2023 GMC Yukon

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.

I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. I purchased the vehicle on January 30, 2026. Shortly after purchasing it, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failure was severe enough that the engine had to be completely replaced. My vehicle was out of service for approximately 38 days as a result. This was not a minor mechanical issue or routine repair. It was a catastrophic failure of a major component in a relatively new vehicle. I am extremely concerned about the safety implications of an engine failing without warning. An unexpected engine failure can result in a sudden loss of power and the inability to safely accelerate or maneuver, particularly when traveling at highway speeds or in traffic. The fact that the engine required complete replacement raises serious concerns regarding the reliability and safety of this engine and whether other GMC and Chevrolet vehicles equipped with the same or related engine may be experiencing similar failures. I am requesting that NHTSA formally document this catastrophic engine failure and investigate whether it is part of a broader pattern of engine failures involving these GM vehicles. I have documentation showing the engine failure, dealership diagnosis, complete engine replacement, repair history, and the approximately 38 days the vehicle was out of service. I can provide these records upon request.

The check-engine light first appeared at approximately 42,000 miles. I dropped the vehicle off at the dealership on August 22 and picked it up on September 1. Within TWO MILES of leaving the dealership, the check-engine light came right back on. The dealership initially diagnosed the problem as a lifter and wiring-harness failure. They later determined that the #7 oil-lifter solenoid had an internal short, and the wiring harness was replaced because of damage related to that short. What I still don’t have is an answer to the most important question: What actually caused the failure? Based on everything I’ve read about the problems surrounding GM’s 6.2L engines, I’m concerned this is only the beginning. These are extremely expensive vehicles—with monthly payments that can rival a mortgage—and owners shouldn’t have to wonder whether the engine is going to become an ongoing problem at 42,000 miles. Extending the warranty is helpful, but it doesn’t address the underlying issue or restore confidence in the vehicle. If these 6.2L engines have a known systemic defect, GM should be required to provide a permanent solution—whether that means replacing the affected engines or offering owners a fair buyback. Consumers paid a premium price. They should be able to expect a premium vehicle that is dependable.

1.Description of the Incident: On 6/28/26, while driving my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali at approximately 70 miles per hour with cruise control engaged, I attempted to take an exit. As I approached the exit, the vehicle’s display indicated that it was not in gear, despite being in motion. This malfunction occurred in heavy traffic, and I narrowly avoided a collision with a semi-truck as I maneuvered towards the shoulder of the road. Once safely on the shoulder, I attempted to shift the vehicle into Drive and Park, but the system reported that the application was not available, rendering the vehicle inoperable. After several unsuccessful attempts to restart the vehicle, I lost all power, leading me to suspect a battery or alternator issue. 2. Component/System Failure: The component that failed is the engine, which was subsequently diagnosed as having failed by the dealership. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. 3. Safety Risks: This incident posed significant safety risks, including: •Risk of Collision: The sudden loss of power at high speed nearly resulted in a collision with a semi-truck and other vehicles, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. •Stranded in Dangerous Conditions: Being stranded on the side of the road in 100°F weather further exacerbated the situation, creating a potential health hazard. 4. Confirmation of the Problem: The problem was confirmed by the dealership that serviced my vehicle. They conducted a thorough inspection and determined that the engine had failed. Independent verification of the engine failure is available upon request. 5. Inspections by Authorities: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership; however, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Documentation from the dealership regarding the inspection and engine replacement is available. 6. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Prior to this, there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem prior.

2023 Yukon Denali, 6.2 Engine. Owner complied with first GM recall and the engine passed inspection. 8/16/26 Engine started making a knocking sound. 8/17/26 Yukon was taken to the dealership and diagnosed as complete engine failure. There were no warnings indicated on the dash. Yukon is currently still at the Dealership with no repair date issued. Today is 9/3/26. I have contacted GM regarding a possible buy-back. GM said they would email in 24-48 hours. I have not heard from GM and it is now 72 hours since my initial phone call.

My vehicle was with ANCIRA GMC Boerne for approximately three weeks where they replaced the transmission control system/module, the centralized OnStar module, and diagnosed both rear screens for replacement. Approximately one month after getting it back, at only 49,800 miles, I experienced a complete loss of propulsion. The vehicle shut down while I was driving. Given the recent transmission repair and the fact that this failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, I no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of this vehicle. I have young children riding in this vehicle daily and I’m not comfortable accepting another repair and simply being told it’s safe to drive.

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.

Recall notice received, went to dealer to have inspected and was told it passed the recall inspection. Oil changed from 0w20 to 0w40. Motor locked up less than 3000 miles later. My wife was 2 hours from home on the interstate on a Saturday night. Was forced to the left shoulder of the road pinned between concrete dividers and the fast lane. Had to wait 2 hours for a tow truck, $500 later the Yukon was delivered back to our driveway. Mind you, the electronic transmission can’t be shifted so it was dragged on and off a rollback in park 4 times. Dealer had it towed to their shop where they discovered the blown motor. 2 months later the replacement motor was installed.

At approximately 58,565 miles, my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 experienced an internal engine failure. The vehicle had previously completed the applicable L87 engine recall remedy earlier in 2026. The vehicle developed a thumping noise and was inspected by an authorized GMC dealership. The dealer confirmed metal contamination in the engine oil and diagnosed a main thrust bearing failure. The condition was confirmed by the dealer and required complete engine replacement rather than a minor repair. The vehicle was out of service for approximately 31 days while the engine replacement was completed. GM authorized and covered installation of a complete factory replacement engine. The failed engine is available for inspection if requested. The failure created a significant safety concern because an internal engine failure of this type can result in loss of motive power while driving, potentially creating a hazard for the occupants and other motorists. I am aware that NHTSA is currently investigating L87 engine failures occurring after recall remedies. I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle experienced a documented internal engine failure after the vehicle had already received the applicable recall remedy and subsequently required a complete engine replacement. The replacement engine has not currently failed, and I am not reporting a failure of the replacement engine. However, I am concerned about the effectiveness of the remedy and whether the replacement engine incorporates updated or revised components intended to address the underlying failure condition. I have requested documentation from the dealership regarding the exact replacement engine assembly and whether it incorporates engineering or production changes related to the original bearing failure. That information has not yet been provided. No crash or injury occurred as a result of this failure.

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.