2021 GMC Yukon Engine Problems

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

I’m currently on my third motor as a result of the L87 engine loss. When I bought the vehicle, I was not aware that the engine had already been replaced however, due to hearing a tick, I brought my vehicle to the dealership for the recall and was told that this is not the original engine, but they had the paperwork for this engine as well. Nonetheless, the engine “passed” their inspection. They changed my oil and replaced my cap. Within six months, I threw a Rod. Not only did I have a horrible experience with the dealership, my new motor is also ticking.

NHTSA ID

11760671

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11760378

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

My vehicle is making a knocking sound and has the L87 6.2 V8 engine that is under recall for catastrophic failure. It has been evaluated by 2 mechanics that say it needs a new engine. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Although it has not shutdown yet, both mechanics have said it is eventually going to be a catastrophic failure. My safety and families safety is at risk of it shuts down and causes an accident. There is no warning light currently displayed.

NHTSA ID

11760157

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

Once we learned about the 6.2L Engine Failure we took the vehicle to Mckinney GMC in [XXX], test were run and were told the engine needed to be replaced, but would take several months to repair. We could not wait months for the vehicle so we had the vehicle towed to Sewell GMC in [XXX] (we bought the vehicle CPO from there) they ran test and said we didn't need a new engine but that they would just replace the oil weight and it would be fine. The engine has not run right since, it shakes and idles hard, and was never given a clear answer as to how metal shavings were found in the oil at McKinney GMC but magically disappeared at the Sewell dealership. Its very unsettling that at any moment while driving the engine could seize and blow. I feel like we have a lemon vehicle and the oil weight change is simply a band aid for this situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760143

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with family members in the vehicle, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle into a residential driveway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact requested towing services; however, the initial tow driver failed to arrive after nearly three hours, requiring the contact to call a second tow company. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired, but replacement parts were ordered. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that in January 2026, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair, but the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the recall inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer offered a 90% discount on the repair costs; however, the contact declined the offer and requested a full refund for both towing service fees. The failure mileage was approximately 151,017.

NHTSA ID

11759996

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

Mileage

151,017 mi

I was driving down the highway and all at once a bunch of different lights and emergency warnings started flashing on my dashboard and my car was almost like sputtering like it wasn’t getting the gas it needed or something. You could feel lots of movement right up front and I was forced to pull over and get towed. They said the engine would need to be completely replaced.

NHTSA ID

11759232

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

I am writing to report my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. This vehicle recently suffered a catastrophic failure of its 6.2L V8 engine while traveling on the freeway with my family inside, creating a severe and terrifying safety hazard. This failure occurred after my vehicle was supposedly remedied under GM’s official safety recall for the known L87 engine defect (Recall N252494001). As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recently escalated Engineering Analysis reflects, the recall inspection and 0W-40 oil remedy are failing to prevent these engines from destroying themselves. My experience is direct evidence of this continued safety defect. GM has since now fully replaced my engine however only reimbursed me 30% of what it cost to tow to their dealership. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA ID

11758771

Incident

May 24, 2026

I am filing this complaint regarding repeated catastrophic engine failures in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. I purchased this vehicle as a GM Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. At approximately 7,000 miles, the engine developed a knocking noise and was determined to require complete replacement. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on May 19, 2025, and it remained there until September 17, 2025—nearly four months—while the replacement engine was obtained and installed. Since receiving the replacement engine, I have driven approximately 6,000 miles. On August 4, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that the replacement engine has also failed and requires another complete engine replacement. This means my vehicle has now experienced two major engine failures at extremely low mileage, including failure of the replacement engine. I understand that the 6.2L L87 engine has been subject to a GM recall involving potential engine failure and loss of propulsion. I have now learned that NHTSA has escalated its investigation into continued failures involving these engines, including failures occurring after the recall remedy. My experience appears directly relevant to that investigation. I regularly transport my children in this vehicle and am extremely concerned about the possibility of an engine failure occurring while traveling at highway speeds or with my family in the vehicle. I feel fortunate that the previous failures did not occur under those circumstances. I have contacted GM and requested that they repurchase or replace my vehicle. GM denied my request and has refused to provide me with a reason for the denial. I am asking NHTSA to document my complaint and investigate whether the existing recall remedy is adequately addressing the underlying safety defect, particularly given that my replacement engine failed after only approximately 6,000 miles.I can provide repair orders, recall documentation, mileage records, and correspondence with GMC

NHTSA ID

11758697

Incident

May 19, 2025

As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "No Drive Mode Available" message. Third-party diagnostic scanning revealed network power codes U3018, U3505, P00FF, and P0700, indicating a total loss of power to the Body Control Module (BCM). This is the second life-threatening incident with this vehicle I have experienced following a previous highway engine stall due to engine recall. The vehicle was towed to a GM dealership for diagnostic and emergency electrical repairs.

NHTSA ID

11757731

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

The vehicle was driving down the highway when the oil pressure instantly dropped. 2021 Yukon’s safety system advised pulling over immediately, engine warning light appeared, and vehicle turned off. No prior indications of an issue. It would not restart and was towed to mechanic. Independent service center diagnosed issue as a broken crank shaft. It now needs the engine replaced and does not fall under the recall vin numbers acknowledged for the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11756557

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

On July 28, 2026, while traveling on vacation with my family, our vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There were warning lights displayed for 30 seconds prior to the engine failure. On July 23, 2026, one day before taking the vehicle to the dealership, the following warning indicators appeared on the dashboard and then disappeared: “Service ESC,” “Service Traction Control,” and a flashing engine light. We took the vehicle to the dealership on July 24, 2026, because we wanted to be proactive and ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The dealership inspected the vehicle but reported that no diagnostic trouble codes were identified and no issue was found. We picked the vehicle up from the dealership on the evening of July 27, 2026. On July 28, 2026, while traveling on the highway approximately 2.5 hours from home, the same warning messages appeared on the dashboard again. Because we were traveling at highway speeds and vehicle speed management was becoming an issue, I immediately exited the highway and stopped in a parking area. I placed the vehicle in park, at which point the engine began idling extremely rough. I could feel the vehicle shaking while sitting in the driver's seat. I exited the vehicle to open the hood, but before I was able to do so, I noticed gray smoke coming from the exhaust. We located a GMC dealership approximately two miles away. Because of the vehicle's condition, we drove there slowly on the frontage road at approximately 15 mph and dropped the vehicle off for diagnostic inspection. The GMC dealership subsequently diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection.We made a reasonable effort to have the vehicle inspected before our trip because we were concerned about the warning indicators and wanted to ensure that the vehicle was safe to travel.

NHTSA ID

11756194

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a stuck lifter. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an undisclosed recall number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11753973

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi