2023 GMC Yukon XL Fuel System Problems

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Our 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali that has suffered multiple severe mechanical failures well beyond what is reasonable for a vehicle of this class. G At approximately 14,000 miles, the vehicle's 6.2L engine catastrophically failed, rendering it inoperable and requiring a full engine replacement. The engine seized and failed while operating the vehicle with her 3 small children on board and nearly caused a catastrophic accident. As a result, the vehicle was out of service for eight weeks, an unreasonable disruption and an unacceptable failure for a luxury SUV of this caliber. Now, (02/11/2025) at just 20,400 miles, the vehicle's injectors have failed, further reinforcing that this vehicle is defective, unreliable, and unfit for continued ownership. …

I am writing to express serious safety concerns regarding our 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali, which has been in our possession for less than two years and has only 24,000 miles. On multiple occasions, while driving at high speeds on the freeway with our four young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and shifted into neutral without warning. This occurred approximately four times on March 9, 2025, when we contacted OnStar for assistance. Despite their response indicating no alerts on their end, we were advised to reach out again if the issue persisted. Unfortunately, the problem did occur again on March 16th, which prompted us to contact OnStar and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership for further evaluation. The service department has since informed us that the motor requires replacement. …

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. …

While driving at approximately 30 mph in moderate traffic on the interstate during a return leg of a 370-mile trip, my vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and became unresponsive. The dashboard displayed the warning message: "condition not correct for shift," and despite repeated attempts to restart the engine, the vehicle would not engage. Although the electrical system remained active, I had no propulsion. Critically, the vehicle became immobilized in a **very dangerous curve on the interstate**, presenting an extreme safety risk to myself and others. The car could not be manually shifted into neutral for towing, prompting Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to declare the location unsafe. I was stranded there for over three hours, after dark, in a vulnerable and exposed position. …

I am formally requesting a complete refund for my vehicle. It has only 6,300 miles, and the remedy provided for the recall does not adequately address the issue. The recall explicitly indicates defects in the engine components (rods/cam shafts) that may lead to a loss of propulsion. Merely inspecting the vehicle and adding thicker oil does not resolve the underlying problem; it only postpones the inevitable expiration of my warranty. Currently, there are no warning lights illuminated, as the vehicle is not driven frequently. The recall raises significant concerns, and GM should be taking more substantial measures than simply applying thicker oil as a solution. This approach feels like a temporary fix rather than a genuine resolution. I have communicated with the dealership, and have been informed there is currently no solution available for this matter. …

I've inserted the question and their answer: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Lifter valve number six failed causing it to shatter and send pieces of it throughout the engine along with other debris into the cylinders. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle had loud engine knock, pulsation of power, had to pull off on main highways due to loss of power over 400 miles away from home. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, engine was serviced by GM dealership in Baldwinsville, NY for over $8,500. Will attach copy of bill. Now is doing same thing, again. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GM as stated above. …

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered. The "Service Traction Control" and the "Forward Collision System Unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, over time the failure still persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed once again that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, over time the failure still persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the last time where it was diagnosed once again that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. …

The engine of this car failed at high speeds on Interstate 64, in Virginia, at 40,000 miles. GMC claimed the lifters in the 3rd cylinder failed and they were replaced under warranty. The lifters in the 3rd cylinder failed again, at high speeds on Interstate 81, at 77,000 miles. GMC claimed the lifters and crank shaft needed to be replaced. After paying for the repair and getting the car back, the engine locked up and failed within 30 miles of being fixed at 77,000 miles. Prior to these issues, there were no warnings and no symptoms. The car supposedly was not included in the engine recall by GMC. Two of the three incidents happened at speeds of 75 mph, the third occurred on a highway and speed of 55 mph.

The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn't start again. I had my three children in the car aged [redacted] and [redacted]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I'm terrified of driving this car with my children as I don't know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be!

I own a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL (VIN: [redacted] ) 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."

Fuel System complaints in other Yukon XL years