NHTSA Complaint #11682903 — 2021 GMC YUKON XL ENGINE

Complaint Details

ODI Number	11682903
Vehicle	2021 GMC YUKON XL
Component	ENGINE
Date of Incident	August 14, 2025
Date Filed	August 25, 2025
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	OK

Consumer Description

On Thursday August 14 while driving our traction control light and engine light came on along with the ESC light while traveling out of state. The car felt like we were driving on a rumble strip. We immediately took it to the nearest auto repair shop, only a few minutes away. They reset the battery and dash lights and we took it for a test drive. All the lights came back on after a couple of feet and loud knocking sounds started. Our emissions light then also came on and a strong exhaust smell was emitted. Each time the engine was started the knocking grew louder and the engine was severely struggling and sounded very wrong . The shop put their diagnostic tool to use and identified misfiring on cylinder 5. Upon further inspection they identified camshaft irreparable failure. We had it towed to the Platteville WI GMC Dealership Friday Aug 15. Where they confirmed camshaft failure and informed us our engine needed total replacement. Our safety was at risk since our engine failed while exiting the highway.

Related Complaints for the 2021 GMC YUKON XL

Other ENGINE Complaints

#11719634 — February 21, 2026 — On August 21, 2025, my vehicle engine died in Connecticut when I was taking my son back to college. I had to have it ...

#11715684 — February 4, 2026 — Right as I was coming up on my powertrain warranty, I began to have lifter issues. I had two repairs of the original ...

#11711888 — January 19, 2026 — While driving my Yukon it felt like there was an issue while it was trying to shift gears. the vehicle would sort of ...

#11709915 — January 9, 2026 — The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost...

#11710011 — January 9, 2026 — The car suddenly experienced engine failure while driving at highway speed (about 70 mph). The check engine light, a...

Recent Complaints for the 2021 GMC YUKON XL

#11712106 — STEERING — January 20, 2026 — When driving at slow speed and wheels turning right or left you can hear a humming coming from the suspension. Unable...

#11712106 — SUSPENSION — January 20, 2026 — When driving at slow speed and wheels turning right or left you can hear a humming coming from the suspension. Unable...

#11712106 — WHEELS — January 20, 2026 — When driving at slow speed and wheels turning right or left you can hear a humming coming from the suspension. Unable...

#11708039 — POWER TRAIN — December 31, 2025 — 12/16/25 (evening): Warnings began cycling across the screen: 1) Service ESC, 2) Vehicle Leveling for Stability, 3) R...

#11708039 — SUSPENSION — December 31, 2025 — 12/16/25 (evening): Warnings began cycling across the screen: 1) Service ESC, 2) Vehicle Leveling for Stability, 3) R...