have stopped driving it. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

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Engine died rattling sound undeer car shaking loss of power.

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On January 24, 2026, my wife was driving the vehicle we purchased in may 2025 from ziegler GMC in lincolnwood, illinois. While traveling on the highway in WI the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. She was traveling with our [xxx] son at the time and was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the highway onto an exit ramp. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not restart. She contacted me and arranged for a tow. We waited approximately four hours for roadside assistance before the vehicle was towed to the nearest GMC dealership, located roughly one mile from where the breakdown occurred. Several days later, the dealership completed diagnostics and informed us that the engine required full replacement. At that time, no replacement vehicle was provided. Approximately one week later, we were finally issued a loaner vehicle. As of today, the vehicle has remained in the shop continuously since January 24. On February 23, we were informed that the necessary parts had only just arrived. There is still no estimated completion date for the repair. The vehicle is covered under both the manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Two weeks ago I heard a faint ticking sound. I had a professional look at it and they said that I had a cylinder sticking and to add an additive the next oil change. I still had 1,500 miles until then and so I did not do that. That noise stopped a day later. Last Friday, it started to tick again, and then it got very loud. I live rurally and was 45 minutes from home. The engine went from ticking to full clunking and very low power in just a moment. I luckily found a small engine shop to check the codes, but as I was parked there, the car would not go in reverse! he had to clear the codes to get it to go into reverse. I had to then slowly drive 45 minutes back to our small town. I drove to and immediately parked it at our local repair shop. It can not be driven now. The lights that came on were the rear axle system off, forward collision system, service traction control, engine light flashing, and service esc light. Not to forget that it would not go into reverse. Also the suspension system seemed to malfunction and not lift or lower the car. It seemed to clunk and try, but nothing happened. The whole car basically went down. I see there is a recall for this year or car, but my VIN is not included. I am hoping that it will be included as the repair shop is telling me it will be close to $10,000.

Transmission started slipping a little and then literally stopped working all with in an hour. And was doa in the parking lot.

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

The 2018 Yukon denali has been at the dealership for 7 weeks waiting 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. The transmission was already replaced on this vehicle at 500 miles.

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In 2023, the vehicle began exhibiting erratic transmission shifting behavior, including harsh and unpredictable shifts while driving. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer for diagnosis and repair. Recently, the vehicle developed additional drivetrain and engine control issues related to the crankshaft position sensor circuit. The vehicle stalled while driving on a highway mountain overpass with multiple vehicles traveling behind me. When the stall occurred, the vehicle shifted into park and would not restart for several minutes. This created a hazardous situation due to loss of propulsion in active traffic at highway speed and limited shoulder space. Following diagnosis, the servicing dealer determined that the engine wiring harness requires full replacement due to internal wiring integrity issues affecting critical engine control signals. The crankshaft position sensor and related wiring are essential for engine timing and propulsion. Loss or corruption of this signal can result in reduced engine power, erratic transmission behavior, stalling, or no-start conditions. The earlier erratic shifting behavior appears consistent with conditions described in gm technical service bulletin 21-na-149, which identifies engine harness-related causes for drivetrain and shifting concerns. This issue appears to involve degradation or defect within the engine wiring harness affecting engine management and transmission operation. Given that this condition resulted in a highway stall and temporary inability to restart, I am reporting this for investigation as a potential safety-related defect involving loss of propulsion.

Rear wheel lock up it took two dealership is going through it's diagnosis but says it needs new valve body upgrade. Been sitting in the shop for 2 months.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shift lever was shifted to drive(d), the vehicle failed to function as designed. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced. The warranty had expired, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where it was confirmed that metal shavings were found in the oil and that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,870.

Original inspection and recall was performed on my 6. 2 engine on 12/02/25 and the engine failed on 1/15/26 , the vehicle is in the shop awaiting new engine.

I noticed vehicle jerked a couple times when it shifted gears while driving. Shortly after, reduced power mode light came on. Vehicle did not shift past lower gears and had no reverse. Took to local dealership, they said it needed a transmission valve body overhaul. This is a known problem with 2022 GMC Yukon xl, however, they said it was not associated with my VIN. This cost me almost $2,000 out of pocket to repair.