RoadVitals

2023 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.
155
Latest Sep 23, 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.
72%
of 216 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.
7

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 2023 GMC Yukon Xl submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 155 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 155, in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2026

This is an ongoing problem from date of purchase, before the normal oil change time the low oil light comes on. When i check the oil dip stick it is in fact low. I have to add at least 2 qts of oil to get it to the right level. Time frame would be at least once every 2 months under normal CA driving conditions. Also does have a rough idle and noise that sounds like the motor is going to come apart on startup. I have takin it to the dealer, they performed consumption test and checked the motor recall. The dealer told us that our motor passed the recall inspection, made the changes, oil, oil cap, etc. Then told us it passed the consumption test. Since then I still have to add oil between oil changes. We were told by the service tech that even if the motor is bad, there is no replacements at this time and the vehicle would just sit at our dealership until we can get a replacement. No one has been hurt at this time. I'm just waiting for the motor to lock up. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. The only warning light that comes on is the low engine oil warning.

NHTSA ID
11766540
Incident
Sep 23, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2026

I had the recall remedy of the v8 completed. They said it only required thicker oil which now lowers fuel economy and costs more for oil changes. After the recall, the engine still makes a knocking sound

NHTSA ID
11766199
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ID
11763124
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Mileage
34,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2026

I got a yukon at4 and I had to replace it for the one with this vin number [XXX], the first one had a problem with the engine and the offer me to change it for a new one and accept it but since then it has given me problems, at first it was a small pull that felt, then an engine problem, that they "fix" and i have to come back because the " pull " still existed, they fixed it, and after around 3 months after, I had a an engine light one , collision light on, and ESC light one, took it to the dealer and it was something related with the engine again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11761846
Incident
Aug 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026

Engine failure

NHTSA ID
11761217
Incident
Jul 25, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

After engine passed check for possible replacement because of recall, engine failed 5000 miles after. Even though I have a new engine now, there is no warranty coverage other than the lower part of the engine. I am already having misfire issues.

NHTSA ID
11761072
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

Catastrophic engine failure and sudden loss of propulsion on a highway after completing GM's OW-40 oil recall remedy.

NHTSA ID
11760907
Incident
Jul 23, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2026

PICO scope test #FDYZ295894391 on engine for recall #N252494003 engine , passed test. Drain oil filled with 0-40 replaced oil cap. Date 09/19/2025, mileage in 20142/mileage out 20142. Vehicle runs rough. Not stable at times. Vibration noise coming from the motor at times.

NHTSA ID
11760813
Incident
Aug 30, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 30, 2026

I was Driving down the interstate when the RPMS on my car increased and my car started to shutter. I went to get off the roadway and it put itself into neutral and lowered my speed. when i got On the shoulder it stalled and would not turn back on. I had To be towed. To this point, my car has been in the shop for over a week with no solution.

NHTSA ID
11760684
Incident
Aug 21, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026

My vehicle had a previous engine recall that was “fixed” per the dealership recommendations. However, I succumbed to total engine failure last week at 70000 miles with my 2 little kids in the car on an interstate. My engine needs replaced.

NHTSA ID
11759765
Incident
Aug 13, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2026

I am reporting a severe, recurring, and life-threatening manufacturing defect involving a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds on the interstate. This vehicle has suffered two identical valvetrain failures that placed my passengers and nearby motorists in extreme danger. Incident 1 (Approx. 40,000 miles): While traveling at high speed on the interstate, the vehicle violently shook, all engine warning lights flashed, and the engine suffered an immediate, near-total loss of propulsion. The vehicle was towed to an authorized GMC dealership, where technicians diagnosed a collapsed Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) hydraulic lifter in Cylinder 3. The lifter bank was replaced under the factory powertrain warranty. Incident 2 (Approx. 77,000 miles): While driving at high speed on the interstate, the exact same vehicle behavior occurred. The engine suffered a sudden, total loss of power, and all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously. Out of absolute necessity and to avoid a catastrophic high-speed collision on a dangerous stretch of highway, the severely crippled vehicle had to be forced through active interstate traffic without proper engine power all the way to my home. The vehicle has since been inspected by a GMC dealership, which has confirmed that the exact same Cylinder 3 lifter has failed a second time. The dealership and the GMC Regional Service Manager are currently refusing to honor the 24-month dealer-installed service parts warranty, demanding an out-of-pocket deposit of $5,000, and denying alternative transportation. GM's failure to permanently remediate this known, systemic valvetrain defect has twice left me navigating a failing vehicle through high-speed highway traffic, heavily compounding the safety risk.

NHTSA ID
11759755
Incident
Aug 11, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 25, 2026

Engine shut off with no warning, all electronics disabled and couldn't shift out of park. Was driving down the road at approximately 50mph, Yukon shifted itself into neutral. Vehicle previously complied with the 25V-274 recall and passed, was operating on the new oil that GM recommended.

NHTSA ID
11759366
Incident
Aug 24, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2026

Second engine sized at 87,834 miles. Third engine installed three weeks later.

NHTSA ID
11759344
Incident
Jul 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,460.

NHTSA ID
11759138
Incident
Jul 7, 2026
Mileage
49,460 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 24, 2026

2023 Yukon XL AT4 with 67k miles suddenly had lifters fail. GM service said cam scored & metal debris all the way through to the pan, requiring total engine replacement. Vehicle was very well maintained with premium fluids and parts.

NHTSA ID
11759137
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026

My vehicle was taken in as part of the 25v-274 recall. It passed and was given the new oil. It underwent a second oil change using the new oil and before the third oil change at around 46,000 miles the engine was having trouble. I took it in for the oil change and the engine issue. I have barely been told anything but from what I understand I have a camshaft issue and need new lifters. I haven't seen my car in 12 days and have received almost to no updates.

NHTSA ID
11759128
Incident
Aug 12, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 23, 2026

Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving down the highway, extremely dangerous. Would not shift into gear and could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and the vehicle would not restart. Had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealership found a blown fuse, problem happened again twice and the dealer could not find the problem. This was July 28th, 2026. On August 20th, while in cruise control, slight ringing noise began, then a loud thump, then a loss of oil pressure. Unable to do anything other than pull over on an interstate with my family. Again, very dangerous. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted out of park. Had to have the vehicle towed again. Have also had at least 8 recalls on the vehicle. Unbelievably dangerous situations with my family, aside from inconvenient and expensive.

NHTSA ID
11758865
Incident
Aug 20, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL, used as a commercial vehicle for my business, experienced sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles with no prior warning. No check engine light, no unusual noise, and no other symptoms. The vehicle had previously been inspected/serviced under GM Safety Recall 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) and had been deemed safe prior to this failure. The failure occurred while driving on a two-lane road in Durango, CO. The vehicle lost all propulsion and came to a stop in the roadway, blocking the lane of travel and forcing other vehicles to cross into the oncoming traffic lane to go around the disabled vehicle. This created a serious and immediate hazard to myself and to oncoming traffic. The vehicle was not driveable and had to be towed. The dealer confirmed catastrophic engine failure requiring a complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the Morehart Murphy GMC dealership in Durango also failed to properly recalibrate vehicle sensors. They did not reinstall certain suspension components that had been removed for the engine replacement, requiring multiple additional dealership visits to resolve along with recalibration of the air ride suspension. After the replacement I was getting messages that the vehicle was "too low to drive with caution" and "Reduced Acceleration Drive With Care." This vehicle failure occurred during our peak season (June 10-July 2). The vehicle being out of service, I was required to rent a replacement vehicle at my own expense because GM did not provide a loaner vehicle. I estimate loss revenue at $1k/day. When I attempted to raise this issue with GM directly, their response was to submit letter to a P.O. Box, with no other means of resolution or contact offered. Given that this vehicle had already undergone the recall remedy and was represented as safe, this incident is relevant to NHTSA's ongoing investigation into post-recall L87 engine failures (Recall Query RQ26001).

NHTSA ID
11758687
Incident
Jun 10, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 15, 2026

Our lifters in cylinder 3 were replaced after failing at 40,000 miles. The exact same lifters broke again at 77,000 miles.both events caused engine failure.

NHTSA ID
11757144
Incident
Aug 11, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2026

2023 GMC Yukon XL(6.2 liter engine).Engine has failed twice with the first incident being on the interstate and the engine seized without warning with only 38,000 miles. GMC replaced the engine and now the second engine has failed with only 80,000 miles on it. I am told there needs to be a third engine installed and the vehicle is only three years old. If an engine fails without warning this puts everyone in danger. My [XXX] son was in the car when the first engine failed. There is an obvious manufacturer's defect that needs to be addressed before innocent people are injured or killed. The vehicle is currently located at Darrell Waltrip GMC in Franklin, Tennessee. It is not drivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11756862
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 24, 2026

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
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Jul 15, 2026

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
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 14, 2026

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
Filed Jul 1, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11747663
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 11, 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

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .