2016 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 22, 2026ALCrashTowedEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines and all signs are pointing to lifter failure. She could have ben seriously injured and GM is responsible for this.

   NHTSA complaint #11732911 · source
2. Filed Mar 25, 2026NCEngine

   I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe to be a serious and systemic safety defect involving GM 6.2L engines equipped with fuel efficiency systems such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). I have experienced catastrophic engine failure in two separate GMC Yukon Denali vehicles with nearly identical symptoms, which strongly suggests a broader design defect rather than isolated mechanical issues. My first vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon…

   NHTSA complaint #11727109 · source
3. Filed Feb 11, 2026MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he didn’t sense it but the thermostat was stuck open so they fix that. Second time it went in they thought it was some sort of a filter and some other components I’m not sure. Again it was…

   NHTSA complaint #11717371 · source
4. Filed Jan 25, 2026COEngine

   Driving after dark on a main street in St George Utah, the engine suddenly surged and then revved down. It felt like someone jamming it into 4WD. Traffic was tailgating me, and I was nearly hit. I could not pull completely out of the right lane. I put on hazard lights. Check engine light came on, and TCS light came on. I decided to get out of traffic & crawled forward about 30 yards into a Sinclair station lot, then backed it into a spot where a tow truck could get it. It…

   NHTSA complaint #11713229 · source
5. Filed Jan 19, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   There is a hesitation when trying to accelerate. The car will then slam forward and there is a rattling noise that the car also makes. This has almost caused accidents. I was driving in town which is where I do most of my driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11711810 · source
6. Filed Dec 29, 2025VAEngine

   The engine is the component that failed and is available for inspection. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center, and the repair quote is attached. There were no prior warning signs before the failure; the vehicle suddenly began making a knocking noise and experienced a loss of power.

   NHTSA complaint #11707617 · source
7. Filed Nov 14, 2025COElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   While driving vehicle the vehicle appears to shut off as if someone is turning off the ignition. The steering control becomes stiff, power is lost and electronics flash and turn off and on. This has happened on multiple occasions and is intermittent during acceleration. The accessible grounds have been checked, battery checked and replaced, and alternator checked and verified to be charging appropriately. Several codes are present and have been cleared to return indicating…

   NHTSA complaint #11699390 · source
8. Filed Jul 31, 2025TNEngine

   We own a 2016 GMC Yukon XLT Denali with the GM 6.2 engine. On Saturday, July 26, 2025 our vehicle suddenly lost power and became undrivable in traffic. We had it towed to our GM dealership who still has the vehicle (Reiselman GMC- Springfield, TN) They called today and said the engine could not be repaired. They stated it had no compression in Cylinder 8. The said our only option was a new engine. THIS IS THE SECOND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE we have had. In November 2021 we…

   NHTSA complaint #11677624 · source
9. Filed Jul 11, 2025175,000 miMOTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light started to flash. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was flashing with DTC: P0300 displayed. The contact stated that…

   NHTSA complaint #11672770 · source
10. Filed May 5, 2025KSEngine

    In June 2024 I took my vehicle to the dealership for a ticking/clacking noise. The dealership determined lifter failure and that the engine needed to be replaced because the lifters/cam were not readily available from the manufacturer due to a known issue with L87 GM motors. Long block was replaced 7/17/24. I believe this should be part of the recall issued against L87 motors and should be extended beyond the 2021-2024 years initially noted.

    NHTSA complaint #11659061 · source
11. Filed Mar 29, 2025ILEngine

    6.2L collapsed lifter on cylnder 5. This os my second engine with the exact same problem as the first engine reason for replacement

    NHTSA complaint #11651502 · source
12. Filed Feb 1, 2025CTEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    After leaving a car wash on 12/19/22, the engine began sputtering and did not seem to be able to get any gas. After pressing gas pedal, the vehicle slowly moved forward, but was shifting hard. Pulled over in gas station parking lot and turned vehicle off. Checked Engine. Vehicle would not restart. Vehicle was towed to dealership. They uncovered a broken valve spring, which also caused the catalytic converters to fail. Total bill was over $7500

    NHTSA complaint #11640077 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology