2021 GMC Yukon Engine Problems

On XXX, at [XXX], my vehicle’s engine locked up, causing the vehicle to shut off while I was driving at 65 mph on a two-way highway. The vehicle could not be safely driven. My family and I were stranded on the side of the road, where semi trucks passing at highway speeds forced us to remain in the vehicle. Unreliable cellphone service and OnStar connectivity limited my ability to request assistance, communicate my location, or obtain timely support, making Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)-arranged towing necessary. DPS requested the tow at approximately 7:52 p.m.; it was completed at approximately 11:25 p.m. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776111

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after performing an oil consumption test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover 20% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11775726

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

Mileage

79,000 mi

As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start back up.

NHTSA ID

11773740

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

crank/rod failure on 6.2 engine. yes it is available same as other people with blown 6.2s yes, GMC dealer diagnosed crank failure no no. engine still runs but is knocking and squealing but dies after a few mins and won't restart till it cools off

NHTSA ID

11773344

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

VEHICLE: 2021 GMC Yukon, 5.3L V8 (L84). VIN: [XXX]. Mileage at failure: approximately 88,000. Component: Engine. INCIDENT DATE: XXX While I was driving on a highway, the engine began to misfire and I heard a ticking noise. The check engine light then began flashing, indicating a severe misfire. I pulled off the highway immediately to a rest area. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. The dealer's diagnosis suspected failed valve lifters, and the repair orders call for a misfire diagnosis with the Bank 1 cylinder head removed, and replacement of the camshaft, lifters, and related parts. This failure caused sudden loss of engine performance at highway speed. The engine began smoking. My family and I were in the vehicle, and we were fortunate there was a safe place to stop. I believe this is a known defect. GM Service Bulletin PIP5776, "Misfire Due to Collapsed Lifter," covers 2021 GMC Yukons with the 5.3L L84 engine. It describes a misfire with a bent pushrod leading to a collapsed lifter or a lifter that comes apart, and it attributes the cause to an internal lifter concern. Many other owners of GM V8 trucks and SUVs have reported the same failure, and a class action over the AFM/DFM lifters has been pending against GM in federal court in [XXX] since 2021. I bought this vehicle new and have maintained it. This is the second time this vehicle has left my family stranded on a highway. In 2024, a separate known issue left us, including three children under [XXX], on the side of a major highway about 7 hours from home. GM repaired that issue. For the current failure, GM has not agreed to cover the repair. It has offered $5,951.39 toward an engine replacement, which would leave me responsible for $13,886.59 plus teardown labor. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware of this failure, which can cause sudden loss of power on the highway. GM case number: XXX. Dealer: Fred Beans Buick GMC, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11772421

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

Bought 2021 GMC Yukon Denali new. Transmission failed at 70,000 miles. Engine has now failed at 111,000 miles. Both diagnosed at Capital GMC Atlanta, GA. Cost to replace transmission $8k (GMC paid half). Cost to replace engine $12k (GMC offered no assistance). Engine failure not related to current engine recall/investigation on GMC 6.2L V8 engines. This failure was on the top vs on the bottom (current recall).

NHTSA ID

11771584

Incident

Oct 9, 2026

In late February / early March 2026, at approximately 139,000 miles, my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine developed a loud knocking/rattling noise that sounded like a loose part inside the engine. The vehicle kept running, but the noise persisted. I took the vehicle to a GMC dealer. The dealer checked the VIN and told me there was no recall covering my vehicle. The engine was found to have internal damage consistent with connecting rod / bearing failure. A replacement engine was quoted at approximately $8,000. Because I could not afford that, an independent mechanic in Connecticut rebuilt the engine for approximately $5,500 in total (about $4,500 in parts plus $1,000 in labor), paid out of my own pocket. I have all the invoices for the repair. This failure appears to be the same connecting rod and crankshaft bearing defect covered by Recall 25V-274 for other 2021–2024 vehicles with the 6.2L L87 engine, but my VIN is excluded from that recall according to the dealer and the NHTSA/GM VIN lookups. No crash and no injuries occurred. I am reporting this failure so it is documented in NHTSA's investigation of L87 engines outside the recall population, and I respectfully request a review of why this VIN was excluded and whether reimbursement for the repair is possible if coverage is expanded.

NHTSA ID

11770913

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving, the engine started making abnormal sounds. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle had experienced lifter failure and stated that further diagnostic tests were needed to determine if the engine needed to be replaced or if the lifters only needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11770195

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

Mileage

69,000 mi

While driving on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration. Other error codes (303) also appeared with the check engine light also coming in. Upon checking the code later once home, it indicated there was an issue with the lifters. The car was then towed to the dealership where it was confirmed there are issues with both the lifters and the cam shaft and both need to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11769396

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

I purchased this vehicle new in 2021. In XXX, the vehicle started shaking while driving then suddenly cut off. Mileage was a little over 12K. Diagnosis was an engine lifter issue. The dealership replaced all 16 engine lifters. The vehicle now has a little over 52K miles on it. The engine lifters have failed again. This is a known safety issue for this (and other GM vehicles) manufactured in the same timeframe. However, GM has not issued a recall. I am now looking at having to replace the lifters at my cost and/or driving an unsafe vehicle. I have a wife and [XXX] son. This is an untenable situation. GM must issue a recall and correct this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11768352

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that a fuse had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact's wife stated that while driving 55 MPH after the repair, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral, stalled, and lost motive power. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil, causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure on the manufacturer's website and by phone, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 72,850.

NHTSA ID

11767854

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Mileage

72,850 mi

General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell GMC are purposely concealing issues and service records related to my vehicle. I believe it is intentional fraud on their part to mislead the public, legal/judicial officials and oversote authorities about the severity the L87 engine failures and excessive oil consumption. They have lied about the status of the vehicle during oil consumption tests, refused to document test results and even rescinded their offer to replace the engine when I refused to sign their release of liability that contained false statements. Orr GMC also completed work on my vehicle without my knowledge or consent that led to worse issues. This is a safety issue for the public and for my family and I.

NHTSA ID

11767182

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

I am filing this complaint regarding severe, excessive oil consumption in my 2021 GMC Yukon equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle is consuming oil at an accelerated and hazardous rate. Specifically, the engine oil level drops completely below the viewable crosshatches on the oil dipstick well before the vehicle’s automated Oil Life Monitoring system reaches 50%. This level of rapid oil depletion creates a significant safety risk, as it puts the vehicle at risk of sudden engine stalling, severe mechanical failure, or total engine lockup while driving at highway speeds, potentially causing a crash. General Motors has issued Safety Recall N252494000 to address internal manufacturing defects within the 6.2L engine that lead to mechanical damage and heavy oil loss. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model with the exact 6.2L V8 engine experiencing the identical, severe oil loss symptoms detailed in the recall, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and pressure General Motors to expand the parameters of Recall N252494000 to include all affected 6.2L engines exhibiting this dangerous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765877

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH on the highway at higher speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine, ECU, and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message "Shut off Vehicle as soon as Possible" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic retrieved dDTCs: P0307 and P050D, indicating a failed roller lifter, valve spring, and valve roller lifters. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where the dealer diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11764399

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

Mileage

95,000 mi

Crankshaft / Camshaft caused catastrophic engine failure while on a family road trip leaving family and kids stranded on the side of the highway for hours. 2021 GMCs are notoriously having this issue but they refused to include our VIN in the recall. It cost us almost $13,000 to replace with a brand new engine and only 4 days after picking up from dealership the vehicle stopped working and shut off at a light in the middle of the road. GMC has been no help and won’t cover anything.

NHTSA ID

11763546

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Fraud and gross negligence by General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell Buick GMC.

NHTSA ID

11762930

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

My 2021 Yukon Denali received the Recall 25V-274 oil fix and I am now experiencing an active light engine knock. My gas mileage has reduced significantly and I am having to add oil in between regular oil changes. Not only does it burn through oil and fuel faster but I now get charged an extra fee for "Premium oil". My oil changes cost me roughly $40 dollars more now. ($140 instead of $100) I don't feel as if this fix with the oil change has improved anything and that the cost to maintain the vehicle has only gone up. I am still worried this vehicle will break down on my next road trip.

NHTSA ID

11762672

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

My 2021 GMC Yukon began experiencing severe engine problems, including shaking/rough running, a noticeable ticking/knocking noise from the engine, and a flashing check-engine light. The vehicle also displayed Service ESC and traction control warnings and exhibited symptoms of an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to a dealership for evaluation. I was advised that the problem may involve failed lifters and that the vehicle could be out of service for several weeks for repairs. I was also advised that the repair could be very costly. At this time, I have not been given a final diagnosis, so the exact internal engine component responsible for the failure is UNKNOWN. I am concerned that the condition presents a safety risk because the engine is running extremely rough and the check-engine light is flashing. I am afraid the engine could lose power or fail while the vehicle is being driven, potentially putting me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. I have also become aware of NHTSA's investigation involving failures of the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine in GM vehicles, including the GMC Yukon, as well as reports of engine failures occurring after certain repairs or recall remedies. This has increased my concern about whether repairing or replacing individual engine components will permanently resolve the problem. I am submitting this complaint so that my vehicle's symptoms, dealer evaluation, and potential engine failure are documented. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The dealership has evaluated the vehicle, but a final determination of the exact cause has not yet been provided.

NHTSA ID

11761792

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Lifters failed under 80k miles. Had lifters replaced with gm parts and engine is continuing to eat up oil and lifters are failing again in less than 3 months after the repair. Vehicle was out of warranty and all costs were out of pocket including a rental for over a month bc parts were on backorder

NHTSA ID

11761777

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 on a high-speed highway near Somers Point, New Jersey, the vehicle suddenly began bucking and the accelerator stopped responding normally. The vehicle rapidly lost propulsion while I was surrounded by highway traffic and approaching a bridge. I was fortunate to get the vehicle onto the shoulder before reaching the bridge. I was then stranded on the shoulder of a high-speed highway, where the disabled vehicle created a serious safety risk to me and other motorists. The engine shut down and would not restart. It initially cranked as though it was attempting to start, but it did not start. I received a diagnostic alert stating, “Service the engine and transmission system immediately.” The vehicle required a tow. The tow operator later reported that it appeared locked up and could not be shifted into neutral. The vehicle has approximately 77,000 miles and has been serviced regularly. Its most recent oil-change sticker indicated the next oil service was due at approximately 81,000 miles. While safely pulled over, I checked the engine-oil dipstick and confirmed that the engine had oil, with oil visible across the dipstick’s normal measuring area. Despite this vehicle having the 6.2L L87 engine and experiencing a sudden loss of propulsion and no-start condition, its VIN does not currently appear in GM’s public recall lookup for the existing L87 recall. The vehicle is being transported to an authorized GMC dealer, and the precise failed component has not yet been confirmed. This sudden loss of propulsion created an immediate risk of a serious highway collision, particularly because it occurred immediately before a bridge. I understand NHTSA is investigating continuing L87 engine failures, including failures involving vehicles outside the original recall population. I am submitting this complaint so this incident is formally documented and considered as part of that investigation.

NHTSA ID

11761614

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

this year model was recalled do to engine problems. Ours wasn't one that was on the recall list. We ended up having to have the motor rebuilt and cost us around $7000. We have seen where these models are still having problems, so i wanted to report our problem and the money spent to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID

11761391

Incident

Apr 12, 2024

My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with approximately 88,000 miles developed a significant engine knocking noise and was towed to a GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0301 (engine misfire) and documented a “knocking noise in lower end at piston rod crankshaft area.” The dealership advised that my vehicle is not currently included in the existing GM recall for certain 6.2L L87 engines. The vehicle has the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. I am concerned because the documented knocking is located in the lower engine area involving the piston/connecting rod/crankshaft area, which is consistent with the type of internal engine failure associated with the L87 engine investigation and recall. I am concerned about the possibility of sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this failure and consider whether vehicles outside the current recall population should also be included. I also recently experienced an engine replacement on another 2024 GMC vehicle. I am providing that information as additional customer experience, but I am not claiming that the two failures are necessarily caused by the same defect.

NHTSA ID

11761322

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

Engine making a loud ticking noise. Lifters broke in the engine. No warnings, no lights. I turned on the vehicle and it started making the noises. Dealer wanted to do an engine swap. Independent service center is changing out the lifters.

NHTSA ID

11760952

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Was taken in for recall at 74,000 they put on a new oil fill cap, did oil change and had catastrophic engine failure at 77,000 miles. Engine replaced by dealership.

NHTSA ID

11760777

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Took car in to have it checked for recall on engine and have oil changed to new standards with WD40 was told the engine and car was fine “just use this new oil” A MONTH later was driving and engine would not shift come to find out our transmission was going out it was replaced thanks to our extended warranty (even tho it only had 98,000 miles on it) a week after a fuel pump was out and we had to pay to replace it. There were never check engine signs and no signs of the car having failure truly it ran great until the new oil.

NHTSA ID

11760681

Incident

Jun 5, 2026