2023 GMC Yukon Xl Engine Problems

The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I’m terrified of driving this car with my children as I don’t know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11752591

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. 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 repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was released back to the owner; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and jerking abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the drive to the residence was not a smooth drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a technician performed a ride-along. The contact stated that the engine seized three times during the ride along. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released, the rear bumper was damaged. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11750659

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

Mileage

44,000 mi

While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.

NHTSA ID

11750354

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

Engine seized after the pico test. Been 3 months waiting on an engine

NHTSA ID

11747663

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

My wife and I were traveling to Denver CO to pick up my son and grandson from the airport. The engine started to make a very exaggerated rattle. We found a dealership near our motel where we took the vehicle to and were told not to drive home that the engine needed to be replaced. We had to arrange our own transportation for both us and the vehicle 8 hrs back to our home in Rapid City, SD where our local dealership replaced the engine. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles when this occurred. Fortunately we were in a populated area when this occurred as there is a lot of very sparsely populated area between our home and Denver. This malfunction not only cost me a lot of money but also put my family at risk in unfamiliar areas.

NHTSA ID

11743381

Incident

May 27, 2025

lost power going down highway and coasted to a stop on the side of the road. car was towed to a nearby gmc dealership and after inspection a new 6.2 motor is needed. I did not notice any warning signals when I lost power.

NHTSA ID

11743167

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

Engine 6.2L failed going down the highway. Very Scary

NHTSA ID

11742091

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

I was on the highway heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat and without warning the engine shut down and luckily we were on the exit ramp and away from heavy traffic. I pulled over to the side and tried to start it again but it won’t even crank. The cabin heater stopped working too, It was -9 Degrees outside that day and we started to freeze, luckily my wife was able to get to us in 20minutes. The vehicle was towed to GM dealership and they confirmed the engine seized and will need a new engine under special coverage N252494003-03. This was after the recall was completed for this vehicle. It had only 61392KMS on it. We live in [XXX] and it gets extreme winters with below -40degree temperatures. It’s a remote area and there is no service on the highway for 200KMS when heading south to city, if this would have happened on the highway with no services and extreme weather we wouldn’t have made it out alive. We are a family of 5 with a [XXX] and a [XXX] and we bought this vehicle after knowing that the engine recall was completed and GM deemed it safe. Unfortunately that’s a lie and GM is putting peoples safety and life at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11737238

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

This vehicle was identified as recalled in 2025 for total engine replacement and the engine did fail in May 2025 it would stall while driving. GMC performed the engine replacement in June of 2025. The car stalled again on Friday May 1. It was taken to the dealer on May 7 and was diagnosed as needing another complete engine replacement. I was told that gmc identified a need to replace more parts after my engine was replaced but I was never informed of this. I was told my this dealership that I am the first vehicle they’ve seen that will require a second full engine replacement It is a 6.3L v8. This car stalled while I was driving with a 3yo in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11736444

Incident

May 1, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali is currently at the dealership due to a manufacturer recall involving the engine. The engine issue occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle, which required me to pull over and have the vehicle towed to the dealership After inspection, I was told the vehicle requires a full engine replacement. The dealership has stated there is no estimated time of arrival for the replacement engine due to backorder, and that other customers have been waiting for extended periods. I am currently without my vehicle and have been provided a temporary replacement that is not comparable. The extended delay and lack of timeline are causing significant loss of use.

NHTSA ID

11734896

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

on 2/28/26 i experienced complete engine failure on my 23 Yukon. I was going 70mph on the highway when the engine kicked and and kicked into neutral. the car spent 6 weeks in the dealer to have the engine replaced. i picked up the car on Wednesday, 4/15. On 4/16, i was once again driving, as normal when it suddenly turned off and kicked into neutral. 1 day after I picked up the vehicle it is once again being towed back to the dealer for the same symptoms it had when the entire engine had to be replaced. Both times, there is no warning. The car dings and a message comes up saying "restart vehicle". On 2/28, the car would not restart. On 4/16, the car did restart but only temporarily This is a major safety problem. The first occurrence I was going 70mph on the highway when i lost power. The second occurrence, I was driving 20mph on my neighborhood street and suddenly lost all power.

NHTSA ID

11731761

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

I own a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. In Nov. 2023, at about 4,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a complete engine and electrical failure at highway speed while I was traveling with my husband and three small children. It suddenly lost all power in the fast lane, including acceleration and engine function. Steering became extremely heavy, consistent with loss of power steering assist, and the electronics shut down. We had to guide the vehicle across traffic while coasting downhill to the shoulder beyond a guardrail. Traffic had to avoid us, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed and required a complete engine replacement under warranty. After that replacement, additional issues followed. There was an HVAC/defrost concern. In June 2025, the vehicle again became inoperable without warning while parked at a store. It would not start despite repeated attempts, including by a dealership representative. A diagnostic scan produced over a page of error codes, but the dealership could not identify a cause and stated the vehicle was safe. In Dec. 2025, the vehicle engine was inspected under a recall and I was told there were no issues. In Feb. 2026, the vehicle lost heat and was found to have no coolant despite regular maintenance and recent inspection. In Mar. 2026, at about 37,700 miles, the vehicle developed a loud clunking noise while driving. I stopped driving and returned it to the dealership, where I was told the engine had failed again and required another full replacement. The vehicle has now had two engine failures and three engines installed in less than three years. There were no warning lights or prior indications before these failures. I no longer believe this vehicle is safe or reliable for transporting my family.

NHTSA ID

11730061

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

The vehicle has the L87 GM engine. It lost complete power and the engine seized up and would not start again. Fortunately I was able to roll into a neighborhood and get off the main road with no issues. The dealer has confirmed the seized engine and a replacement engine has been ordered with no ETA. There was no prior warning of the failure, besides a shuddering, like I was running out of gas, and then a lose of complete power.

NHTSA ID

11728101

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing oil, and the engine was running rough. There was an abnormal burning odor after driving the vehicle. The vehicle received an oil change; however, two weeks later, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined the oil level was approximately 2 quarts low, and another oil change was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11727406

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Mileage

70,000 mi

2023 Yukon XL Denali passed the pico scope changed to 0W40 and 3 months later stopped working in the middle of driving just completely shut down. Engine started to smoke had it towed to dealership and they removed my oil filter and found crankshaft bearings in the filter. Needs a new engine now. Bought it brand new only has 45,000 miles on it currently.

NHTSA ID

11727105

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

2023 GMC Yukon XL 6.2L V8 experienced progressive engine defects starting in first year. At 7,445 mi (Jan 2023), first dealer visit for engine issues. At 10,315 mi (Apr 2023), Cyl 2 fuel injector failed (internally open), vehicle TOWED to dealer, replaced under warranty. At 14,982 mi (Aug 2023), identical Cyl 7 injector failure (internally open), replaced under warranty. Two identical failures on different cylinders within 15,000 mi indicates systemic defect. By 30,409 mi (Aug 2024), dealer performed engine decarbonization due to carbon buildup from fuel injection issues. Dealer recommended additional decarbs at 38,077 mi and 42,577 mi. At 56,028 mi (Mar 2026), engine suffered catastrophic failure: piston ring failure causing excessive oil consumption and engine destruction, requiring full engine replacement. This matches GM's known 5.3L/6.2L V8 piston ring defect (subject of $150M class action settlement). Defective injectors caused incomplete combustion, carbon buildup on piston rings, ring tension loss, and catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle also has unfixed suspension defect (camber bolt/alignment). Vehicle visited dealer 8+ times. Engine failure poses serious safety risk from sudden power loss at highway speeds. Vehicle available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11726556

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

Complete engine failure on highway at speeds of 70+. The vehicle was inspected per the recall on this engine and it passed inspection prior to purchasing. The vehicle now needs a complete engine replaced per local GMC dealer.

NHTSA ID

11724449

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

Drove vehicle to town and back, 20 mile round trip. When entering my property, the Engine stalled while pulling into driveway. Upon cranking, was very hard to start. When taking the next trip after engine stall, vehicle died in motion at 60mph approaching a traffic intersection with no warning, leaving very little time to navigate to the shoulder and off the roadway. Engine will not crank over, suspect Engine has failed again, currently at dealer awaiting diagnostics. No lights, warnings, noises or indications of Engine failure were observed during the drive cycle.

NHTSA ID

11724258

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

My vehicle was one of the vehicles that was subject to the engine failure recall by GM. I took it to the dealership for the “repair“ where I was told the oil was changed to a different weight. Last night, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car just stopped. It still had power, but the engine had stopped. I tried to restart was unable to.

NHTSA ID

11722641

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

ON 2/22/2026 WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM WEST, TEXAS ON FM 2311 WE WERE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT WHILE WE WERE ENTERING TH ECONSTURCTION ZONE THE VEHICLE SAID START THE CAR WE WERE DRIVING IN THEN I NOTICED WE LOST PROPULSION AND STEERING AND BRAKES WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR CHILD WERE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. THIS ROAD HAD NO SHOULDERS AND A VERY STEEP DEEP EMBANKMENT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE WERE TRAPPED BETWEEN TWO HILLS WITH NO WAY TO STAY SAFE OR GET THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE SPOT TO KEEP TRAFFIC FROM HITTING US OR THE CAR WE HAD TO GO STAND DOWN THE BOTTOM OF THE EMBANKMENT TO TRY AND STAY SAFE AS BEST AS WE COULD. THE LEROY TEXAS VOLUENTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME UP ON US AND WAS ABLE TO BLOCK TRAFFIC UNTIL THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR HOME THEN TO FREEDOM CHEVROLET IN FAITFIELD TEXAS ON2/23/2026 ON 2/23/2026 WE MADE A CLAIM WITH GM CLAIM#89328131 AND HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY THEM TOLD THEM A ENGONE REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX THE SAFTEY ISSUE PERMANTLY SO I AM REPSPECTFULLY REJECTING THE REPAIR TOLD DEALER NOT TO FIX. WE HAD A RECALL DONE ON 11/17/2025 FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT FAILED US WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SEROIOUSLY INJURED. THIS IS A MASSIVE SAFTEY ISSUE WE EVEN ASKED GM FOR A BUY BACK OR A SWAP AND WE CALLED TODAY ON 2/27/2026 AND GM TOLD US JOHN WHOEVER THAT IS WOULD CALL US BACK NEVER CALLED US. GM EVEN ACTED LIKE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CLAIM NUMBER WHEN I HAVE AN EMAIL ABOUT IT. i AM NOW VERY WORRIED THAT GM WILL TRY TO ERASE ALL THE DATA FROM THE VEHICLE RECORDING DEVICE AKA BLACK BOX. GM MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE I OWN 3 GM VEHICLES WORTH A TOTAL OF ALMOST 300K ALL HAVE A MAJOR SAFTEY RECALL .

NHTSA ID

11721062

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

Engine issue crankshaft problem

NHTSA ID

11719730

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

my engine was part of L87 engine GMC Yukon Xl 2023 recall, they checked the car at 41,000Miles in aug-sept 2025, then they suggested different oil to be used, they changed the oil and thats it, 5000 miles later my engine died on the high way, it shut off and car seized and shut off on the highway and did not move. I towed it to the GMC dealership, they confirmed the engine is seized, but they have been very secretive, they did not tell me whats wrong, they been some what ignoring me, I dont have a car its been few days, no one reached out to tell me whats happening, no offer to give me a loaner, when I kept bugging me they said we're opening the enigne to send the broken part inside to the GMC headquarters, I asked to know what's the issue what's happening but I'm worried they will do another short cut, I need your help on what to do next

NHTSA ID

11719666

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

2023 Yukon Denali XL 6.2l: GM oil change recall performed (October 2025) and GMC dealership noted no issues. Prior to recall oil change, at aprox 5k miles interval (45K total miles), check engine oil light on dash and was over 1 quart low. Next oil change at aprox 50K miles, no check engine light came on, but certified mechanic drained and measure oil level, 1.5 quarts low. Engine often sounds odd at cold start, ticking sound. Now an oil change is $100 more, due to special oil, but not compensated for extra cost. Brake calibers failed. February 2026, engine light on, then off, then hood latch dash light warning now on and off. Huge safety concerns with the 2023 GMC Yukon 6.2L.

NHTSA ID

11718440

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

I was on the interstate and when I was passing a vehicle in the middle lane the engine lost power, shifted to N. I tried going back to drive it would not shift. Stopped the suv and tried restarting it. When I pushed on the brake and tried to start it the whole vehicle would loose power to all my screens. I had this vehicle towed in back in September 2025 due to not cranking over when starting. They did the recall for the engine at that time. The engine light would randomly turn on but would go back off within the same day.

NHTSA ID

11718419

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

POST-RECALL 25V274 ( & EA25007, EA25001) EXHAUST INTRUSION WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD Following the complete engine replacement under GM recall N252494000, my vehicle has developed a severe and persistent exhaust intrusion that allows toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the passenger cabin. CO levels have measured a peak of 83 PPM and consistent reading between 20-37 over multiple tests. PATTERN OF POST-RECALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES Vehicle has been in for service 6 times, over 100 days, as part of the engine replacement plus (metal found in the oil pan). Since recall, the vehicle has had an exhaust smell and noise rattle issue with the following exhaust system components deemed failed and been replaced: 1. Radiator cap (leaking onto exhaust) 2. Exhaust muffler (replaced TWICE - June 2025 and August 2025) 3. Exhaust clamps (leaking) 4. Left exhaust manifold (warped) Critical Finding: Despite replacement of virtually the entire exhaust system, the defect persists. This suggests a fundamental design or installation defect related to the engine replacement procedure, NOT isolated component failures. Documented Carbon Monoxide Levels: Between January 30 and February 3, 2026, I conducted 15+ tests using a professional-grade Klein Tools ET180 Carbon Monoxide Meter. Results: • Peak reading: 83 PPM • Multiple readings: 40-72 PPM sustained for 6+ minutes directly at my [XXX] daughter's car seat position • Testing method: Vehicle started via remote start, CO meter placed in cabin, readings recorded over 10-15 minute periods Health Impacts to Family: • Wife and [XXX] daughter consistently experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea when riding in vehicle • Daughter now refuses to ride in vehicle because it makes her feel sick • Symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning Independent service station verification on January 30th confirmed "vehicle is dangerous to operate with children inside and needs immediate service." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

NHTSA ID

11717379

Incident

Jan 30, 2026