RoadVitals

2022 GMC Yukon Xl Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
121
Latest Sep 17, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
73%
of 166 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 121 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.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 121, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center, the mechanic discovered that the oil level was extremely low and determined that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the engine was inspected and a higher viscosity oil was added to the engine. The failure mileage was 60,100.

NHTSA ID
11765043
Incident
Sep 9, 2026
Mileage
61,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2026

This email is a continuation of complaint # 11760621 that I filled on August 29th 2026. The vehicle was authorized by General Motors to have the engine replaced and the Service Department at the GMC Dealer informed that the replacement engine was installed and failed immediately upon it's initial test drive. I have absolutely no faith in GMC's solution to the engine issues or the safety of the vehicle in the future with myself or family in it.

NHTSA ID
11763857
Incident
Sep 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2026

Engine failed for 3rd time

NHTSA ID
11762816
Incident
Aug 14, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 2, 2026

Driving down [XXX] in [XXX] the engine seized and blew every major electrical fuse. The suv was in the center lane of [XXX] at rush hour unable to be put in neutral and rolled to safety. SUV was towed home then to dealership for confirmation. Engine and all wiring were replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11761580
Incident
May 25, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026

On XXX around noon in medium traffic I was traveling on the [XXX] southbound at about 65 miles per hour when the engine suddenly stopped with no warning. To make matters worse the dash instructed me to apply the brake to start?? Not at 65 mph! I was able to coast onto the offramp safely and call for a tow to the GMC dealer in [XXX]. They diagnosed the failure to the engine seizing. I was fortunate to pull off the freeway as being an experienced driver for more than 50 years although it would be anyone's opinion that a less experienced driver could have been injured or worse. My fear is that the replacement engine that GM will install again have the same problem at any time in the future with no warning and I or my family will not be as fortunate the next time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11760621
Incident
Aug 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2026

The engine failed at 69,000 at highway speeds. GM inspected it at 30,000 and said it wouldn’t happen.

NHTSA ID
11760018
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 27, 2026

I know an engineering analysis has been opened on the 6.2L motor for GM models. I just want on the record that my wife has a 2022 GMC Denali XL that had the engine replaced in December 2025. After that motor replacement it repeated the same issue July 4th 2026 and the dealership replaced the engine a second time for the same reason, and I will be attaching each invoice for both replacements. Just want to have the #'s updated to show the remedy doesn't seem to work or in my case it didn't and I have seen numerous news articles talking about this.

NHTSA ID
11759912
Incident
Jul 4, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026

While driving in passing lane on interstate highway at approximately 65 mph engine lost power. Dashboard warning "vehicle in neutral" message appeared. "Press start" message appeared. Tried to start the engine but did not start. Slight downhill while on highway and had to make it to right shoulder since no shoulder on left side of highway. Glided across 2 lanes to right lane and luckily an exit came up while still gliding slightly downhill. Exited ramp and got off highway to an empty parking lot. Put vehicle in Park. Since engine failed, power steering was normal as was all electrical components. Once stopped, vehicle was not able to be shifted into Neutral. Message " unable to shift to Neutral under conditions " appeared. Vehicle had to be towed with rear wheels on dollies since it was stuck in Park. Was very lucky to get vehicle across lanes of traffic and off highway to a safe location. Had vehicle towed to nearest GMC dealership where it was diagnosed as internal engine failure covered under recall for this particular engine. (6.2 liter).

NHTSA ID
11759865
Incident
Aug 18, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026

No warning the car made a loud clunk that shook the car. The engine began a severe knock with almost compete loss of power. The dealer confirmed the entire engine had to be replaced. I was told my car passed the PICO test recall and only required an oil viscosity change. There is something very wrong here. These engines are not right. I have handicapped twins and have zero confidence it won't leave my family stranded.

NHTSA ID
11758654
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026

L87 Engine failed 6 months after replacement. Had to get 2nd full engine replacement. The car is currently on its 3rd engine. 1st replacement 10/16/25. Engine failed on 4/30/26. 2nd replacement 6/1/26.

NHTSA ID
11758647
Incident
Apr 30, 2026
EngineSuspension
Filed Aug 7, 2026

We took in our Yukon for the recall letters we’ve received in the mail and to check a suspension light the popped up. Our Yukon was given back to us with the ac not working properly anymore and it started to turn off on us out of nowhere. now we need an engine replacement. What’s more aggravating is that the Yukon was checked out the week of july27 -31 according to service advisor the engine was good and the only thing needing to be replaced was the module for the suspension light that popped up. Now it turns out that it doesn’t even need a module replacement and the suspension issue is something else. Super frustrating It’s our only family vehicle and it so upsetting that we were given the Yukon back in the condition it was in. Thank goodness the Yukon shut off at a drive thru and not a freeway or my husband would’ve got into an accident.

NHTSA ID
11755582
Incident
Jul 27, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 14, 2026

The engine in my 2022 GMC Yukon XL equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 experienced a sudden loss of power while traveling at interstate speed. The vehicle had previously received the GM L87 engine recall remedy. Despite the recall being completed, the engine failed, leaving me and my family in a dangerous situation. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The sudden loss of engine power on a busy interstate created an immediate safety hazard. Traffic was traveling at highway speeds, and the vehicle rapidly lost the ability to maintain speed, increasing the risk of being struck from behind or being involved in a serious collision. My family was in the vehicle at the time, making the incident especially concerning. The GMC dealership has confirmed that the engine failure is related to the L87 engine issue and advised that the repairs will be covered under the applicable warranty/recall-related coverage. Additionally, after the original recall service was performed, an expanded recall was added to my VIN, further indicating that the original remedy may not have fully addressed the underlying defect. The vehicle is currently being inspected by the authorized GMC dealership. Prior to the engine failure, there were no warning signs indicating an imminent catastrophic failure. The recall service had already been completed, leading me to believe the vehicle was safe to operate. The engine nevertheless failed after the recall remedy, raising concerns that the corrective action may not be sufficient to prevent future failures

NHTSA ID
11750436
Incident
Jul 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 74 MPH uphill, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off. The vehicle became disabled in a travel lane of the interstate. The vehicle was towed by flatbed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the failure was not covered under recall. The vehicle was associated with special coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,548.

NHTSA ID
11744551
Incident
Jun 15, 2026
Mileage
70,548 mi
Engine
Filed May 19, 2026

Engine seized up while driving 60 mph on a known GM recall, after passing recall pico test

NHTSA ID
11738866
Incident
Apr 13, 2026
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed May 19, 2026

My 2022 GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L L87 engine was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-274 / GM Recall N252494000 for L87 engine loss of propulsion. The recall was closed by the dealer as “PicoScope Inspection — Engine Passed / Update Engine Oil Type,” with the oil/cap/filter remedy. The vehicle was later brought back to the dealer for engine noise/knocking, check-engine light, and engine oil light/oil warning concerns. The dealer has now confirmed that the dipstick was not picking up oil, the oil level was severely low, the oil condition was severely degraded, and abnormal engine noise was heard. My VIN also shows active GM Special Coverage N252494003 through 1/15/2032 or 150,027 miles. The dealer previously stated that the underlying PicoScope pass data from the recall inspection is no longer available to the dealership after submission. This is not the first oil-related concern. During a prior service visit in September 2025, around the same time the L87 recall was completed, the dealer documented an engine oil low message and an upper oil pan leak causing the low-oil message. I am concerned the L87 engine may be failing after the recall remedy was previously marked complete, creating a risk of engine failure or loss of propulsion while driving. I am also concerned the current engine/oil/noise condition is being treated as customer-pay/out-of-warranty before the root cause is fully diagnosed or reviewed by GM under Special Coverage N252494003.

NHTSA ID
11738772
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed May 18, 2026

Engine failure occurred while driving with two children in the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and stalled completely while in motion, with no prior warning lights, alerts, or messages. Prior to this failure, the vehicle had already failed the GM PICO test related to the known L87 engine issue, and the recommended corrective action was changing the oil to 0W-40 synthetic and replacing the oil cap. Despite that intervention, the engine still failed at approximately 49,000 miles. A sudden complete engine stall without warning while driving created a dangerous situation, particularly with children in the vehicle. This raises concern that the prior corrective action did not resolve the underlying defect..

NHTSA ID
11738507
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Engine
Filed May 10, 2026

Motor locked up while going 50 mph

NHTSA ID
11736836
Incident
Mar 24, 2026
Engine
Filed May 6, 2026

Recently my vehicle was serviced under recall N252494000 at an authorized GM dealership. Following completion of the recall remedy, which included an inspection and oil change to OW-40. As a result of this recall remedy, I have experienced the following adverse effects: •Significant increase in oil change costs from approximately $80.50 to $171.21 •Noticeable decrease in fuel economy (previously 18-20 mpg, now approximately 15-16 mpg). •Ongoing concern regarding engine reliability and safety •Diminished resale value due to the known engine defect and recall history. It is my understanding that this recall addresses a known defect involving internal engine components that may lead to catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion. I am also aware that the NHTSA has initiated further investigation into failures occurring even after the recall remedy has been performed.

NHTSA ID
11736170
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Engine
Filed May 6, 2026

On April 12, 2026, while traveling approximately 65 mph westbound on XXX in [XXX] (just east of Exit XXX), the engine in our 2022 GMC Yukon Denali failed without any prior warning. This occurred on a four-lane highway where I was in the lane furthest from the shoulder. The engine shut off, the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral, and I had to cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder without power steering while the vehicle was rapidly decelerating. I had my [XXX] son and [XXX] dog in the vehicle at the time, which created a significant safety risk. VDOT arrived on scene within minutes but was unable to jump-start the vehicle. I contacted Southern Buick GMC Kia in Greenbrier, VA and arranged for towing through their service. The vehicle was towed to their facility the same day. On April 14, 2026, the dealership informed me that the engine had failed and contacted GMC headquarters to order a replacement engine under the vehicle’s VIN. The vehicle remains at Southern Buick GMC Kia in Greenbrier, VA, where it is available for inspection by NHTSA. Previously, a PicoScope test was performed on October 7, 2025, under warranty code XXX. At that time, the engine was determined not to be eligible for warranty replacement; the oil was changed and a new oil cap was installed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11736100
Incident
Apr 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2026

Engine failure with the 6.2 engine. My engine failed the Pico test in July of 2025 with 66k miles. The entire engine was replaced and I was told this would “fix” the engine issue. On April 25, 2026, my engine failed while I was driving at highway speeds. The engine was knocking and I pulled over as I could not accelerate it. I had it towed and was told by the dealership that the rod bearings failed and I would need an entire new engine. 9 months and 10k miles after a brand new engine was installed. This will be the third engine in this vehicle since I’ve owned it. GM’s “fix” for the 6.2 recall is not a fix. It’s pushing the problem down the road, risking lives by putting people in vehicles with known engine failures and no true fix.

NHTSA ID
11734444
Incident
Apr 25, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2026

I ordered and purchased this vehicle in November of 2021. Since it was new, it has consumed approximately one quart of oil per oil change interval as indicated on the oil life monitor system. Every time I have it serviced by the same dealership, I have inquired as to if this amount of consumption is "normal". They said it wasn't excessive yet to continue monitoring it. This vehicle did pass the recent engine recall inspection yet I'm still feeling as if there may be a problem that hasn't fully surfaced yet based on the initial recall.

NHTSA ID
11733970
Incident
Apr 4, 2022
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 26, 2026

On [XXX], my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali XL (VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete loss of propulsion while I was driving on [XXX] in El Paso, Texas, with my wife and two young children in the vehicle. Mileage was approximately 50,364. While in motion, the vehicle was displaying abnormal behavior, concerned the vehicle would stall on the highway, I exited at the Geronimo exit. As the vehicle slowed, it shut down entirely. Multiple restart attempts failed. The dashboard cycled on and off, displaying a "Service 4WD" warning while the vehicle was in 2WD mode. The transmission locked, and the vehicle became inoperable in the middle of the roadway with traffic passing on both sides. OnStar SOS was activated to communicate the unsafe location. The El Paso Police Department was requested to divert traffic. A city tow vehicle arrived after approximately fifteen minutes; my family was assisted across the roadway. Roadside assistance did not arrive for approximately three hours. This was the second loss-of-propulsion event on this vehicle in less than twelve months. The first occurred in March 2025 and resulted in engine replacement under NHTSA Safety Recall 25V274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion). The [XXX] failure occurred after the recall remedy had been applied and the engine was replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the throttle body, intake air duct and a service item titled "Repair open ground circuit". I am filing this report to document a second loss-of-propulsion event on a vehicle that already received the remedy under Recall 25V274, and to ensure NHTSA has visibility into the potential pattern of recurring or inadequate remedy on the L87 platform. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11733906
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2026

The current 6.2L engine recall was completed by Janssen Chevrolet in Holdrege, NE and it was noted the vehicle was fine. On April 11th, while driving down Interstate 80 in Nebraska, the engine suddenly died and would not restart. No warning lights or indicators illuminated prior to the failure and there were no symptoms. By sheer luck, it occurred before the head to head construction area with no shoulder and there was a rest area within coasting distance that and we were able to reach. I had little children in the car and we were stranded on the highway until friends were able to pick up the family and transport them to Lincoln and I was able to travel with the tow truck to deposit the vehicle at Husker Auto Group in Lincoln, NE. I was forced to rent a vehicle from a 3rd party as the dealer was closed and it was Saturday evening. On Monday, the dealer confirmed metal in the oil and filter and that the engine was completely dead and unable to be repaired, requiring replacement under the current recall. A much smaller loaner vehicle, insufficient to transport my family has been provided. It has been 13 days and there is no update on how long the vehicle will be out of service awaiting an engine.

NHTSA ID
11733516
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 18, 2026

I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2022 GMC Yukon XL equipped with the 5.3L engine (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has experienced a complete failure of the lifters and camshaft. Prior to the failure, there were noticeable engine performance issues, including abnormal ticking noises, rough operation, and loss of power. The condition worsened rapidly, ultimately resulting in the engine becoming inoperable. This failure presents a significant safety concern, as the sudden loss of engine performance or power could occur while driving at speed, increasing the risk of a crash. The vehicle is currently not drivable and requires extensive engine repair or replacement. Given the severity of this issue and the potential safety risks, I am requesting that this complaint be formally investigated. I understand that similar issues have been reported in vehicles with this engine, and I believe this may indicate a broader defect affecting reliability and safety. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11732016
Incident
Apr 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine, battery and alternator seem to be failing or not working together. Car will sit in garage for less than 12 hours and will not start the next morning. Take the battery and alternator to get tested and everything passes. Have had the battery tested at multiple times but believe this is due to engine recall. Check engine light comes on, we take it to the GMC dealer and they say they can't determine the issue or why it is happening. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car will not start or check engine light comes on in middle of trip. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Service center can't "reproduce" any of the issues and are telling us they have no way of checking why the light comes on in software module. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, check engine light comes on and then goes away.

NHTSA ID
11730894
Incident
Apr 11, 2026

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.

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