2019 GMC Yukon Engine Problems

My wife drives this vehicle to work, it has started to experience reduced engine power driving on the highway causing her to pull to the side of the road due to no throttle to maneuver the vehicle in and out of traffic, leaving her on the side of the busy highway, we have now parked the vehicle after investigating problem there is a knocking noise coming from the lower part of the engine, after research of this 6.2l engine there are reports of the crankshaft and connecting rods seizing up and coming through the side of the engine block, knowing this we are hesitant to continue driving the vehicle. We continue to make payments on a vehicle that we can't use and can't afford to make a engine replacement at the moment. Very frustrating to say the least, as expensive as these vehicles are we have lost faith in the gm name.

NHTSA ID

11754651

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

I was driving home on the interstate from vacation and I was set on cruise control it was 1 am so not a lot of traffic was on the road thank god. It could have been really terrible if lots of traffic was present as the engine just died without notice! The vehicle was decelerating nothing was working I could not speed up. I was able to get over to the side of the road. I got a notification on my phone that said battery critically low start vehicle to charge battery. Well nothing would start at this point. I lot all power seconds later. I thought that the cruise control was locked up and restarting it would reset it. I called roadside assistance to get a jump and that did not work. I got towed into an auto repair shop. They called me and told me that the engine is locked up that they drained the oil and found metal in it and metal pieces in the oil filter as well. They checked for leaks and said there was none that they could find. They said there was a recall but it was for the exact same symptoms that was diagnosed here but only starting with year 2021. Mine is a 2019 Yukon Denali with low mileage so not sure if all the other Yukons were aged out or already past engine death and that’s why they were not part of this but this should be included in with the open recall considering how everything is the same that is effecting this year that I have and they should pay for a new engine! Clearly the v8 6.2 gmc engines are having major issues I’m just glad I wasn’t going that fast and traffic was slow so I was able to get over safely before catastrophic things happened since there was no warning when this all happened!

NHTSA ID

11746019

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Getting the valve ticking noise.

NHTSA ID

11745235

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting and exiting the vehicle to allow it to warm up, the contact later noticed that the vehicle had turned off. The vehicle was towed to a first mechanic, who was unable to restart the vehicle or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a second mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer's estimate was higher than the mechanic's estimate. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested purchasing a new vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11740565

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Mileage

170,000 mi

Complete engine failure. The dealership kept the engine. This happened at a low rate of speed but it would have been much worse if on the highway. Yes the engine was completely replaced. The check engine light came on and their was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine.

NHTSA ID

11730524

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

2019 GMC Youkon with 94,659 miles. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased it used in February 2025. Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to Auto Zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return Results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage. Why would the check engine light not come on sooner to prevent TOTAL FAILURE. Vehicle was towed to a GMC certified mechanic where it was confirmed that all Lifters and cam shaft were damaged beyond repair and must all be replaced. Estimated Cost of repairs so far: $8,596.80 Labor: Remove & Replace Left And Right Valve Lifter (Both Sides) Coolant Service Oil Change Labor Parts: Engine Camshaft 1 , Genuine GM Engine Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Gasket 1 , Genuine GM Fuel Pump Gasket 1 Engine Timing Cover Gasket Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Coolant/Antifreeze Orange Dex-Cool 1 Gal 3 Engine Push Rod 8 Engine Oil Filter 1 0W-20 Full Syn 8 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Kit 1 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt 10 APPROVED Subtotal $8,422.71 + est. Tax $174.09 $8,596.80 Estimated time for repair: going on three weeks

NHTSA ID

11725322

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

I was driving on RT80 in NJ and my 2019 GMC Yukon lost power. I took it to my local Chevy dealer. The scan code was p0300 engine misfire. They removed right side valve cover and found no bent pushrods. Inspected camshaft and found damage from failed lifter. I had to get a new engine and pay out of pocket $14,435.44

NHTSA ID

11725299

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Check engine light came on. Went off a little later and then came back on. Took it to the dealership where they ran codes. They changed the fuel injector and spark plugs based on the codes listed. They heard a noise coming from under the engine and felt like it was the same failure that it happened in the 2021 to 2024 Yukon models those engines had been recalled. Was quoted $15,000 for a new engine was also charged $1000 for the fuel injector and spark plugs.

NHTSA ID

11716160

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

Engine lifter spring failure followed by bent valve push rod experienced on or about 11/6/2025. Engine repaired/re-built at independent auto mechanic for a total of $6,450. Parts not available but have pictures. Depending on where this incident could have occurred (freeway, long trips, while towing (boat, horses), etc.) safety concerns include being stranded in traffic or remote areas. Engine lost significant power and wouldn't have been able to tow. Engine knock warning light.

NHTSA ID

11710111

Incident

Nov 6, 2025

My name is [XXX] I have a 2019 GMC Yukon Denali with 226,000 miles my engine has went out do to the same issues that's going on with the GM motors right now. I have brought it in to Courtsey GMC and they told me my engine needed to be replace do to oil pressure problem cylinder 8 was bad. After taking the engine apart they notice the problem. my phone number [XXX] email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11705894

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Engine failure at 114k miles required replacement.

NHTSA ID

11704342

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

MEMORANDUM To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Safety Defect Report – 2019 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L V8 (L87) with AFM/DFM I am reporting a serious and recurring safety defect involving my 2019 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine and GM’s AFM/DFM system. In the past twelve months, I have experienced two separate engine failures, both occurring at highway speeds and both involving valve-train/VLOM failures on the same side of the engine. In each incident, the vehicle suddenly lost power, misfired violently, and became unable to maintain speed. This created an extremely dangerous situation for my family. One failure occurred while my wife was driving; the other occurred while my [XXX] son was driving. Both were forced to maneuver across high-speed traffic with a failing engine to reach the shoulder. These events posed a clear risk of a high-speed crash, injury or even a fatality. There are hundreds—possibly thousands—of documented complaints from owners of GM vehicles with AFM/DFM-equipped engines reporting the same issues: collapsed lifters, valve failures, VLOM malfunctions, and sudden loss of propulsion. These failures often occur without warning and show a consistent pattern across multiple model years and engine variants, including the L87. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds represents a significant safety hazard. The frequency of similar reports suggests a systemic mechanical defect rather than isolated incidents. I respectfully request that NHTSA open a formal investigation into AFM/DFM-related failures in GM’s L87 and related V8 engines, with a focus on lifter, valve, and VLOM failures that lead to abrupt engine shutdown. Appropriate safety action, including a mandatory recall, should be done immediately to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I will provide repair documentation, service reports, and other additional information. [XXX] , Esq. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B

NHTSA ID

11700050

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

Four of the eight oil lifters in my 6.2L engine in my 2019 GMC Yukon failed. The car has around 53,000 miles. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue. Zero. The service center even ran diagnostics with no result and could not confirm the issue until after it partially took apart the engine. I noticed a noise similar to a card flapping in the wind and took it to the service center that same day. The car had been properly serviced with oil changes and still had 44% oil life that same day. Repairs are currently being made and estimated at $4,000.

NHTSA ID

11698569

Incident

Nov 4, 2025

Driving out a town 400 miles away, with a young passenger in my car on [XXX] in rush hour traffic, i started hearing a slight ticking sound then moved into a full blown knock on my drivers side ( I recorded it). within minutes, my oil light came on and my dash notification reading "engine overheating idle" with the knocking really load. I had to cross 3 lanes to traffic quickly to get to the shoulder of the road, which was NOT a safe place. I smelled smoke and cut the the engine off. I popped the hood to see that there was now no coolant (that is all I knew to look for). I immediately called OnStar Roadside assistance. 2 hours later, I was towed to a local hotel room. Car completely dead. not lights, couldn't lock it, nothing. I had to pay a large fee (almost $2k) to have my car towed back to NC from AL not to mention having rent a rental car to get us home. the car is now at a GMC dealership in Monroe NC. of course the Powertrain extended warranty doesn't cover the Battery replacement, belt replacement and water pump replacement so now I'm out of pocket $1300 just to get those install to be able to try and start the engine to further diagnose if my I have complete engine failure AND without transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11698205

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11681638

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

Mileage

111,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the engine failed to run. The message "Shut off Vehicle - Service at Local Dealer" was displayed; however, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the lifters, cam shaft, and push rods were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,300.

NHTSA ID

11680899

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

Mileage

76,300 mi

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and lifters and cam phaser failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

NHTSA ID

11664621

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

7,000 mi

Engine lights and all other warning lights came on, and lost total power in engine while driving. Engine knocked bad and had to limp to a repair center to check out engine problem. Service department says total engine failure at 72k miles, no warning. Apparently this 2019 GMC Yukon is not within the recall for engine replacement that appears it needs to be covered as well.

NHTSA ID

11663172

Incident

May 14, 2025

Driving home from work, with no signs my oil pressure guage dropped to zero and RPMs went to zero and I had to pull over in full on traffic going 70mph with my boat hooked to my 2019 gmc yukon denal almost causing me to wreck. Towed vehicle and boat to closest towing service and then took vehicle to mechanic and the engine was seized up

NHTSA ID

11661359

Incident

May 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, her husband noticed an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who determined that the drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Gerry Lane Buick GMC (6615 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) to be diagnosed and it was determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a partial reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11657191

Incident

May 17, 2014

Mileage

73,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cam shaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11656753

Incident

Apr 25, 2025

Mileage

170,000 mi

Was driving home at highway speeds and my 2019 yukon denalis engine just shut off in traffic and had to come to a stop in the middle of traffic and it wouldn't restart, had to have it towed to dealer and they told me the engine was siezed.

NHTSA ID

11656624

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

The car was clicking when it was first started up, a short time later it started to shake terribly which forced my [XXX] son who was driving the vehicle at the time to pull over, on a major toll-way in heavy traffic. Engine light started to blink and traction control light came on. I immediately took the car into the dealer and was told I need new lifters ($3800 + Tax) and most likely a new engine (they quoted me $15,865). From what I am reading this issue is common place with the 6.2L engine...frightening and very lucky my son was not injured. I have filed a case with GMC - Case #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11637728

Incident

Jan 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jolted while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH independently while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The vehicle jolted and accelerated to 65 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed speed, then the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive into a parking lot, where the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. The messages "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" and "Action Required" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11591071

Incident

May 27, 2024

Mileage

82,000 mi

The engine continues to slip and slows down when driving. The following codes are returned back from the onstar diagnostics, Transmission Control Module Requested Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination. The DTC is an informational DTC. The DTC indicates an emission related DTC set in the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle has only 132,000 miles, and I have maitain the vehicle in excellent shape. With maitainance, the transmission should last at least 300,000 miles. The Engine and Transmission System is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the Transmission System that transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels.

NHTSA ID

11581808

Incident

Apr 8, 2024