GMC Yukon XL Complaints (2021)

230 consumer complaints on file.

#11659955May 9, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine oil light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil; however, the contact was informed that there was no repair available because the oil consumption had not met the requirements for a repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659856May 8, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle is equipped with a 6.2L L87 engine. I have taken this to the gmc dealership in complaint of non consistent power of the engine and a vibration of the engine. The dealership believes it was the brakes and they were replaced along with the rotors. The problem still persists I feel after reading the stories of how other engines have failed that are L87, this is a similar problem but not covered under the recent recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659747May 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am the owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle has exhibited multiple serious issues affecting safety, drivability, and reliability. 1. Engine Noise & Oil Consumption: Since purchase, the vehicle has had a persistent loud knocking/tapping sound, especially under acceleration. The engine also consumes an excessive amount of oil between scheduled oil changes, with no visible leaks. I reported this to the dealership multiple times, but since there is no active recall or TSB, they refused to diagnose or repair the issue under warranty. I have since learned that many other 2021 Yukon Denali owners with the same 6.2L engine are experiencing similar issues and some have had repairs or engine replacements covered by GM. I have received no such support. 2. Braking Problems: The vehicle has ongoing brake performance issues. Despite replacing the brake components multiple times, the brakes feel inconsistent and unsafe, especially during highway driving or sudden stops. There is vibration and uneven response, and the braking system does not inspire confidence. These problems have persisted despite attempts to correct them. 3. Suspension/Handling Concerns: The suspension feels unstable and loose, especially at highway speeds or when turning. The ride quality is poor, and there is noticeable sway and body roll, which creates discomfort and concern for vehicle control. 4. Fuel/Propulsion System: The engine does not always respond smoothly to throttle input. I’ve noticed occasional hesitation or surging, which may be related to the previously mentioned oil consumption or fuel delivery. Again, the dealership has been unable or unwilling to resolve these issues without charging diagnostic fees. I’ve reported these issues to my local GMC dealer on multiple occasions, but no lasting solution has been provided, and I have not been able to afford expensive diagnostic costs out of pocket—especially for a vehicle of this price INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659706May 8, 2025
ENGINE
This vehicle is not included in the L87 engine recall, yet I have lifter noise and excessive oil consumption. They might have the dates and lots wrong.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659559May 7, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving at 55MPH and suddenly the car starts to shack and warning/notification lights copme up on the dash. Check Engine Traction Control Service light Suspension service Was able to drive it to GMC dealership nearby 2.6Mile
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659467May 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the engine was running unusually rough, and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a fractured valve push down lifter. The contact was informed that the valve push down lifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured valve push down lifter and a failed cam shaft. The contact was informed that the valve push down lifter and the cam shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair, which had a similar failure description, however the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659087May 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the lifters and camshaft, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658638May 3, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My lifters collapsed and camshaft got damaged AND my cylinder in the bottom of my engine failed also. I know there is a recall for engine failure on the exact year make and model as my vehicle, the only difference is the liter engine. Mine and my 3 children’s safety were all put at risk when we were left stranded on the side of the road 6 hours from home The problem was inspected by GMC themselves and the tech admitted to this being a big problem with motors like mine yet they are offering ZERO help to make it right with me because my liter engine isn’t on the recall list even though many are acknowledging its happening with the 5.3 liter engines as well. My engine has failed as part of GMCs negligence. There were absolutely zero warning signs prior to this happening
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658536May 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle would not go in Reverse. Rear tires locked up. When I went forward an error came up "Reduce acceleration" and went into limp mode while driving down the highway and shifted hard and almost caused an accident. Bought into dealer and they found that it needs a valve body assembly Part which is on backorder with no ETA. Currently been waiting for a month and still no ETA on Part. This should be a recall for 5.3L 10 speed. .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658318May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The lifters in the engine are failing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658070May 1, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The vehicle has developed multiple severe problems, including: •Significant loss of engine power •Noticeable engine knocking noises •Transmission slipping while driving •Transmission movement even when the vehicle is at a full stop These issues not only impair the performance of the vehicle but also raise serious safety concerns. The loss of power and the slipping transmission could lead to a dangerous situation while driving, placing both myself and other motorists at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657779April 30, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failed while driving on interstate. Vehicle could not be put in neutral because engine has to be running to shift. Difficult to tow. 4 hours away from home. Took to nearest dealer. Hit by hail storm sitting on dealer lot with $8000 hail damage. Still making payments and have no vehicle to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657334April 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the low engine oil warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lifters and camshafts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact had not yet received a notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657217April 28, 2025
ENGINE
We were driving on the interstate and the car completely shut off. It went to the 'restart engine' screen. My husband put it in neutral and tried to coast off the interstate almost getting hit by cars going 70+ mph. Cars were swerving not to hit us as we coasted across three lanes. One car almost hit another car because they quickly tried to go around us because of our decreasing speed and made that car swerve into the other lane. We ended up only inches off the right lane. We had 2 teenagers and our 1 year old baby in the car with us in the Florida heat. Sitting in that car was truly traumatizing because every semi that passed us, the whole car was shaking because we were so close to the line. I just knew that someone was going to veer off inches and wipe us completely out. Because the engine just shut off, we barely made it off the road so cars were honking at us because they knew the danger we were in not being far enough off the shoulder. We all had to climb out the doors on the right because opening the left side doors would be in the right lane of the interstate. There we sat for 2 hours in 99 degree weather with a 1 year old (who also got bit by ants being in the high grassy area off the interstate) waiting for a tow truck to pick up the Yukon to tow it in to a location that isn't even where we live. We had to wait on someone to come pick us up that could hold 5 people and a car seat plus all of our sports equipment that we had for our tournament that weekend that we were headed home from. A nightmare, truly a nightmare. There was no warning, no lights came on, no heads up that the car was about to completely shut off going 75 mph. It just did, without warning. I was never informed about the POTENTIAL of a recall, or I would have been the first one at the door to get it checked out. My family was put in tremendous danger because of the irresponsibility of GMC. This is a nightmare, truly a nightmare.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656936April 26, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving on a highway at speeds of 65 mph and the engine stalled on the left lane. I almost got struck by a tracker trailer. The dealer supposedly fixed the issue and a few months went by and the vehicle died again engine failure in middle of the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656392April 23, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon. Recently, while driving, I experienced a sudden surge in power. About five minutes later, when attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle would not respond. I tried multiple times with no success. Afterward, while driving it briefly around the block, it made a clunking sound, which raised further concern. Ultimately, I had to call a tow truck, and the vehicle was taken to George Gee GMC in Liberty Lake, Washington. Unfortunately, the next day the dealership was unable to duplicate the issue. There were no warning messages on the screen at the time of the incident, and no diagnostic codes were found, so they could not move forward with any repair. I later discovered that this exact issue is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin N242454441-02. However, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the special coverage, despite my vehicle being the same year and equipped with the same transmission mentioned in the bulletin. I am deeply concerned that this problem could happen again—possibly while I am driving in Canada, transporting my children, or in a location where calling a tow truck would be very difficult. My safety and my family’s safety are at risk, and frankly, I am now anxious about driving a vehicle I used to trust. I also have an extended warranty, but when I contacted GM service, I was told that unless the problem can be duplicated, it would not be covered. This is extremely frustrating given the severity of the issue and the fact that it is already documented in an official bulletin. I am requesting that this situation be escalated. I would appreciate any additional support, coverage, or guidance GM can offer to help ensure this issue is resolved and does not put me or my family at risk again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656062April 22, 2025
ENGINE
With no warning, the engine died in my vehicle. I was in the middle of a busy intersection at red light with my children. No sensors ever indicated there was a problem. The car could not be put into neutral so it couldn’t be moved until a tow truck came.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655373April 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 3-5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral, and the vehicle stalled immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654828April 15, 2025
ENGINE
Driving on the highway going 65 mph the engine started making a ticking noise and all of the sudden the car died and barely made it to the shoulder and after that the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Now the dealership had the car for a couple weeks already and still no update on when it’s getting fixed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654589April 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle wont go in reverse and skips gears and an error came up to reduce acceleration. - Valve body Control assembly needing to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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