GMC Yukon XL Complaints
2,896 consumer complaints on file.
- #11667680June 18, 2025ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Reporting engine failure with my 2019 GMC Yukon XL. Reporting engine failure after 106,500 miles. Yukon was properly functioning and well cared for with frequent oil changes and tire rotations. On [XXX] I was driving home with my [XXX] daughter coming back from her dance recital on [XXX] at [XXX] in Minnetonka, MN when the "Forward Collison System Unavailable" warning notification came present on my dash. The vehicle started to sputter and an abundance of smoke was coming out of the rear exhaust. Fortunately, I was able to make it home safely. I brought the car in the following day and it was diagnosed that the engine failed and complete repair of camshaft, cylinders, engine coolant lines and oil pans would need replacement. I did notice that the vehicle years 2021 to 2024 are currently under recall for similar issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667828June 18, 2025ENGINE
I recently purchased a used 2022 Yukon XL Denali (with 6.2 Engine). 8 days after purchase, I was pulling a boat trailer, when all of the sudden the vehicle lost power on I-80. The vehicle automatically shifted to Neutral. I was luckily able to get to the left lane and there happened to be an offramp right there that I was able to coast to and be off the freeway. I pushed the Park button and then tried to restart the engine. Then I noticed the check engine light was on. Nothing happened when I pushed the start button. I called a tow truck and could not get the vehicle out of Park. The tow truck operator had to pull the vehicle on to the flatbed with the rear wheels locked in Park. I got the vehicle taken to a dealer and they said the engine needed to be replaced. Luckily, the vehicle has just less than 60,000 miles so it is covered by GM's power train warranty. The is still with a dealer being fixed. Potentially in a week I will get the vehicle back. This is scary that there is NO warning and all of the sudden the engine stops working. GM has a real problem with the 6.2 engine failures.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667685June 18, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667224June 16, 2025ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and covered under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is experiencing significant power loss while driving, and the engine is making a loud clattering noise, which raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety, performance, and long-term durability. These symptoms are ongoing and have severely affected the drivability of the vehicle. Despite these clear issues, the vehicle recently passed a dealership inspection. In an effort to improve performance, a higher viscosity oil change was performed and a new oil cap installed. Unfortunately, these measures have not resolved the problem. The vehicle continues to run poorly and does not perform as expected from a vehicle of this age and mileage. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-evaluation of the vehicle in relation to Recall N252494000. Immediate corrective action, including repair or replacement of any defective engine components. A detailed explanation of how the vehicle could have passed inspection with such evident performance and mechanical issues. Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to this ongoing problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667218June 16, 2025ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and falls under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is losing power during operation and the engine is producing a loud clattering noise, raising major concerns about its safety, drivability, and long-term reliability. Despite these issues being clearly present, the vehicle recently passed an inspection, which raises questions about the adequacy of the diagnostic and repair procedures related to this recall. This situation is both frustrating and alarming. I am concerned that either the inspection was insufficient or the recall-related defect has not been properly identified or addressed. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-inspection and diagnosis of the engine under the scope of Recall N252494000. Immediate repairs or replacement of defective parts at no cost. A clear explanation of why the vehicle passed inspection despite these evident issues. Reimbursement for any costs incurred if the recall defect caused further engine damage.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667162June 16, 2025VISIBILITY/WIPER
On two separate occasions the front windshield wipers have stopped functioning while driving in heavy rains. Seemingly the only way to resume the wipers working was to cycle through "rain sense" options in the vehicles settings menu and turn off and on the vehicle several times. Unclear if it was those actions or simply waiting that caused the problem to abate. Discussed the issue with our dealer when in for service but they advised that they have seen that problem before but don't know what causes it. There could be several issues but they cannot address unless they recreate the situation and it is so random that it is hard to do. There are some internet forums (one is linked below) where this problem is discussed so it is clearly not just our vehicle but some sort of design flaw. In any case, it is very, very dangerous. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11667051June 15, 2025ENGINE
While my [XXX] son was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, the engine failed suddenly without warning. The vehicle lost power completely and became inoperable, leaving them stranded far from home. This posed a significant safety risk to my family, especially given the location and time of day. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a GMC-certified dealership, where the issue was diagnosed as a complete engine failure. The dealer confirmed that internal engine components were damaged and the entire engine required replacement. The dealership performed the repair and confirmed that the issue was consistent with known defects now acknowledged by GM in their 2025 recall affecting vehicles with the 6.2L V8 engine. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. The defective engine is no longer available for inspection, as it was removed and replaced during service. The repair was performed at my personal expense prior to the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666707June 13, 2025ENGINE
This vehicle has left my family along side of a high twice. First time from lifter failure the second time from bearing failure. The bearing failure caused the vehicle to shut off and made for an unsafe pull off of a major highway. Both times this has happened with no warning till it happened. Lost of power with the check engine light coming on at the same time. No warning of any issues till it was to late a broke down. This could have been tragic to my family the second time around when complete shut down on an interstate highway why driving in heavy traffic. WITH NO WARNING boom shut off!! Every gm/chevy dealer I been too even say it’s been an issue and don’t understand why gm has not fixed the problem. These repairs alone cost us over 18000 out of pocket.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666599June 12, 2025POWER TRAIN
In May 2025, my vehicle suddenly started jerking, shaking, and almost stalled out while driving. I was on a busy 3 lane roadway with 6 passengers total. As I would try to accelerate, the power was significantly decreased. I felt it jerk between shifting several times. My check engine light came on. I was so scared that someone would hit my vehicle and injure us. I brought it to a GMC dealership. They said that my transmission failed, metal in the transmission fluid. How is this possible? Upon researching this problem, this is a common issue with the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. There are class action law suits and lemon law lawsuits against GMC regarding this problem which causes major safety concerns. My vehicle has been well maintained with lots of service records to prove it. I have babied her and I’ve never towed anything. This transmission issue needs to be addressed and recalled. I need a new transmission which will cost between $5,000-$7,000. This is just horrible and disappointing regarding the quality and reported issues that are not being recalled by GMC.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666413June 11, 2025ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle surged, lost all power while driving, switched to neutral and would not restart.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666176June 10, 2025FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Vehicle was traveling on interstate and lost power/propulsion and automatically shifted to neutral. Grave danger for eminent death/injury as a result of possible accident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666126June 10, 2025POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11666039June 10, 2025ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was grey smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unstated recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665834June 9, 2025SERVICE BRAKES
Service Box appears indicating - "Trailer Brake System" with a loud BING, BING, BING Alert sound. It continues every few minutes... Please note: we aren't using a trailer... I have googled/youtube it and found that this is an issue with many owners. They indicate that the wire harness in between two of the body control modules is defective. It is known to have faulty wire connection. This is intermittent, goes for months and stops for months, and then starts up again. Starting the vehicle, while driving slow or fast, it doesn't matter.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665935June 9, 2025ENGINE
Vehicle has almost 75000 miles. No warnings whatsoever, the GMC app actually reported the vehicle has no issues and all systems are working. The engine began to knock, the transmission was not shifting well, traction control stopped working. Took the vehicle to the local dealership who called me and said it was complete engine failure that is going to require a brand new engine. All of the maintenance is up to date.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665560June 7, 2025ENGINE
I am reporting a serious engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L Ecotec3 V8) at approximately 68,775 miles. The engine began to run rough with a loud chatter noise, and both the check engine light and traction control light activated. Diagnostic tests at the dealer (F.C. Kerbeck GMC) confirmed a P0300 random misfire code and revealed that the lifter on cylinder #5 had collapsed, causing damage to the camshaft lobe. The repair required removing the cylinder head and replacing the lifter, camshaft, pushrods, valves, and associated gaskets and seals. Although I was told this was covered as a ‘goodwill repair’ by GM, I was still charged $3,450 for miscellaneous charges. I find this highly concerning and question whether these charges are consistent with GM’s stated goodwill or warranty policies. In my opinion, a known lifter design flaw requiring such an extensive repair should not result in out-of-pocket costs for the vehicle owner. This failure resulted in a severe misfire and significant performance issues that I believe raise serious safety concerns, including the potential for sudden loss of power while driving. I am submitting this report to NHTSA to ensure this issue is documented and to request that it be included in any broader investigation into GM lifter system failures. Repair invoices are available upon request
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665392June 6, 2025FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL (VIN: [XXX] ) currently under active recall for the L87 6.2L engine. GM has no remedy available and has acknowledged a risk of complete engine failure and loss of propulsion, which could occur without warning. This is the primary vehicle I have for transporting my family of seven, including a toddler. I am significantly upside down on the loan, and the dealership cannot guarantee it is safe to drive. I am requesting that NHTSA escalate the urgency and hold the manufacturer accountable for timely resolution or replacement.” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665310June 6, 2025ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine system (6.2L V8 L87) in my 2022 GMC Yukon XL failed due to a known manufacturer defect tied to NHTSA Campaign 25V-274. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue involves the risk of sudden loss of propulsion, which could result in a crash or injury to myself or others. This is a serious safety concern, and I do not feel safe operating the vehicle in its current condition. The defect has been acknowledged by GMC, but there is no remedy or repair currently available. I have contacted the selling dealership (Rick Hendrick Buick GMC, Duluth, GA) repeatedly for the past three weeks with no returned calls. I also contacted GMC corporate, who confirmed the recall but refused a buyback or replacement because no repair has occurred — even though a fix does not exist. They offered a loyalty voucher that does not come close to addressing the safety risk or impact. The problem has not yet been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer because there is no repair action to take at this time. No police, insurance, or third-party has reviewed the vehicle. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the issue — the problem was revealed when I looked up the VIN and learned of the active recall on the engine. I am requesting NHTSA’s support to ensure General Motors provides a replacement vehicle and compensation for this ongoing and unresolved safety hazard. I should not be placed in a position where I am expected to continue operating a vehicle with a known and dangerous defect that has no resolution in place.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665130June 5, 2025POWER TRAIN
Transmission issue - 2021 Yukon XL broke down 5/6/25 while driving with 2 of our children in the vehicle. the RPMs skyrocketed but the vehicle wouldn't go. was hard shifting and speed would not exceed 35ish MPH. message popped up on vehicle that said acceleration throttled and engine light came on. Took it to dealership and it is a known problem. Transmission needs a valve body replacement. This part is on national backorder for months. Spoke with the dealership on 6/5/25 and they still do not have an ETA. They ordered one on 3/19/25 that still has not arrived. I received a case number from GM but they are extremely unhelpful.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11665082June 5, 2025POWER TRAIN
Driving 58 mph then felt like I slammed on my brakes out of no where then sped up on its own to 42 mph then wouldn’t accelerate but rpm was at 5000. Shortly after my reduced power warning came on. Well the next 12 hours I went to reverse and had nothing! Now dealership is saying unknown timeframe for it to be fixed.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0