2021 GMC YUKON XL Engine Problems

I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The vehicle has developed multiple severe problems, including: •Significant loss of engine power •Noticeable engine knocking noises •Transmission slipping while driving •Transmission movement even when the vehicle is at a full stop These issues not only impair the performance of the vehicle but also raise serious safety concerns. The loss of power and the slipping transmission could lead to a dangerous situation while driving, placing both myself and other motorists at risk.

The lifters in the engine are failing

Engine failed while driving on interstate. Vehicle could not be put in neutral because engine has to be running to shift. Difficult to tow. 4 hours away from home. Took to nearest dealer. Hit by hail storm sitting on dealer lot with $8000 hail damage. Still making payments and have no vehicle to drive.

We were driving on the interstate and the car completely shut off. It went to the 'restart engine' screen. My husband put it in neutral and tried to coast off the interstate almost getting hit by cars going 70+ mph. Cars were swerving not to hit us as we coasted across three lanes. One car almost hit another car because they quickly tried to go around us because of our decreasing speed and made that car swerve into the other lane. We ended up only inches off the right lane. We had 2 teenagers and our 1 year old baby in the car with us in the Florida heat. Sitting in that car was truly traumatizing because every semi that passed us, the whole car was shaking because we were so close to the line. I just knew that someone was going to veer off inches and wipe us completely...

I was driving on a highway at speeds of 65 mph and the engine stalled on the left lane. I almost got struck by a tracker trailer. The dealer supposedly fixed the issue and a few months went by and the vehicle died again engine failure in middle of the highway.

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon. Recently, while driving, I experienced a sudden surge in power. About five minutes later, when attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle would not respond. I tried multiple times with no success. Afterward, while driving it briefly around the block, it made a clunking sound, which raised further concern. Ultimately, I had to call a tow truck, and the vehicle was taken to George Gee GMC in Liberty Lake, Washington. Unfortunately, the next day the dealership was unable to duplicate the issue. There were no warning messages on the screen at the time of the incident, and no diagnostic codes were found, so they could not move forward with any repair. I later discovered that this exact issue is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin N242454441-02. However, I was informed that my VIN is not...

With no warning, the engine died in my vehicle. I was in the middle of a busy intersection at red light with my children. No sensors ever indicated there was a problem. The car could not be put into neutral so it couldn’t be moved until a tow truck came.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 3-5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral, and the vehicle stalled immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Driving on the highway going 65 mph the engine started making a ticking noise and all of the sudden the car died and barely made it to the shoulder and after that the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Now the dealership had the car for a couple weeks already and still no update on when it’s getting fixed

The engine failed, specifically the internal engine rod, which apparently came unhinged and caused extensive internal damage. This led to a complete engine failure. The failure was sudden and extreme. The vehicle is currently located at a GMC dealership and remains available for inspection if needed. The dealership also provided oil samples and internal findings to GM for further review.This failure put my safety and my children’s safety at serious risk. I regularly drive this vehicle alone with my children to remote areas—one of the main reasons I purchased this vehicle was because it is marketed as safe, reliable, and built for families. The engine shut off twice while driving before I could get it to a shop, and I was very fortunate it didn't happen on the highway or in a location where I couldn’t pull over safely. Had this occurred at high speeds or in heavy traffic, it...

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that only one side of the engine lifters replacement was covered. The vehicle was repaired accordingly. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the engine started shuddering. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service ESC", "Forward Collision System Unavailable", "System Failure", and other unknown messages were displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine...

On [XXX], my wife and our children were driving back home from Barstow when the vehicle stalled on the [XXX] freeway near Colton, CA. While driving at approximately 50–65 mph, we heard a clanking noise coming from the engine, followed by multiple warning and maintenance lights illuminating on the dash. The vehicle then lost all acceleration power and shut off, leaving my wife and children stranded in the middle lane of moving traffic. All of this happened in a matter of seconds. This situation quickly became a life-threatening incident. Vehicles, including large semi-trucks, were swerving and honking to avoid colliding with our stalled Yukon. Fearing for my family’s safety, I was forced to exit the vehicle in the middle of traffic and physically push the Yukon to the side of the freeway, while trying to keep my wife and children calm inside the vehicle. The panic and distress this caused...

Complete engine failure due to lifters going bad in return had to replace the entire thing

Months after a bought the car brand new my engine failed, GMC took months to replace the engine leaving me without a car for months, while paid out of pocket for a rental. Further I’ve had numerous transmission issues that and other issues leaving the car in the dealership shop for months.

Driving on a highway at 70 MPH then vehicle shut off / lost all power (with my kids in the car!!). Luckily we made it across three lanes of traffic to the shoulder. Got the vehicle to the dealership where they said they found large amounts of metal shavings in my engine. The engine was replaced but I am still nervous when office that it could happen again. I’m in a Facebook group where people are continually reporting the same thing happening to them. I bought this large vehicle to transport my kids and this is an extreme safety hazard (not only for us but those driving around us). This happened when I only had approximately 18,000 miles on the vehicle. Pretty much still brand new. Since then, I recently had to have the belt replaced again and the rear differentials flushed for loud grinding noises.

Our family of 6 were traveling home on the Freeway, from a family road trip going about 75 mph. The engine revved up and then the entire car all electronics went black. And then flashed back on. A warning told me to "Start Engine" I attempted to, and it would not turn over. I was able to get to the shoulder to get us out of the hi-speed traffic. I put our hazards on, and the "Start Engine" warning popped up again. I attempted to start the engine again and it wouldn't turn over. All the warnings started to flash things like "check transmission, check battery.." etc. We asked our kids to stay buckled, because of the hi-speed traffic, and that it was dark outside, and we were in more of rural area. We called the nearest tow company, and had to wait about 30-40 minutes for him to get...

We purchased our 2021 GMC Yukon used from a dealership 1 year ago with zero issues. 3 days ago out of no where there is a very loud squeaking sound in the front under the hood. No engine or warning lights just the sound. We had a mechanic check it and a part inside the tansmission is broke. NOT fixable, MUST be replaced.......

My wife was driving down the road with my Daughter and the engine simply stopped running without warning. She was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road and engage her hazard lights. When she tried to restart the engine it just cranked but never started. We had it towed to a mechanic and the mechanic told us that the engine is seized and we likely need a new engine, total cost of over $20,000. This vehicle should not be having this type of issue at 70,000 miles. If they were on a busy highway in the middle of rush hour it would have been a very dangerous situation.

Car shutdown and shifted on its own down to neutral from drive. Was driving on highway. Never was able to shift to another gear after pulling over. Computer board was completely blank. Engine would never restart. This is the second engine to go out in this vehicle.

On [XXX] while driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali to work, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. I had it towed to the dealership, where I was informed that the fuse pack needed replacement. Less than 36 hours after getting my vehicle back, I experienced another critical failure—while driving, the traction control light and check engine light came on, and the engine began making a loud clacking noise. Upon returning it to the dealership, I was told that the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. Prior to this incident, my Yukon had no known mechanical issues. However, despite the vehicle being only three years old and under GMC’s 5-year/60,000-mile PowerTrain warranty, the failure occurred at 65,722 miles—just over the coverage limit. GMC has acknowledged nearly 900,000 reported issues related to this engine defect, yet instead of issuing a full recall, I was only offered 60% coverage, leaving me with...

Car shakes in drive, car shakes when accelerating, transmission issues, rear differential had to be replaced.

I was driving down the highway when the engine started making a very loud rattling noise. I was able to almost get out of the travel lane. The engine does not restart and is seized. The temperature was 10°f and the closest two was 3 hours away and the vehicle was partially blocking the 2 lane highway on the right side. Unknown inspection status by manufacturer. There was no warning light at any time even after the shutdown. The symptom of the intense loud rattling occurred approximately 60 seconds before complete failure. Just enough time to get to a pull out off a bridge.

On or about September 28 while traveling N on US 67 it was necessary to stop at a construction stop light. As I started to accelerate a pinging started. I continued roughly 10 miles, to my daughters house. The truck was flat bedded back to Jones Auto Center in Monmouth Ill. The found a bent push rod and bad lifter in the #1 Cyl. Repairs were done per the attached Invoice. Milage was 103,000. On 11/5/2024 while traveling on US 116 @ 65+-MPH the engine froze, with instant stoppage. Flatbedded to Myler Automotive where the engine was replaced per the attached Invoices. Milage was 105907.

Engine is consuming 3qt oil every 1,000 miles. Has been consuming oil since 34,000 mile mark and the transmission has been slipping where it revs very high before downshifting. GM has asked for an oil consumption test to be done and now we are 9,000 plus miles into it and they still say it's fine. This car is not worth the price. I can't even take it out of town due to needing the oil consumption every thousand miles by GM request. Complained about engine knocking at 22,000 miles and they said it was normal and I know it's not

We purchased a new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali in July 2021.We have had continuous issues with the truck starting almost immediately after we purchased it and ending with a catastrophic engine failure despite only have ~81,000 miles on it. Even more concerning is that the engine failed while my two of my children were driving with 3 of their friends. The car seized up in the middle of a busy road while driving 55 mph. The kids had to coast to the side of a busy road where they exited the vehicle and waited for a tow truck. Despite regular oil changes and maintenance, we have experienced non-stop problems with the truck * Aug 2022 (29,470 miles): Engine wire chaffing relating to the fuel pressure sensor. Transmission slipping. * Oct 2022 (34,220 miles): “Grinding noises” related to brakes. Faulty brake sensor and brake replacement. * Nov 2022 (35,954 miles): Continued...

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the message to restart the vehicle displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle after several attempts; however, the failure reoccurred soon after the vehicle was restarted. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to a dealer but was later towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

On Friday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my family was traveling on [XXX] at [XXX} in Colorado. Our 2021 Yukon Denali XL all of a sudden shut down without warning while going up the mountain at a spot where there was no shoulder. The car would not restart despite multiple attempts. We called 911 several times and waited in the lane of interstate traffic for approximately 45 minutes for emergency vehicles to arrive to block the lane. It was one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives. Our car was nearly hit five times by semi-trucks and cars that could not change lanes fast enough, and all we could do was put our flashers on, honk the horn at incoming cars, and tell our four children to lean back in the seat and prepare for impact. When the tow truck arrived, they could not get the car in neutral and...

We were driving on the interstate outside of Chattanooga TN when our car went into neutral while we were in the left hand lane next to a 18 wheeler. My husband was driving and we have our four children and dog in the car. We lost acceleration. My husband was successful in getting us off the highway and onto the shoulder. The car started again and we tried to make it to the next exit when it went into neutral again and lost power. This was on [XXX]. We had it towed to the nearest dealer, Integrity Motors. They called us and said that it threw a rod and that the engine was broken and the whole engine would need to be replaced. After replacing the engine (it took 2 months) we picked the car up only to have the engine light come on. I took it to Autozone where...

Our 6.2L failed unexpectedly after regular maintenance. No warning, just the sound of knocking in the engine then loss of power and bad sounds from the engine. Stranded on side of road. GM wants to replace the entire engine without opening engine, claiming lower engine damage. Technicians say this is spun rod bearing problem that is very common. Dangerous and poor quality.

Engine failure of lifters and piston rings at 58000 miles. Engine failure at highway speeds causing complete loss of power on highway. It is completely unacceptable to have such catastrophic engine failure on such a new vehicle.

Our 2021 GMC Yukon XL for the third time now has shifted from Drive to Neutral and then turned off on us on the highway. The first time GM changed the motor (at approximately 35,000 miles), the second time was about a month ago we were at the White Mountains and it shut off on a highway, the third time was yesterday [XXX] (with 61,057 miles), my wife and I were driving on [XXX] in Massachusetts and when I accelerated the vehicle shifted from Drive to Neutral and then shut off on me. This vehicle is not safe and on all of these three occasions I have been lucky not to be hit and have been the driver. I am a trained and professional driver and I must state that this vehicle is not safe at all. I need to find a solution to this with General Motors. INFORMATION REDACTED...

I was driving on a normal local highway and my car started to slow and an indicator to 'press start' to restart the engine came up. I tried to do that and the engine wouldn't turn over. My car sputtered to a stop during rush hour traffic as I was able to drift over to side of the road. The car wouldn't start after that, waiting for 10-20 minutes and re-trying wouldn't work either. I had to have it towed and am now awaiting a fuel pump module that is on back order. No warnings to me that it would happen and I fear that this could have happened on the highway at high speeds, causing a crash. My car is a large SUV that takes a lot to stop, the car just sputtering and dying is unacceptable. I see my car wasn't included in the recall of this issue...

My family and I were on a road trip to go camping. We were approximately 30 minutes out of town when the engine blew. Lost all electronics and had to drive off to the side of the road. GM roadside would not tow it back to my dealer of choice even though it was approximately the same distance driving it to another state. The dealer in bullhead city, Arizona, installed a new engine and after 10 minutes of running, the new engine seized as well. My vehicle has been down for over 30 days and I still do not have it back. GM is having issues with the 6.2L engines and I have tried to have it repurchased by GM to no avail. What happens when we eventually get this vehicle back, the engine blows and my wife is in traffic as she uses this vehicle as a daily commuter...

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into neutral (N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a test drive was performed and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,204. 

Auto stalled in the middle of the road without any warning light causing life threatening incident auto only has 8000 miles

GM has consistently failed to deliver safe and reliable vehicles to the american public. I purchased a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL and the transmission needs to be replaced completely after the valve body was already replaced once. This issue proves to me that GM is not a reliable and trustworthy brand, with poor business ethics and a track record of having to be bailed out by our very own government for low quality vehicles. I am asking for the Federal department to investigate thoroughly and recall all transmissions that could negatively impact american families. These vehicles are not affordable for the average household and the quality of workmanship does not match the price point. Please find attached a document from GM directly that covers all recalls and previous repairs done to my vehicle. I am now fighting to get my down payment refunded as well as the payments that...

While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost power. All gauges remained in the normal range. After pulling on to the shoulder of a highway and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle would not start. After being towed the dealership, the vehicle would not power up. Dealership checked DTCS and found code P0016 Crankshaft Position Sensor and Intake/Single Camshaft Position Sensor Correlation. Dealership inspected wiring for chaffing and tested camshaft position sensor circuitry and all found in normal condition. Dealership followed document ID: 5646662 diagnostic procedure inspecting camshaft position sensor and camshaft actuator solenoid valve for incorrect installation or damage. While inspecting, dealership found internal engine bearing material in oil indicating internal mechanical failure. Dealership removed engine oil pan and #1 and #2 connecting rods and found bearings spun causing catastrophic engine failure. Crankshaft main bearing cap #3 also found discolored from extreme heat. Dealership then...

I was traveling on the highway and the vehicle started to jolt, sputter and speed acceleration was reduced in a highly congested area with little room to maneuver. I had to quickly shift lanes and get off at the first exit I could as I figure out what the issue was. I immediately contacted my Dealership and they were able to get me an emergency appointment so my vehicle could be inspected that day. After the Dealers analysis they said that a lifter needed to be replaced. I have a brand new vehicle with less than 8,611 miles on it. The lifter issue puzzled me so I went to the GMC Yukon message and sure enough there are ALOT of 2021 Yukon/Tahoe owners that have had this exact same issue with even worse stories than mine.

I was driving 30 mph when the car went into neutral and rolled to a stop. When I put on the brakes the engine shut off and it went into park. It would not restart or shift out of park . I was stuck in an active busy road. The car was towed to the dealer. They said it was a problem with the BCM. GMC had put out a bullletin which was to reprogram the BCM. My concern is that if this had happened on a busy interstate in traffic at highway speeds the results could have been fatal.

Our vehicle had a warning light of traction system not working - we were told to take to nearest dealer that springs with the valves were faulty and lifters not working. Took it to Everett in Benton, AR. Took two weeks to get the parts to fix. Told this was a problem. We had 4000 miles on the vehicle. Yesterday, it happened again. Told by Cowboy in Heber Springs, AR where we bought the vehicle they had six in their shop with same problem. They advised that our vehicle would have to be towed. GMC does not think it is a safety issue but it is - the vehicle slows down and there is little power to drive. Yesterday I was pulling a bass boat and only made it home with great difficulty. This problem that seems to be prevalent with all the 2021 Denalis needs to be investigated before...

WITH ONLY 52 MILES (2-DAYS OLD), I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I HEARD A KNOCK. THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LOWERED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. I WAS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION. NEUTRAL WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GMC DEALERSHIP, THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BROKEN SPRINGS IN THE ENGINE. APPARENTLY THEY SENT A NOTICE STATING THAT THE ENGINE SPRINGS WERE BREAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE 2 BROKEN SPRINGS, NOT ALL OF THEM SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT AFTER THE DATE NOTED FOR HAVING ISSUES. THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY PAPERWORK ABOUT THE SERVICE. I'M NOT SURE HOW THIS COMPANY CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING VEHICLES THEY KNOW HAVE ISSUES WITH...