2026 GMC Yukon Xl

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On October 10, 2026, at approximately 5,200 miles, our 2026 GMC Yukon Denali XL equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 developed a sudden, severe abnormal engine noise. The servicing dealership subsequently advised us that the engine had suffered a rod-bearing failure and required engine replacement. The service manager stated that the failed engine would be returned to General Motors and that the dealership could not determine the full extent of the internal damage. We have not received a confirmed explanation of the underlying cause. The vehicle has remained out of service since the incident. We were subsequently told that a replacement engine had shipped, but we have not received confirmation that repairs are complete. We are reporting this premature internal engine failure for NHTSA’s review as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11775595

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

We own 2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali with 6.2L V8 engine with just under 4600 miles. On Monday October 19, 2026 while driving the engine seized up. It is at dealer and the are replacing the engine, radiator and about 65 other parts under hood. We do have a very short phone video of the noise it made right as it seized up!! We heard about investigation ongoing and wanted to help.

NHTSA ID

11773018

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

The driver side head light developed a stress fracture on the first cold day we had in Long Island. It has been looked at by the dealer SuN gmc who are denying responsibility and claiming it was damaged by a rock. There is no visible damage to the outside of the light.

NHTSA ID

11772937

Incident

Oct 18, 2026

Truck has shuttered, rough idle since May 2026 after purchased new March 2026. We have been to two different GMC dealers who cannot duplicate the problem. Last week the truck started to shutter regularly after highway travel. When coming to a stop in traffic, the truck shutters to kill, loses power, RPMs drop below 500 and then recovers to a rough idle. Last evening Oct 20,2026 while driving the engine light came on, vehicle computer stated “ Issue with Engine / Transmission System Schedule service now.” This is the third time the vehicle will be at the GM dealer for diagnosis. Two times previous, dealer stated “unable to duplicate customer’s complaint.” We have owned this 2026 GMC truck for 8 months, purchased new and have nothing but issues which no GM dealer seems to be aware of nor can duplicate. This vehicle is unreliable and now has sat out of service awaiting a diagnosis for over 15 days at two different dealers. We have opened our second case with GMC Customer Care’s with zero assistance. It is the duty of a manufacturer to provide consumers with a safe and reliable vehicle. My 2026 GMC Yukon Denali is not safe and puts me and my family at risk of engine failure and a potential accident. We have documented every event and have videos of described defective vehicle operation.

NHTSA ID

11772521

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

While driving there was a noise that started in the engine area. The vehicle was going 55-60 mph at the time it started. It became more and more frequent. The check engine light came on just before the engine completely seized up and lost all power. Dealership is saying there is definitely internal engine noise and engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11770535

Incident

Oct 11, 2026

I’m of average stature at 5’ 9” and when seated in the driver’s seat of my 2026 GMC Yukon Denali XL my left eyeball cannot see the switch to activate the four way hazard flashers because the steering wheel blocks the view of the switch. (See Attached) I’ve had the vehicle for just over two months and I found it difficult to find the hazard switch since day one. It was even more challenging tonight coming home. I was northbound on IH35E just south of IH20 in heavy traffic and the traffic rapidly came to a stop due to a crash. It took an extra level of attention to find the hazard switch at night in heavy traffic. After I cleared the accident I started to close one eye and then the other. That is when I recognized my left eyeball is completely blocked by the steering wheel. There is plenty of room to move the switch over an inch or two so both eyeballs can see the switch with stereoscopic vision. Even in the daytime I struggle to find the switch once again from the placement of the switch and during the daytime the switch isn’t illuminated and the color of red isn’t a very vibrant red.

NHTSA ID

11768893

Incident

Oct 4, 2026

Total Engine failure. This is the second time. The vehicle had under 2000 miles when the first engine failure happened and left us sitting on the Turnpike. Very unsafe!! We were assured we received a new "upgraded" engine only to find out GM decided to roll the dice with our lives and the lives of our family (grandchildren) and put another bad engine in our vehicle. I will never feel safe with this vehicle or that they are putting in "new" parts.

NHTSA ID

11768288

Incident

Sep 27, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ""6.2L Engine Failed with 4,785 miles"" How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ""Engine Failed in active highway jug handle and required police assistance and vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer."" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ""The dealer has confirmed that the engine failed and needs to be replaced."" Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ""At this point only the dealer."" Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?"" No just started sputtering and shout down.""

NHTSA ID

11767078

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

If a vehicle has an when attempting to perform a vehicle dynamic sensor learn, the scan tool may display a “Learn Rejected” or “Request Out of Range” message.

Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing the tilt-switch ball. As a result, the lamp remains illuminated when the floor console compartment lid is closed. The BCM turns the lamp off after the ignition is switched off to prevent battery rundown. This PI is to inform dealers of the change in the lamp and operation of the lamp following repairs.

This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display

This Preliminary Information is to inform technicians to not replace any parts at this time and to use the work around provided. When a fix is available, this PI will be updated to a bulletin.