2021 GMC Yukon Complaint Log

Per the dealership where we purchased our vehicle, one lifter gave out and damaged the camshaft. Since there are no guarantees if we replace one lifter this will not happen again. We chose to purchase a new engine rather than purchasing a rebuilt engine. I don't know if this qualifies as a safety issue but we were afraid to drive our vehicle. It has now been at the dealership since May 15 waiting for a new engine. The following warnings showed up on our dash: leveling suspension engine failure stability control head on collision Our GMC denali has a 6.2L v8 engine

Transmission valve body went out, part is back ordered. There is a recall for this part on 2019 to current GM eight speed and 10 speed transmissions. This is clearly one of them. I’m not sure why it’s not recalled?

Valve body failure 72000 miles and warranty ended at 60000

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the Forward Collision Avoidance system camera and sensors. No further information was available. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the seat restraint failure message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

I took my vehicle into the GMC dealer near my home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Napleton) on April 30, 2025 to have the L87 engine recall addressed. I had a video with sound where a loud clacking noise could be clearly heard, coming from the passenger side of the engine. The service attendant and the mechanic assigned to my vehicle listened to it and both agreed that the sound was not normal, or good. Four hours later, they called and said the vehicle was ready to be picked up. They did neither pass or fail the engine, and didn't put in thicker oil. I was told that they aren't doing anything until they received clearer direction from GM. This is very disappointing for me and now afraid to drive on the highway for fear of catstrophic failure and potential crash. I called another GMC dealer nearby, in Watertown, WI, who said they weren't doing anything either with the L87 engines (year 2021-2024) until they recieve clearer direction from GM. I have taken my vehicle in 2 previous times to address the "clacking" noise, each time they say they hear nothing wrong.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. 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.

I am having an oil burning issue in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L engine and understand that some Yukon's have been recalled for this, but not all. GMC directed me here. My check engine light went on last week and when it was plugged in it showed critical oil life despite being well below my next scheduled oil change (which has also resulted in me having a Rejected state inspection sticker due to this being in the computer at time of inspection). I am concerned that not all Yukons have been recalled but I'm clearly having the same issue as others as this is only a 4 year old vehicle and otherwise in very good condition. This would be available for inspection by you at any time. Also, this issue has been confirmed with the dealer but my VIN is not part of the current recall. Is there a way to get this VIN added to the recall for further inspection/resolution at GM?

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the contact’s partner was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started making a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that a quarter mile later, while idling at a stop, the vehicle suddenly lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Driving approx 60mph on expressway and engine stuttered for 3-4 seconds, check engine light came on and vehicle completely shut down. Wouldn't restart. Family with kids had to cross 4 lanes of traffic to make it to the shoulder of an on-ramp. Towed to dealership and they stated the motor seized and needs a complete replacement. Vehicle has 72,000 miles on it, always stored in a temperature controlled attached garage, oil changes before schedule at the local dealership.

I have had major transmission failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8, 10-speed automatic). The vehicle has approximately 72,000 miles. Recently, a critical internal clip/retainer in the transmission broke loose, sending metal debris throughout the transmission. This catastrophic failure has rendered the vehicle undrivable and requires a complete transmission replacement. Unfortunately, the vehicle is just outside the powertrain warranty, yet I firmly believe this failure is due to a manufacturing/design defect – not normal wear and tear. I purchased this Yukon Denali as a premium, flagship SUV and have maintained it carefully. I expected the transmission to last well beyond 72k miles under normal use. It is disappointing and that a core component failed so early. Not only has this imposed a significant financial burden, but it also undermines my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability for my family. A modern transmission should not self-destruct at this mileage, especially given GM’s reputation and the Denali’s top-of-the-line status. Importantly, I have discovered multiple known issues and GM bulletins related to the 10-speed automatic transmission used in my Yukon. For example, GM issued a major recall in late 2024 (NHTSA Campaign 24V797000, GM recall #N242454440) affecting 2021 Yukon models (among others) due to a defective transmission control valve that could fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up, this demonstrates that GM has acknowledged serious problems in the 10L80/MQC 10-speed transmission design. Additionally, a recent GM service bulletin (PIP6008C, Jan 24 2025) indicates that internal transmission retaining rings can dislodge, causing the internal gears to separate – which leads to loss of reverse and internal damage. This scenario is similar to what happened in my transmission. My family was left stranded away from home with no warning. The vehicle just stopped working. The warning lamp did not come on until diagnostics was run.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. 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.

I looked up recall information on NHTSA.GOV site and found my car has a recall for engine problems. My GMC app says there are no recalls related to my vehicle and I have never received a communication from GMC stating a recall has occurred.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali is affected by NHTSA Recall #25V-274. The recall notice states that defects in the engine’s connecting rod and/or crankshaft can cause engine damage and failure, resulting in sudden loss of propulsion and increasing crash risk. The recall status for my vehicle is currently listed as “Incomplete – Remedy Not Available.” My dealership confirmed that no repair is available and further told me that GMC will not authorize a buyback, trade-in, or loaner vehicle until a remedy is developed. This has left me with an unsafe vehicle that cannot be repaired, yet I am still obligated to make monthly payments. This defect creates a serious crash risk because the engine may fail and the vehicle could lose all propulsion without warning. My family is forced to either risk driving a defective vehicle or go without reliable transportation. Dealer Interaction •Dealer confirmed that the recall is active but has no available remedy. •Dealer stated GMC will not authorize a buyback, trade-in, or loaner vehicle until the recall repair is developed. •I am effectively stranded with an unsafe vehicle and no safe options. Remedy I am requesting that GMC be required to: 1.Buy back my vehicle under federal recall and warranty obligations; or 2.Provide a safe, comparable loaner or replacement vehicle at no cost until the defect is remedied. If a loaner is provided, I will continue making my monthly payments on my Yukon Denali.

Vehicle has an engine knocking. The oil pressure will drop and will go into low power

Crank shaft has failed.

I started the 2021 Yukon Denali this morning and there was a slight squeaking noise coming from the front of the car. I began driving and the noise went away. I parked the car and completed an errand. I then started the car to return home and on the way it started making the noise but much louder. I pulled over and the car died and refused to start. GMC Roadside Assistance sent two different tow truck that were not able to tow the car. Tow Truck #1 - Flatbed truck. Car did not go in to neutral because it couldn't start so the driver said that he was unable to pull it up onto the flatbed. Tow Truck #2 - Tow truck w/ Dolly wheels. Driver said it was too heavy for his Dolly to tow the Denali. GMC Roadside Assistance then said that they're two trucks were unable to pickup the Denali and that I was on my own to call and get a tow truck and they would reimburse me. I am on the side of the road all morning not knowing what tow truck company nor what type of tow truck to ask for...... Denali still does not start and am now awaiting a local tow company to make the pickup. GMC Roadside Assistance was a total failure.

The vehicle was handed off to the dealer for a routine oil change and transmission flush. The dealer stated over the phone that during the engine's oil draining process, the tech noticed metal particulates in the oil. The oil was allowed to completely drain until no drips fell from the drain plug. The tech then filled the engine with new oil to the correct level. After the trans flush was complete, the tech took the vehicle for a test drive, during which they noticed strange engine noises. The tech then parked the vehicle in the garage bay, where the engine subsequently failed. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: The dealer has not confirmed the exact cause of the failure, however it is expected to be because of a failed connecting rod bearing. The NHTSA may contact the dealership for information regarding an inspection. The dealer is Koons Chevrolet Buick GMC in Clarksville, MD 21029. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: UNKNOWN, vehicle was parked at the time of failure Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? : UNKNOWN, There are many forums online in which people have stated similar issues. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?: UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?: UNKNOWN

The car is by hard shifting. The dealership found, “THE TRANS TO HAVE A SHUDDER AND DEBRIS IN THE TRANS FLUID INDICATING TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE RECOMMEND REPLACING TRANS DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE SENDING DEBRIS THROUGH THE PUMP AND VALVE BODY.” The first time we brought the vehicle into the dealership they just replaced the fluid and didn’t inspect for failures. The dealership now did and if the torque converter fails the car won’t drive, if I’m on the freeway that could cause a crash or worse.

My engine is currently experiencing loud knocking/shaking. It worsens as my vehicle is accelerating it is causing my engine to lose ability to accelerate which has posed a safety concern. This vehicle is my main source of transportation for my family. We have taken this vehicle to the dealership where they were unable to service due to the recall not being open and available and i have contacted GM customer service with no remedy to be issued at this time. The dealership cannot perform any maintenance pertained to the recall and yet cannot remedy. I am concerned for my family's safety. I was advised that i shall continue to drive the vehicle until it breaks down or the recall is open for repairs.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH with two child passengers, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The driver was able to pull over safely to the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft fractured, causing metal shards to enter the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer and to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 94,558.

I was driving my vehicle at a speed of around 50 MPH when the vehicle had an sudden loss of power. The vehicle displayed press the start button while the vehicle was still moving with the motor off. I pressed the start button and the vehicle shifted to park and went to complete loss of power functions. The hazard lights would not work, the vehicle would not start or move out of park. The vehicle was stuck in the fast lane in park with no way of moving it or warning others with hazard lights. My daughter and I almost got hit by a semi due to the vehicle issues. I had to call 911 to get police there for safety concerns and a tow truck to take the vehicle back to the dealership. The tow truck couldn't get the vehicle out of park as well, so he had to drag my vehicle onto the tow truck. I have a 2021 Yukon Denali with the 6.2 engine. The dealership told me I need a new engine because of a known failure with the engine. They can't promise me replacing the engine will fix the issue. The vehicle has less then 60,000 miles on it. This engine issue put my life and my daughters life in danger. I had to carry my daughter across the highway because it was unsafe to stay in the vehicle. I can only imagine what could of happened if we were traveling at higher speeds with no way to exit the vehicle. The dealership told me it is going to be 3 to 4 months before I get my vehicle back and they can't promise the new engine won't do the same thing. This is a huge safety concern that GMC needs to address. I am stuck paying for a vehicle that puts my family in danger. Something needs to be done immediately. The dealership told me they have several Yukons in the shop with the same issue waiting for an engine replacement.

Was driving normal down interstate. Interstate has two barrie walls making it a two lane road with no shoulders. Car was almost rear ended 3 times while it was stopped in middle of interstate. Me, my husband, my [XXX] , [XXX] and [XXX] were all in the car. I had to jump out the car while it was still rolling to make sure my children made it to safety before someone didn’t see us and hit us at 70mph. We had to cross the road and jump over a barrier in the construction zone. It took our high way patrol 35 mins just to show up and shut the road down to get the vehicle moved. According to the GM mechanic, a rod went through the block causing a hole. There was no warning of this happening, the car made noise and the vehicle automatically said low oil pressure, shut vehicle off, then an instant pop and smoked everywhere. The motor is on back order and won’t be able to be replaced for over 6 months if that. We had just purchased the vehicle and the motor was blown not even 3 hours after owning it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engin failure

I was passing a semi truck at 80 mph on the highway, after passing I tried to reduce my speed on the cruise control but got no response from my vehicle. I pulled off the highway and the engine was dead. I feel lucky to be alive the truckers were whizzing by at 80mph while we waited for a tow truck. The dealer has confirmed the engine is seized. There were no warning lights or other symptoms.

The engine needs replaced and GM doesn't have any engines or know when we will get any engines. Evidently this affects numerous 6.2 liter engines that GM made from 2021-2024.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the service suspension and low oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine oil had leaked out of the vehicle. 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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

My vehicle showing service safety restraint system and airbag light . When check with dealer code b14dc has appeared ( Driver inboard seat side air bag high control).

Driving down highway. Engine failure, loss of power. Ended up being lifter and camshaft failure.

Driving at normal speed when my 2021 Yukon backfired and began to lose power. The check engine light came on. The vehicle would go into reverse and would not get over 20 miles an hour. It has been at a GM repair shop since March 24th waiting on the tranmission valve body. There is no ETA from General Motors on when this part will be available. Could this be associated with the most recent GMC recall of 2021-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles?

I was driving down the interstate traveling 75 mph and with any warning the vehicle shifted into neutral. I made my way to the side of the interstate with any ability to accelerate on a busy stretch of highway. I had my children in the car with me. After making my way off the road, I shifted car to park and it wouldn’t go back into drive. I turned the car off, in an effort to put the car back into drive. The car wouldn’t not restart. We were stranded in the side of the interstate 6 hours from home. I had the vehicle towed to Ed Morse GMC in Rolla, MO. The let me know after a few days that my vehicle needed a new engine and that this has been an issue with other 2021 GMC Tahoe vehicles. We decided to have the vehicle towed to Bob Howard GMC in our town, Edmond, OK, and they confirmed a new engine was needed. In all we had to replace the engine, radiator, cooler lines and fuse array. There were zero messages or warnings leading up to this event. This was very u expected, scary and u safe for not just my family in my vehicle, but all the vehicles around my that day on the interstate.

Transmission failure at 72k miles.

Transmission valve body (transmission control unit) failure at 72,000 miles. This is the 10-Speed transmission that is the subject of several other recalls for diesel versions of the GMC Yukon. No warning lights, and potential for rear wheel lock up.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Vehicle engine stalled while driving in school parking lot. Safety concern as car when from “R” to “N” while backing up (2x). Engine would not turn on afterwards. Vehicle code P129F showed trouble with fuel pump power flow control module.

Engine locked up, local gmc dealer diagnosis " engine is locked up - metal debris in oil - failed internal components". Engine made a few noises the week before, no other warning signs. Vehicle died in the turning lane of a two lane road. One hour not moving in busy traffic until tow truck arrived

Engine, just froze while driving.

Engine or something is making a noise every time turned on and now while turning off

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Engine Failure, on November 8, not certain engine is available for inspection -2nd Engine Failure, February 27, engine being replaced now and can be inspected How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -first engine failure happened on highway interchange without warning and stranded the vehicle on a busy highway with 6 passengers (5 of them children) at risk -second engine failed in the middle of an unprotected intersection, and would have caused an accident if other drivers were unable to brake Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -both engines discovered metal debris in the oil pan Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -yes, vehicle was inspected by GMC dealership both times Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -no warning lamps appeared, a message was displayed to restart engine as the engine was shut down while in Drive.

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no police report filed, airbag deployment, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

While driving back home on the highway (I-95) on February 26, 2025, my truck stopped accelerating right in the middle of the highway and cut off. Tried to crank it back up to no avail. I had it towed to the nearest GMC dealer which is GMC Coral Springs. They did an inspection and immediately communicated that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The only option at the time was to just have it fixed because I was out of warranty. At the time, I had about 100k miles on it and the guy at the dealer told me that he's supriesed it lasted that long as those modules usually go out before 100k mile. I got it fix and on March 1, 2025, the truck was ready for pickup. Fast forwarding, now GMC is recalling the 2021 Yukon with recall N252516900 for the same EXACT issue. I spoke to GMC corporate this morning to see if I can be reimbursed for the cost. When the rep Tina ran my vin, she states my vin wasn't attached to the recall number. So I was trying to understand that the issues are the same, why can't they reimburse me. Same issue on the same year truck. GMC refused to help me. I'm so disappointed because I'm not even sure why my truck wasn't included in the recall but has the same issue. I need your help. Please and thank you. (I contacted the dealer to have the email me a copy of my invoice for the service at the time, however I haven't received it. I will contact them again to see if they can email it again. But I will obtain a copy of it even if I have to drive out ther)

Hello, I am writing this complaint because i bought this 2021 GMC Yukon new from King GMC in Loveland CO. The engine seized up on me while driving once turned off, i was able to get it going and now it has done it again but this time no luck getting it going, Maintenace has always been maintained and up kept, and the more i read about this i am finding out its a problem that everyone is getting with this 6.2 litter engines. The dealer wants to charge me 30k to change the engine and radiator and cooler lines on an already ridiculous overpriced vehicle. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall issued perhaps because it involves a new engine? over700k people have the same problem. if thier is something you guys can do i dont think its correct the customers have to pay the dues on an unsafe bad design engine. Thank you for your time

The vehicle’s air suspension system failed multiple times, followed by failures in the rod and/or crankshaft engine components. Currently, the vehicle is also experiencing engine warning lights and reduced propulsion issues. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The loss of propulsion and engine failures create a serious safety hazard on the road, as the vehicle can unexpectedly lose speed or stop functioning, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or being stranded in dangerous traffic situations. The dealership has explicitly stated that the vehicle is not safe to drive due to the risk of potential accidents. Yes, the dealership has confirmed the air suspension failure and the engine component damage. However, they have not yet been able to identify the exact cause of the current reduced propulsion issue despite multiple service attempts. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by the dealership’s service department. Prior to the failures, engine warning lights and other dashboard warning signals appeared. These warning indicators first appeared after the air suspension failure and before the reduced propulsion issue emerged. These issues closely match the conditions described in the recent GMC recall; however, our specific vehicle model was not included in the recall. We believe this might be a systemic issue and request that NHTSA investigate whether the recall scope should be expanded.

I was driving my Yukon with my family back from a trip and my Yukon engine shut off while on the highway. The vehicle went into neutral but I was driving down a hill when is all happened. Luckily there wasn’t much traffic and I was able to pull of to the side of the road. There was no check engine light or indication of any issues prior to this incident happening. After this incident, the vehicle turned back on and was able to drive home. Now it is seating at a dealership waiting for a new engine with no eta on a new engine.

Engine locked up while driving and left me stranded in the cold for hours

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The Electronic Stability Control warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a spun rod bearing failure; however, further investigation was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Had unexpected loss of engine power, rough idle and warning lights. Has been out of service in the GMC dealer for almost 6 weeks to date. No diagnosis. No repair date. No response from GM other than "waiting on diagnosis" No loaner or rental provided. Still under warranty. 6.2 v8. Engine failure suspected. I am reporting this to help switch the investigation to an actual recall of the wide-spread issue with this engine. No documentation written information provided by GM.

The valves, the pistons had to be replaced. The motor went out. The motor should be replaced but they did not give me that option. The vehicle only has 50K on it. Was kept in the garage. Had regular maintenance. The GM service garage has had this vehicle since 2-11-25.

at 60860 my first engine went out General Motors offered no help i have extended warranty it took 3 months to get my Yukon back now 40000 later 2nd engine goes out cannot get a dealer to touch excuse after excuse tried to contact General Motors nobody will talk to me