Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
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Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 49 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 49, in the owner's own words
Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.
While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.
Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and required a complete transmission replacement at 84,000 miles. I am reporting this because the initial 6.2L engine defect and subsequent recall remedy overlap heavily with severe powertrain and torque converter failures at low mileage
2022 GMC Yukon XL suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ASE-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs. GM declined any assistance solely because the repair was performed by an independent ASE-certified facility. I am concerned that a major transmission component failure at this mileage may represent a broader defect, particularly given transmission-related service bulletins and NHTSA Recall 26V085 affecting certain 2022 Yukon XL vehicles.
Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.
My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.
Issue Description: The vehicle experienced a failure of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety Concern: While traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire and loss of power created a dangerous condition. The vehicle could not maintain speed or accelerate properly with surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Failure Details: The issue was diagnosed as a collapsed lifter related to the DFM system. This caused persistent misfiring, rough engine operation, and severe drivability issues. Repair Outcome: Due to the extent of internal engine damage caused by the lifter failure, the vehicle required complete engine replacement.
While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L V8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road, as I suddenly lost the ability to safely accelerate or maintain highway speeds while hauling my children.A certified technician diagnosed the issue as a complete failure of the active fuel management hydraulic valve lifters and bent pushrods, a known manufacturing defect explicitly documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5776F. The internal failure required a total engine teardown and valvetrain replacement, costing over $10,000 out of pocket.General Motors has failed to issue a safety recall for this specific 5.3L valvetrain defect, despite it causing unexpected engine stalls, severe power loss, and immediate traffic hazards for drivers. This defective component poses an ongoing safety risk to families and should be upgraded to a mandatory safety recall. I am afraid to drive it every time I get on the highway in fear it could shut down again.
The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Reduce Acceleration – Drive with Care” and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 MPH. The condition created a significant safety concern due to sudden loss of acceleration and propulsion while operating in traffic. The engine RPM would increase abnormally while the vehicle failed to respond properly in drive and reverse. An independent mechanic inspected the transmission and found diagnostic trouble codes P0747, P0776, and P0700 related to transmission pressure control and valve body operation. Inspection also revealed significant metal contamination, sludge, and clutch material inside the transmission pan and filter. Reverse and 2nd gear were determined to be failed/burnt internally. The vehicle was later transported to an authorized GMC dealer for inspection. Dealer confirmed reverse gear would not engage even after adding transmission fluid. Vehicle is currently available for inspection.
The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6.2L engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General Motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. While no active recall is currently associated with this specific vehicle, similar vehicles with the same engine platform have documented issues, raising concerns about reliability and safety. The failed components are available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while accelerating approximately 35 - 40 MPH from a stoplight, the contact believed that the engine was going to seize. The message Low Power Mode was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC: P0700, P0776, and P1881. The contact researched and became aware of GMC Recall Number: N22382220; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated at the time of the failure, with the message “Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care” displayed. The contact waited for a while and then attempted to move the vehicle, and the vehicle drove forward slowly, and while attempting to reverse(R), the engine revved abnormally but failed to respond. The gear shifter was shifted to drive, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine continued to rev until depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on back order. The contact researched and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train), and it opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and was losing automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that it was the second transmission failure in less than 2 months. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the manufacturer had recommended a diagnostic test on the engine. The diagnostic test had not yet been performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
I have 60k miles on my 2021 yukon xl denali. the transmission went out in it in January. i have it in the shop in january for a new transmission. i got it back and the transmssion went out again in it. its currently in the shop. the transmission is a 10 speed and has been nothing but issues.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the message "Service Transmission Now" displayed. The driver was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse(R) and turned around and returned to the residence. The contact and his wife researched online and found that there was a recall for the transmission for the year and model under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact discussed the recall and was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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 car returned to the dealership. Mileage: 52,285 GMC 2021Yukon Denali XL 6.2L V8 engine Well-maintained with regular oil changes. The dealership told me there was a lifter failure and that the engine could be damaged and would need to be replaced if the cam, pushrods, etc., were damaged. They also told me I was out of warranty by less than 60 days. The dealership said my warranty expired in October 2025, even though my vehicle is a 2021 with only 52,285 miles. They just informed me that the left lifter was replaced at 6,000 miles and that they will replace the right lifter. I am concerned about further damage down the road, given the recalls on the GMC 6.2L engines.
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.
While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, the vehicle unexpectedly lost acceleration. After lifting off the gas pedal, it jolted forward, triggered a “Reduced Performance” dashboard warning, and remained in what felt like second gear, refusing to shift. I immediately pulled into a parking spot; when I attempted to reverse, the vehicle would not move backward. As you may imagine, this was a major safety concern, as I had my [XXX] and [XXX] children in the vehicle with me. I had the Yukon inspected at a GMC dealership, where a technician confirmed the issue originated from a faulty transmission valve body. My independent research has revealed this to be a widespread defect in the 2021 Yukon XL, prompting GM to issue Special CoverageXXX, which explicitly covers valve-body replacements for 2021 Yukon XLs experiencing reduced performance. Despite meeting these criteria and receiving identical diagnostic alerts, I was informed that my VIN is not covered. I am formally requesting that this safety-related defect—widespread among this model year—be recognized and my VIN included under Special Coverage XXX. The valve body causing the loss of propulsion in my Yukon XL is exactly the same defective component GM has acknowledged and is covering under this program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I'm vehicle has experience both active recalls for similar model year but my VIN isn't listed as been one that is covered by the call. 25V274000 and 21V739000.
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 to repair/replace the engine. The dealer called back later that day and said GMC would be willing to cover 30% of the cost so our expense would be around $10,000. All this for a vehicle we've only driven for less than a year and a half. The vehicle went in for a routine oil change and has never had any issues prior to this. This happened suddenly without any sort of warning. To make matters worse, our powertrain warranty expired a day or two before this occurred. We are still trying to fight with GMC to cover this engine failure. The car has less than 75,000 miles and is only used for basic personal needs like driving to school and the store so it is shocking that the engine would suddenly fail like this and to make matters, the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility for it and to cover it under the recall even though there has been known widespread issues with this engine.
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 to cover all but $2,000 of the repair costs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by DeFouw GMC. GMC is aware of the issue under Case #[XXX]. No inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, it all happened at once. The vehicle was extremely well cared for, and GM has all of the oil change records. Additional Comments: We have been without our family vehicle since [XXX], and GMC has not provided an estimated arrival date for the replacement engine. We are now entering month four without a vehicle, which has severely impacted our family’s mobility and safety. This delay is unacceptable and reflects poorly on GMC’s commitment to customer safety and service. Has also cost us over $10,000 out of pocket, which I will seek reimbursement for legally, if I must. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U
Lifters failed
My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali is part of the April 2025 recall for the 6.2L V8 engine defect. The dealership confirmed the engine must be replaced, but the part is on backorder, potentially for several months. In the meantime, GMC only authorized a GMC Acadia as a courtesy vehicle. The Acadia is not comparable to our Yukon XL. We are a family of six, and while the Acadia has a third row, there is almost no cargo space with it in use. Our Yukon XL has over three times the cargo capacity, which is necessary for safely transporting luggage and sports equipment during our frequent trips (2–3 times per month). Because of this, we have already been forced to rent a larger SUV at our own expense for a recent trip. GMC’s Courtesy Transportation Program states that owners should receive comparable transportation during recall repairs. Despite escalating through the dealership, GMC Customer Assistance, and even the regional manager, we were denied a comparable loaner or guaranteed rental coverage. This leaves our family in an unsafe and impractical situation while waiting months for the recall repair.
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.
10 speed transmission It’s been at the dealer for a month and they checked it today. Same issues as the mass recall Dash alert for reduced speed drive with caution. It was extremely dangerous because it malfunctioned on curvy winding roads
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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