2021 GMC YUKON XL Engine Problems

On August 21, 2025, my vehicle engine died in Connecticut when I was taking my son back to college. I had to have it towed back to South Jersey, where I live. The dealer informed me that my engine failed due to a major recall. I was without my vehicle for three months while they waited for a new engine. My car was returned to me with a refurbished engine.

Right as I was coming up on my powertrain warranty, I began to have lifter issues. I had two repairs of the original lifters that ultimately were not successful. I ended up replacing all lifters with the updated version that apparently repaired previous lifter issues. That repair cost around ~$6K. After six weeks of reasonable driving, I noticed engine oil notices for low engine oil. I was told today at a local dealership that the vehicle now needs engine replacement at $14K-16K. Both the dealer and corporate confirmed my vehicle VIN didn't qualify for the propulsion recall. GMC corporate also said nothing can be done now that the vehicle is out of drive train warranty.

While driving my Yukon it felt like there was an issue while it was trying to shift gears. the vehicle would sort of jerk while it was shifting. there also began to have a knocking sound as I drove. I had my children in the car, making this a more stressful situation. Having issues while driving on a highway with other vehicles driving at high speeds. Your vehicle having issues accelerating onto said highway as well. This all happened with only 68,445 miles on the vehicle. I called to schedule an appointment, drove it into the GM dealership. They stated that the lifters needed to be replaced and it would not be covered. As well as a rental vehicle not being covered, so both items came out of pocket. As I drove home from the dealership after they assured me everything was great, the engine light came on. Brought it...

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost drive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

The car suddenly experienced engine failure while driving at highway speed (about 70 mph). The check engine light, as well as several other warning lights (Traction control, electronic stability control, etc) came on immediately before a metal-on-metal clunking sound and then loss of power. I was able to pull the car over to the side of the highway, and because of the clunking sound, felt it was unsafe to drive further and had it towed to a local dealer. The car has about 42,000 miles on it, in perfectly maintained condition, with all services performed at the Dealer per the recommended schedule.

12/16/25 (evening): Warnings began cycling across the screen: 1) Service ESC, 2) Vehicle Leveling for Stability, 3) Rear Axel System Off, 4) Engine symbol began flashing, and 5) Service Traction Control. I felt vibration/bouncing while driving as well. 12/17/25 9 AM: Took 2021 GMC Yukon Denali to GMC dealership. They ran a computer scan and reported a misfire, but nothing else appeared to be wrong. They told me that sometimes a low battery can cause the warning lights and messages to cycle. They recommended that I keep driving it and return if the warnings appeared again. 12/17/25 9:18 AM: I left the dealership. I drove 4.5 miles, and all the same warning lights came back on. When I pulled into a parking lot, it smelled like my engine was on fire, and dark smoke was coming from my rear exhaust pipe. I called a flatbed tow truck and had the...

While driving on a two lane road, my vehicle put itself into Neutral without me doing anything and the engine stopped. All things powered down. The engine stopped. not propulsion, nothing. I tried to pull over to edge of road. Car would not start - no activity. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. My safety was put at risk by my car simply stopping while driving down the road. The dealership has confirmed the engine needs to be replaced. There was no warning of engine problems or ANY indicators.

Lifter failure with cylinder #6. Car violently shook prior to this failure. No engine lights or messages until the next day when tried to drive. Ended up towing car to dealer. Car had 76k miles on it. Recall on 6.2L, but not on the 5.3L which is not immune to this same issue as the 6.2L engine.

On December 1, 2025 at around 5pm CST, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL started making a squeeling noise then stopped while driving down the road. It left me stranded in the middle of the road. A P0016 CODE was produced and the engine light came on. I had the vehicle towed the next day to Stew Hanses GMC in Clive, Iowa. The engine was torn down for inspection and was told the rod bearing went bad and it had low oil even though I was within the window since the last oil change and having documented all necessary required maintenance. I was told the engine needs to be replaced and am in the process currently of Stew Hanson GMC replacing all necessary parts. I was told I do not have a recall on the vehicles vin number by GMC corporate and the GMC dealer. It is coming up on a...

Low engine oil message keeps flashing after less than 2,000 miles of driver. Excessive oil consumption. Took vehicle to GMC dealership and it was confirmed that an engine replacement or replacement of the pistons and rings is necessary. Only 77,000 miles on the vehicle. My car is currently not a part of the massive recall.

Vehicle indicated that the suspension system was disabled. Vehicle then lost power and disabled itself driving through the Eisenhower Tunnel I-70 Colorado. This tunnel is over a mile and a half long. We called 911 as we were very worried we were going to have another vehicle crash into us as there are no breakdown lanes. The tunnel had to close to West Bound Interstate traffic and the vehicle had to be dragged up a tow truck because the back wheels were locked. The CDOT tow truck then dropped our vehicle outside the tunnel. We had a private tow company (again dragging the locked tires onto the next truck) take us home and to our personal repair shop. Vehicle was diagnosed as a blown engine. We then had to tow our vehicle, again dragging tires, to a GMC certified shop. We have spent $1502 on towing. This vehicle has approximately...

Routine oil change by professional local mechanic. Upon completion we were told that the vehicle would not turnover. The mechanic diagnosed and found that were 2 recalls for our vehicle - one for the fuel pump module and one for the engine. We had our vehicle towed to the local GM dealership. They then replaced the fuel control module. GM tried to manually crank over but engine seized once again. We spoke to the GM Advisor prior to this and were told that our vehicle was not part of the engine recall because our VIN was not listed as part of it even though our vehicle had the same exact issues as described in the engine recall and was for the exact year/make/model of the engine. The dealer quoted us $14,896 to replace the engine. They stated they would submit a Goodwill claim to GMC to help discount the cost...

GM's 2021/2024 6.2 engine recall began with vehicle production March 1st, 2021. My Yukon XL Denali was produced Feb 26, 2021, THREE days before the recall start. The engine was replaced by GM approximately 6/21/2023 (previous owner), the replacement engine was built the 129th week of 2023. With my recent call to GM, they only reference the original vehicle's build date. If my vehicle missed that by three days, and now has another engine built during this recall period (2023), they have no help for me, it is NOT covered in this safety recall. Neither GM or my dealer has been able to tell me which oil to run 0w20 or 0w40. This vehicle's engine failed just outside of the current recall dates. With the expansion of dates, I can have my motor inspected and be covered under the extended year and milage warranty given to other owners. I am...

Vehicle Information Make: GMC Model: Yukon XL Denali Year: 2021 VIN: [XXX] 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed due to defective lifters and camshaft components, along with excessive oil consumption. These issues rendered the vehicle inoperable and required over $10,000 in repairs. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous situation for my family and other drivers. Sudden loss of engine power could have led to a collision or left us stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by DeFouw GMC in Lafayette, Indiana. GMC has acknowledged the defect and agreed...

Subject: Assistance Request – Vehicle Engine Failure Shortly After Purchase I am reaching out for assistance regarding a serious issue with a vehicle I recently purchased. Approximately two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, the engine failed completely. I was driving it to pick up my daughter from school and when I went to go from stopping at a red light the engine light started flashing, the car said lowering for stabilization, and it started smoking and wouldn't go. I was almost hit due to the engine just stalling. When I was able to drive it was shaking and I couldn't go past 30. I made it to the dealership that was 7 mins away and had a guy from service come out. There wasn't any warnings before the engine went out. The dealership has informed me that I am responsible for the repair cost even though vehicles of the same...

While operating the vehicle at normal highway speed, the engine suddenly failed without warning. The vehicle immediately lost power, forcing me to coast to the shoulder. This created a dangerous situation in active traffic. The vehicle was later towed to an authorized GM dealership. The dealer inspected the vehicle but refused to provide assistance or take responsibility for the engine failure. Based on the symptoms and information available, the failure appears to be caused by a known GM engine defect. This issue poses a serious safety hazard since the engine can fail abruptly during highway driving, increasing the risk of accidents or injury. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and that GM be held accountable for addressing this known defect.

I had a complete engine failure in my 2021 Yukon XL Denali while driving 70mph on the highway. My vehicle warning lights all of a sudden came on and my cruise control was disengaged. My vehicle started shaking and then started smoking. It was taken to our GMC dealership immediately and it was discovered that the engine had failed even though my VIN is not listed in the L87 Recall. No warning lights appeared prior to this failure. I will attached our invoice from the dealership and their description of the problems.

The engine has a knocking noise. Very noticeable. Started around 3 weeks ago and has done it on multiple occasions.

Manufacturer Recall NumberN252494000 NHTSA Recall Number25V274 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available

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...

I was driving from New Orleans with my family when traveling at 75 mph when it’s like the transmission started straining and the engine was losing power/pressure it’s like the engine or transmission was struggling I’m not sure what was causing it but it was a scary experience knowing I’d my kids and my wife with me and we were out in the middle of nowhere.

GM is unable to remedy this recall. I have been waiting since April 2025 (when the recall was issued) to our family vehicle in to be corrected. This is a serious recall that GM is not taking serious, and this is our family car.

Complete engine failure and lock up driving 70MPH. I was very lucky to not wreck the vehicle when this occurred with my family of 5 present. Had towed to the dealership and diagnostics performed. Diagnostics confirmed crankshaft issue and complete engine failure requiring engine replacement. I was informed that this was the same issue that is under current recall, but the 5.3L is not part of it. This is the same crankshaft issue that has been recalled in over 700K 6.2L GM motors. I am being told that the 5.3L engine is not covered under the recall and i am 100% responsible for all costs related. I want this 5.3L issue reported and documented to help extend the recall to the 5.3L engines in the future

The Yukon has stopped while driving twice. The check engine light came on, the dealership says there is an oil problem and the oil pump is bad along with bad lifters. There is wear to the motor as well.

Been working with dealership on engine performance for a year, recall is delayed because of no available parts. I had bought a warranty that replaced the lifters and cam. Also this year the transmission, radiator, pully and belt were all replaced. Engine blew up last night and is back at dealership. I paid $80,000 for this vehicle and have had major issue after major issue with it. Looking into seeing if it qualifies as a lemon. Lucky was going slow when it happened and it didn't cause an accident. Could not get the vehicle into neutral to tow it.

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon XL VIN: [XXX] Recall ID: 25V274 (GM Recall N25249400) Mileage: Approx. 35,000 My 2021 GMC Yukon XL was recalled for a potential engine defect. On June 9, 2025, the dealership (Carol Buick GMC in Florida) determined that my vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the engine needed to be replaced under GM Recall N25249400. GM has not delivered a timely fix. The engine remains on national backorder, and as of July 31, 2025, the vehicle has been out of service for over 6 weeks. I was provided a loaner vehicle, but my own vehicle remains undrivable, and no repair ETA has been provided. GM opened two internal case numbers (#[XXX] and #[XXX]), but despite repeated follow-ups, I have received no estimated return date or formal remedy timeline. I believe this delay violates the federal requirement to provide a timely recall remedy under NHTSA regulations, and...

GMC does not seem to care about fixing this major recall. It has been 3 months and they have no fix yet.

Engine started taking extra oil then weeks later cam shaft & lifters when out

I was driving home from a long trip and heard a large pop. Several warning signs and messages began popping up and the vehicle was shaking and struggling to maintain speed. I was able to get home and get my family out of the vehicle and get it to a dealer down the road. They stated the Fuel injector and harness had failed.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifter in cylinder #8, 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 Technical Service Bulletin: N212353840. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Check engine light on, Abnormal engine noise and very significant loss of power. Info registered in the repair invoice: tech verify customer concern, check for code found code p0300 and looking to the live data found miss fire on cylinder number 6, tech swap the coil and spark plug with wire, miss fire still on the same cylinder, tech inspect the injector no problem found, remove the valve cover for inspection found, that the rocker arms is loose, customer approve tear down, tech remove the head on the right side to inspect the lifter and the camshaft, tech found damage on the camshaft, camshaft replacement and lifter is necessary, customer decline repair, tech assemble the engine back and returned to the customer. Customer decide to replace the engine, tech replace the engine test to verify repair vehicle working as design

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and falls under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is losing power during operation and the engine is producing a loud clattering noise, raising major concerns about its safety, drivability, and long-term reliability. Despite these issues being clearly present, the vehicle recently passed an inspection, which raises questions about the adequacy of the diagnostic and repair procedures related to this recall. This situation is both frustrating and alarming. I am concerned that either the inspection was insufficient or the recall-related defect has not been properly identified or addressed. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-inspection and diagnosis of the engine under the scope of Recall N252494000. Immediate repairs or replacement of defective parts at no cost. A clear explanation of why the vehicle passed...

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and covered under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is experiencing significant power loss while driving, and the engine is making a loud clattering noise, which raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety, performance, and long-term durability. These symptoms are ongoing and have severely affected the drivability of the vehicle. Despite these clear issues, the vehicle recently passed a dealership inspection. In an effort to improve performance, a higher viscosity oil change was performed and a new oil cap installed. Unfortunately, these measures have not resolved the problem. The vehicle continues to run poorly and does not perform as expected from a vehicle of this age and mileage. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-evaluation of the vehicle in relation to Recall N252494000. Immediate corrective action,...

While my [XXX] son was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, the engine failed suddenly without warning. The vehicle lost power completely and became inoperable, leaving them stranded far from home. This posed a significant safety risk to my family, especially given the location and time of day. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a GMC-certified dealership, where the issue was diagnosed as a complete engine failure. The dealer confirmed that internal engine components were damaged and the entire engine required replacement. The dealership performed the repair and confirmed that the issue was consistent with known defects now acknowledged by GM in their 2025 recall affecting vehicles with the 6.2L V8 engine. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. The defective engine is no longer available for inspection, as it was removed and replaced during service....

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was grey smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unstated recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45–50 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The RPM increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hennessy GMC (145 Industrial Blvd, McDonough, GA 30253); where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was...

Vehicle has almost 75000 miles. No warnings whatsoever, the GMC app actually reported the vehicle has no issues and all systems are working. The engine began to knock, the transmission was not shifting well, traction control stopped working. Took the vehicle to the local dealership who called me and said it was complete engine failure that is going to require a brand new engine. All of the maintenance is up to date.

Subject: Formal Complaint – Engine Failure in 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Defect Number (GM): [XXX] GM Case Numbers: [XXX] / [XXX] / [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report a critical mechanical failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, which resulted in a complete engine failure, rendering the vehicle inoperable and exposing my family to significant safety and financial risks. Despite following the recommended maintenance schedule and driving under normal conditions, the engine failed prematurely. The vehicle has been out of service for over four months, and I have yet to receive a definitive resolution or timeline from General Motors. I have incurred over $13,000 in out-of-pocket costs, including towing, repair estimates, rental vehicles, and continued loan payments on a non-functional vehicle. Key Details: Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Failure Type: Total engine failure requiring full rebuild...

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the vehicle was driven around the block, the sound was still present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an oil change was performed but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was next taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the oil, possibly coming from the crank bearing or connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,371.

In March 2025, a situation happened to me during a six hour round trip drive. I experienced a loss of acceleration. Vehicle engine felt it was stumbling when accelerating or seemed like I had ran something over. I don't remember seeing any lights coming on. Pulled over immediately, turned off the vehicle. Turned it back on and drove back home three hours worried it may happen again. I didnt see any warning lights on the trip.

Loss of propulsion, engine over consuming oil per dealership inspection.

The engine failed while driving. Dealership reviewed the issue and a new engine had to be installed to replace the defective motor. It failed due to a camshaft/lifter failure. After talking with the dealership, this appears to be a common failure in the 6.2L motors. It resulted in a bill in excess of $12,000 to repair. Similar to recall N252494000, the 6.2L motor has defective components causing premature failure that should be recalled.

Noticeable ticking from the motor, loss of power while driving and smoking. Took to dealership to for repairs. Lifters replaced on one side, within 30 miles after leaving dealership vehicle lost power and would not crank. Per dealership same issue with spun bearing and crankshaft. New lifters and crankshaft placed. While driving 3 weeks later vehicle shifted into neutral and lost power and hand to coast to side of the road. Replace battery and still would not crank, had to be jumped off and able to drive home. 3 codes were retrieved from reader.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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

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