Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 79% | 5,000 miles |
| 2025 | 38 | 67% | 9,000 miles |
| 2024 | 85 | 80% | 21,000 miles |
| 2023 | 173 | 71% | 36,000 miles |
| 2022 | 123 | 66% | 45,000 miles |
| 2021 | 217 | 64% | 81,000 miles |
| 2020 | 13 | 35% | 52,000 miles |
| 2019 | 31 | 53% | 82,000 miles |
| 2018 | 28 | 39% | 129,000 miles |
| 2017 | 36 | 17% | 53,000 miles |
| 2016 | 35 | 12% | 74,000 miles |
| 2015 | 39 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 14% | 100,000 miles |
| 2013 | 12 | 8% | 127,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 7% | 90,000 miles |
| 2011 | 15 | 6% | 125,000 miles |
| 2010 | 14 | 9% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% | 82,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 7% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 47 | 9% | 105,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 15% | 121,000 miles |
| 2005 | 15 | 11% | 104,000 miles |
| 2004 | 25 | 9% | 124,000 miles |
| 2003 | 36 | 13% | 120,000 miles |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% | 28,000 miles |
| 2001 | 15 | 6% | 68,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% | 190,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 7% | 84,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 1996 | 9 | 13% | 68,000 miles |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and approaching a stop in Nebraska, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact called the local dealer, and an appointment was scheduled. The failures persisted while waiting for the appointment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver alerted OnStar about the failure. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact no longer wanted the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and escalated the concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. The message "Shifting to Neutral" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,303.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine, radiator, and an unknown belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized upon arriving at the dealer location. The vehicle failed to restart. The dealer diagnosed that the generator and air conditioner failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 33,018.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally, and the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the oil pan, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
The contact's wife owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, several warning lights flashed on the instrument panel as the engine shut off. The vehicle's speed abruptly decelerated as the contact was nearly hit by an 18-wheeler traveling close behind the vehicle. The contact managed to coast the vehicle as best as possible off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and a diagnostic was performed which showed that the engine had failed. The contact stated that both he and his son suffered emotional trauma as a result of the sudden failure; however, neither has yet to seek medical treatment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was offered a new engine despite the contact's request for a vehicle buyback. …
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while a friend was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. Additionally, the vehicle had previously experienced a loss of braking while driving with the cruise control activated. The contact stated that while driving at a slower speed, the vehicle lurched forward, striking a gate, and causing damage to the front bumper of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound from the engine compartment. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact arrived at the destination and checked under the engine compartment and saw engine oil covering the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact had recently had an oil change performed by the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the oil filter was not tightened correctly and refilled the reservoir and replaced the oil filter. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after returning to his home state, the contact heard the clicking sound and checked the oil dipstick. The contact stated that the dipstick was not reading any oil in the engine. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH on the Interstate with his family in the vehicle, the engine stalled, and the rear wheels locked up. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact and his family were left stranded in the middle of the Interstate. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the main bearing in the engine had seized, and the engine block needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, after retrieving the vehicle, while driving to the residence the failure recurred and the wheels locked up again. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the same failure as before. The vehicle was repaired. …
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the…
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light May illuminate and the vehicle May run rough. The engine May stall, and if so, May re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM's full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (217), 2023 (173), 2022 (123), 2024 (85) and 2007 (47) model years. Engine complaints make up 64% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 25V-274 (hard parts internal/mechanical, Apr 24, 2025); 14V-007 (exhaust system, Jan 13, 2014); 07V-521 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (24 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (16).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.