2023 GMC Yukon Powertrain (other) Problems

On May 8th of 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon with approximately 42,900 miles experienced an complete failure of the 6.2L engine requiring replacement. The engine failure occurred despite the engine having recently undergone inspection and special oil being used related to NHTSA 25V274 / GM N252494000 recall. When the engine failed, the vehicle could not be towed or pushed out of the flow of traffic because the computer will not allow the vehicle to be shifted into neutral, only showing "Conditions not correct for shift" in the instrument cluster. This sudden and unexpected loss of engine power combined with the inability to remove the vehicle from the lane of traffic creates a dangerous situation.

NHTSA ID

11764052

Incident

May 8, 2026

L87 recall was completed on 10/22/2025. On August 8th 2026 the engine developed a loud knock. It was taken to the dealership on 8/31/2026 after inspection it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. There was no warning lamps that indicated there was an issue with the engine. The vehicle was still driveable when it was taken to the dealership. If the engine had completely failed while on the highway it could have caused a major incident.

NHTSA ID

11761950

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

I have a 2023 GMC Yukon that has been to the dealership 3 times in a weeks time, and as of today, 8/31/26 will be the fouth time. On 2 occasions, the SUV has entered Limp Mode while driving. I had the SUV towed for the first limp mode, and the dealer claimed it needed recalibration modules. I picked up the car and drove home eight miles, and the check engine light came on. I returned the next day for readings and TCM P0700, P1789, U0101, U220F. The dealer's solution was to recalibrate the gateway module this time. I drove the car about 20-ish miles, and at highway speeds on the freeway, I got limp mode again. Off to the dealership, having the SUV towed again. The dealership has claimed the electrionic car codes clear themselves and because of that they can't re-create the codes to find a solution. I am scared to drive my SUV, I do not feel safe in it let alone my children.

NHTSA ID

11760969

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

My vehicle previously experienced engine problems severe enough that the engine was replaced. Despite the engine replacement, the vehicle is continuing to experience an engine misfire, and the check-engine light has been flashing. A flashing check-engine light and active misfire are a serious safety concern because the vehicle may experience rough running, reduced power, hesitation, or potential loss of power while driving. The fact that the misfire continues after an engine replacement raises concerns that the underlying problem was not resolved or that another component or system is malfunctioning. The exact cause of the current misfire is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle and/or affected components are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11760669

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 with the 6.2L V8 has experienced multiple serious engine-related failures. The original engine previously was making a whining / knocking noise, then seized and required complete engine replacement under a GM recall/campaign involving 6.2L engine failures. The replacement engine later developed a lifter/valvetrain failure and required lifter replacement. The vehicle is now again exhibiting a pronounced rhythmic mechanical knocking/tapping noise, primarily during cold starts after sitting for an extended period. The noise occurs on most cold starts and has been documented in multiple videos. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership for inspection. I provided the dealer with several videos clearly demonstrating the noise. The dealer has stated that it has not yet been able to reproduce the condition and is attempting additional cold-start testing. The exact cause is currently UNKNOWN. No consistent warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared with the current knocking condition. My concern is that this vehicle has already experienced a catastrophic engine seizure, followed by internal valvetrain/lifter failure in the replacement engine, and is now again exhibiting abnormal mechanical engine noise. I am concerned this may indicate another developing internal engine failure that could potentially result in engine seizure or sudden loss of power while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. The vehicle and engine remain available for inspection, and multiple video recordings of the recurring cold-start knocking are available.

NHTSA ID

11760082

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

The powertrain malfunctioned and it at the dealership for an engine replacement. The vehicle lost propulsion on a 2-lane road while passing another vehicle. It cut off completely and started to decelerate. There was no warning or indication that this would happen and was dangerous in that I was accelerating to pass another vehicle when the event occurred. I was able to safely pull into a driveway, but the vehicle would not crank as it could not detect what gear it should be in. It was towed to a GMC dealership locally who confirmed 2 days later that the engine would have to be replaced. It is under warranty and will take 3-4 weeks.

NHTSA ID

11759987

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

About 6 times during higher speed operation 80+km/hr during a downshift, the rear wheels lock up causing panic from screeching tires and sudden deceleration. Extremely unsafe. The vehicle is in with the dealership and as suspected, they can't find any issues with codes or transmission pressures. We even have a sound recording of the tires locking up. Typical symptoms of the valve body failure. Hopefully there's parts available soon.

NHTSA ID

11755336

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

On June 25, 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with 53,456 miles was brought to an authorized GMC dealership after displaying a Service 4WD warning light and exhibiting a groaning noise when shifting into Drive and Reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed with the following brake system fault codes: P25A2, C0511, C0517, C1595 and C1596. These codes indicate brake control module failure and wheel speed sensor faults which are safety critical components. The dealership confirmed these findings but stated the repairs are not covered under the GMC powertrain warranty. Given that these are safety critical brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle with only 53,456 miles, we contacted GMC Customer Care on July 1, 2026 to request coverage under goodwill warranty as we believe these failures constitute a manufacturing defect. A case was opened however after 7 days no case advisor has been assigned and no decision has been made despite two promised timelines not being met. The brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle represent a serious safety concern as these systems directly affect the vehicle's ability to stop safely. The vehicle has been at the dealership since June 25, 2026 and remains unrepaired.

NHTSA ID

11749116

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

Vehicle had previously undergone the GM 6.2L engine recall inspection on October 17, 2025, and was determined to have passed. On June 13, 2026, at approximately 80,390 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion while being driven with five children in the vehicle. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing. Dealer subsequently diagnosed engine failure and has ordered a replacement engine. This failure happened with out warning.

NHTSA ID

11744974

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

Owner was driving at highway speeds and the vehicle experienced multiple sudden stops. After consulting with the GMC certified repair facility, the control valve body of the transmission was determined to be faulty and replaced. As a result of the sudden stop at highway speeds, the owner experienced a torn rotator cuff and could have been involved in a serious motor vehicle crash.

NHTSA ID

11739081

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

Ok so my first issues were with the vehicle stalling while driving in gear. Happened a few times intersections off-ramps etc…and the car would roll to a stop. Luckily no one killed. Again happened a few times. Went to dealer they “fixed”it. Then it happened a couple other times…scary shit…went to dealer then they“Fixed” it again. Happened again I didnt bring it back. By this point I was carrying a 10 millimeter wrench in the glovebox to disconnect the battery so the body computer would reset. Car would start after cycling the power from the battery terminal. And Those were my electrical problems …As far as mechanical problems I brought car in for the recall notice “ the pico test’ . Went for the recall oil change /test/per the recommendations.300 miles later car engine failure at 70 miles an hour on route [XXX] south wife driving. She started crying doesn’t want anything to do with this car. Too many incidents… safety of my family at risk. Please help. FYI i am a mechanic / car electrician [XXX] so could probably be much more descriptive if need be Tow trucks Ubers rental cars etc… shit show. Engine died April 16 so car has been at a dealer in [XXX] for 31days. I have dealer receipts and some play by play video of a few of the incidents INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738914

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

I am filing this formal complaint to report a series of catastrophic, life-threatening mechanical failures involving my 2023 GMC Yukon. This vehicle has become a weapon on the road, exhibiting erratic behaviors that nearly resulted in a multi-vehicle fatality on a high-speed highway.1. High-Speed Power Loss (Highway Failure while my wife was traveling at 60 MPH in heavy highway traffic, the vehicle’s transmission spontaneously and without warning disengaged and shifted into Neutral. This caused an immediate and total loss of motive power. In a split second, my wife was left piloting a 6,000-pound unpowered projectile in the middle of high-speed traffic. By the grace of God alone, she managed to navigate to the shoulder without being rear-ended. This is a clear "Sudden Loss of Motive Power" defect that poses an immediate threat to life. 2. Unintended Directional Movement (Reverse Shift) Following a total engine replacement—a repair that took over 45 days—the vehicle has now developed a new, terrifying defect. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle spontaneously engaged in Reverse. This unintended movement occurred without driver input, creating a high risk of pedestrian strikes and intersection collisions. 3. Systematic Failure and Dealer Evasion The vehicle previously exhibited "ghost shifts" into Park and Neutral at low speeds. Despite my repeated warnings to the General Motors service department, I was dismissed until the engine ultimately failed. Furthermore, the dealership has been inconsistent and evasive regarding the serial numbers of the replacement components, leading me to believe that unsafe or defective parts are being recycled into these vehicles. General Motors is aware of these powertrain defects, yet they continue to allow these "death traps" to remain on the road. My family will not be the "crash test dummies" for GM’s manufacturing negligence

NHTSA ID

11736909

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

The 6.2L motor in my GMC Yukon failed due to the camshaft and stalled me in an intersection on a highway. Had to shut the lanes down to get towed. Lost all power and couldn’t do anything but sit in the road. Just did a PICO test and it “passed” but failed 3k miles after the recall was done.

NHTSA ID

11726210

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

On 3/3/2026 during the night-time hours, I was traveling on the freeway in my 2023 GMC Yukon at over 65 MPH when I received a notice from the instrument cluster stating that the battery was low and oil pressure was low. Before I could pull over to a safe location, the Yukon turned off while in motion. My wife and two children were in the vehicle. The Yukon stalled in the number one lane of the off-ramp. I had to remove my children and wife from the vehicle while in the roadway on busy throughfares and in darkness. I attempted to jumpstart the Yukon, but efforts were unsuccessful. The Yukon was towed to the dealership where I purchased it purchased from. The Yukon was returned to my custody on 3/10/2026 stating it was an issue with the battery. While driving the Yukon home it began to bog down and stalled out in-front of my residence as it was being driven by my wife. After arriving home (night-time), I went to check the Yukon, and it started with no issues. I drove the Yukon to see if the errors would occur again. While driving the Yukon on the freeway, the Yukon RMPs indicated close to redline and I received a notification from the instrument cluster stating to turn the vehicle off (traveling at about 70-75 MPH). Once again, I was unable to pull off to a safe location before the Yukon turned off on its own while still in motion; I attempted to jumpstart the Yukon but attempts were unsuccessful. The Yukon was towed again to dealership. On 3/11/2026 I was advised that the engine had seized and on 3/13/2026 I was advised by GMC the engine needed to be replaced (this was covered under powertrain warranty). The approximate milage of the vehicle is at about 42,200.

NHTSA ID

11725410

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70–75 mph on the highway with my wife and young daughter in the vehicle. The engine RPM dropped immediately to zero and the vehicle displayed a message instructing me to press start. I do not recall any meaningful prior warning lamps or symptoms before the failure. I did not hear a loud bang or other dramatic engine noise; the vehicle simply lost power and would not continue driving under engine power. I had to coast across lanes/shoulder to a stop, which created a serious safety risk to my family and other drivers because the vehicle lost propulsion at freeway speed without warning. After stopping, the vehicle would not restart. Pressing the start button produced only a click from under the hood and the engine would not crank. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership in Victorville, California. The dealer has since confirmed that the engine requires full replacement. The failure has therefore been confirmed by an authorized GMC dealer and the vehicle should be available for inspection through that dealership/manufacturer if requested. This is especially concerning because this vehicle was already part of the known GM 6.2L recall population and had supposedly passed the recall inspection/remedy before I purchased it. Despite that, the engine still failed catastrophically only about 1,355 miles into my ownership. Purchase mileage was approximately 26,343 and failure occurred at approximately 27,698 miles. Based on what the dealer told me, the failed component/system is the engine assembly.

NHTSA ID

11724749

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

I just survived a terrifying incident that proves the current GM 6.2L (L87) engine "recall fix" is a dangerous myth. Living with the "Ticking Time Bomb" I bought my 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 brand new, but for the last two years, I haven't truly "owned" it—it has owned me. Every long-distance trip with my family was filled with anxiety. I constantly worried that I’d be the next one stranded on the side of the road while my neighbors' and friends' 6.2L engines were seizing all around me. I traveled with fear that I’d be coming home in a rental car. The False Security of the Recall When the recall finally arrived, I thought the nightmare was over. On Sept 15, 2025, my dealer in Newburgh, NY, inspected the truck at 48,000 miles. They told me my engine "passed," switched the oil to 0W-40, and issued me a 150,000-mile extended warranty. I realized then what I know for sure now: 0W-40 oil is a band-aid, not a cure. GM used thicker oil to "cushion" a physical manufacturing defect in the crankshaft and bearings just to avoid the multi-billion dollar cost of engine replacements. They traded my family’s safety for their bottom line. The Catastrophic Failure Last Friday, March 13, 2026, the "fix" failed. I was traveling 70 mph uphill on I-84 with my **newborn baby** and two other kids in the back. Without warning, the engine seized solid. I lost all propulsion in heavy traffic and had to fight to get my children to the shoulder. We sat in the freezing cold for over an hour while traffic flew by us. An extended warranty is worthless when your engine dies in a high-speed traffic lane with an infant in the car.

NHTSA ID

11724451

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

Vehicle developed hesitation. Message: "Reduced Acceleration Drive with Caution" Check Engine light comes on, fortunately near home. Scanner showed "PO 0747 Transmission Valve #1 stuck open." Research shows this is a common problem and a safety issue and can leave driver stranded or worse. Had vehicle "serviced" at selling dealer, but they did not touch the transmission. Said they drove it around the block and it was fine. Image attached. I was then told that parts are not available and GM will not authorize swapping out the valve body. Forums posts show a lot of dissatisfaction with GM over this issue.

NHTSA ID

11720657

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

the Engine started running rough and the engine light came on. The dealer told my wife to drive there in limp mode (~15 miles), she did so on back roads. The diagnostics said that cylinder 7 was not firing and teh fuel injector control circuit was bad. they had to replace the Engine Control Unit.

NHTSA ID

11713349

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

We are located in Henderson, NV and we were driving on the freeway in a construction zone with no emergency lanes when the vehicle lost all power to the engine going the speed limit. The engine had seized up which is a known problem with the 6.2L GMC motors. We have done all the recalls recommended by the manufacturer. The engine seizing, locking up , put our family in danger . We were luckily enough to be close to an offramp where people in other vehicles barley let us over so we can pull off the road or we would of been stuck in the middle of the highway with cars flying by us with little kids in the car. This is unacceptable and as much as this happening and GMC not fixing the issues, people are going to get hurt or killed. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN! . ThIS is a known issue with these motors and problems and GMC is putting bandaids on the situations when lives are in danger. Our truck is a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with only 53k miles on it

NHTSA ID

11711193

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

The vehicle drove fine had no warning/ check engine lights. My girlfriend came up to a busy intersection and when she proceeded to cross the intersection the vehicles motor locked up stopping the vehicle in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both north and south direction. We had poor visibility due to blowing snow so she had to bail from the vehicle and stand on the side of the road so she would not be harmed if the vehicle was t boned. Vehicle stopped so hard and fast it threw her into the steering wheel. Was unable to get the vehicle restarted and could not get it to shift into neutral so vehicle blocked 1 lane of traffic completely and half of another lane until tow truck arrived to remove from road.

NHTSA ID

11707179

Incident

Dec 20, 2025

GM has failed to resolve repeated issues on my vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ). I was never notified of any official buyback denial. GM Customer Assistance continues to avoid clarifying the status and refuses to provide documentation of the denial. This creates an unresolved safety and reliability concern. I need an investigation into the consistent mechanical defects paired with GM’s refusal to properly process my claim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11702499

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The message "Reduced Acceleration" was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown transmission part needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer for 11 months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11669205

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

Mileage

37,000 mi

On April 30, 2025, my 2023 GMC Yukon with 68,000 miles on it (8,000 miles outside of the warranty and that I had purchased on 4/27/2024) randomly downshifted as I was turning into a parking lot and gave me a computer notification stating "Service transmission now, unable to shift soon." I immediately put my car in park and called OnStar for her to read me the computer code. She said it came up with two codes so we brought it to Wyatt Johnson GMC in Clarksville Tennessee. They plugged in their computer reader and that's when the service provider informed me that my car was un-drivable because it was unsafe. We left it there for them to do a diagnostic test on it to see exactly what is wrong with it. A few days later they contacted us and informed us that it was a malfunction in the transmission valve body. The dealership informed us that it would cost $2754.25 to fix but the issue is the part is on back order and they don't know when it will be available. We have been in contact with the dealership and with General Motors customer service almost weekly trying to find out, when the part will be available and where I am on "the list" and no one has an answer. With the personal research that I have done, I have seen that people have been waiting for over a year. I also know that there are current class-action lawsuits for GM's Yukons for years a little older than mine and currently multiple complaints for the newer Yukons for the same transmission valve body issues. The dealership does not give out loaners anymore after Covid. I have asked, general motors. Customer service has informed me that it's up to the dealership if they will give me one General Motors said they would look into a possible reimbursement program if I have to purchase a rental, but they will only cover a car that cost $44 a day and that is not including taxes and extra fees, but I can't afford to rent anything and I'm missing work.

NHTSA ID

11668999

Incident

Apr 30, 2025

Vehicle was brought to dealership Fountain Buick GMC 8701 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809 (866) 465-4364 for recall on engine. Dealership told our company that they were unable to repair or diagnose the recall this month June 2025. Vehicle has had an intermittent check engine light from time to time. I was instructed that it was safe to still drive the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11667605

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

My name is [XXX] , and I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety defect in my 2023 GMC Yukon with a 3.0 Duramax diesel engine. The issue involves the transmission valve body, which has caused rear wheel lockup at highway speeds. I experienced this issue at 34,000 miles on my vehicle, and it has been in the shop for over 5 weeks with no estimated time on parts availability. Despite opening a case with GM support, as detailed in the attached email transcript, I have not received a resolution. GM has refused to replace the complete transmission on the vehicle and only offered to replace the valve body. This is unacceptable as the defective valve body has already caused damage to the transmission. I also opened a BBB Auto Line case, which was closed immediately after I denied the offer from the GM support representative. This raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as the BBB Auto Line seemed aware of my interactions with GM support. I am seeking a complete transmission replacement with a valve body upgrade kit from NextGen transmission, which I believe would resolve the issue. However, GM has not accepted this offer. I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter promptly to ensure the safety of my vehicle and others that may be affected by this defect. If this issue is not resolved, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11664367

Incident

May 8, 2025