2019 GMC Yukon Powertrain (other) Problems

Vehicle shudders at acceleration at times making merging onto highways and passing vehicles dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11754165

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

The vehicle experienced a sudden and rapid mechanical failure of the 6-speed automatic transmission (6L80 model) within a span of less than two weeks. The light did not come on until the transmission was past salvage. The failure escalated rapidly from initial minor slipping to a severe loss of vehicle propulsion. A loss of acceleration while driving poses an immediate crash hazard, as the vehicle cannot safely maintain speed with surrounding traffic or accelerate out of dangerous situations. The failure required towing and a complete out-of-pocket replacement of the transmission unit at 116,374 miles to restore safe operation. The manufacturer has failed to issue a safety recall despite widespread failures of this component causing unexpected power loss on public roadways.

NHTSA ID

11748498

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

Transmission is acting funny. Stuck in low gear /not shifting at low speeds. Vibration sometimes at higher speeds when shifting gears. 8 9 10 gears.

NHTSA ID

11746869

Incident

Jan 5, 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

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shift lever was shifted to drive(D), the vehicle failed to function as designed. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced. The warranty had expired, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where it was confirmed that metal shavings were found in the oil and that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,870.

NHTSA ID

11729010

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

Mileage

125,870 mi

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

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

Power steering going in and out while driving

NHTSA ID

11653365

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Transmission failed at 90,100 miles. Left me stranded in middle of a busy intersection as I was making a left turn, it was like it was in neutral no matter how much I tried to accelerate. Very dangerous situation, scary and helpless feeling as cars approaching and I could not get out of their way. Near miss accident. This should not be happening at this low mileage

NHTSA ID

11642849

Incident

Feb 13, 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

-Automatic transmission failed. Slipped, skipped, and bucked while driving. -Taking a left turn into traffic transmission hesitated and just started slipping almost causing an accident. -Dealer confirmed torque converter failed and transmission needed replacement. -No warnings. No towing. Just 89,000 highway miles commuting to work. No heavy loads or abuse. -Had to replace the transmission, not covered under warranty due to mileage. Not available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11578456

Incident

Feb 23, 2024

Transmission failed while driving down the road. Trasmission reved up while driving and would not go faster then the car started slowing down. Thank goodness this was not on an interstate or it could have caused an accident. Check engine light came on as I was getting to the shoulder of the road.

NHTSA ID

11520395

Incident

Apr 28, 2023