2021 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

  Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026OKEngine

   The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.

   NHTSA complaint #11767641 · source
2. Filed Sep 19, 2026ALEngine

   Engine coolant control valve has failed three times. This last time so severely the car forced me to come to a complete stop in the middle of a busy street. Dangerous to drive while severe reduced acceleration is all that’s available during the episodes.

   NHTSA complaint #11765500 · source
3. Filed Sep 18, 2026MTEngine

   Vehicle has been consuming engine oil at a rate of approximately 1 quart per 500 miles. On XXX, owner added 1 quart of oil in [XXX], then drove a round trip to [XXX] and back (approx. 860 miles). On XXX at 55,329 miles — only 9 days and roughly 860 miles after that quart was added — an oil change was performed at an independent shop; the technician noted no oil was present on the dipstick prior to service. On XXX at 55,829 miles — exactly 500 miles later — the vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11765236 · source
4. Filed Sep 15, 2026TNEngine

   The rod bearing failed while traveling at highway speeds, so yes our safety as well as others traveling on the interstate. It is available for inspection. A dealership inspected and confirmed the reported problem. The manufacturer is aware of the persistent problems with these vehicles' engine components, reliability and safety. There were not any symptoms, warning lights, etc. prior to failure. I had just purchased the vehicle and it was inspected by two independent…

   NHTSA complaint #11764288 · source
5. Filed Sep 14, 2026TNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   According to the GM Dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall N 252494000-N252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate at the time of incident.

   NHTSA complaint #11764136 · source
6. Filed Sep 10, 2026WAEngine

   I own a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. On September 10, 2026, we checked the engine oil and discovered that it was approximately two-thirds low. Mechanical inspection confirmed that the engine is consuming and burning oil internally rather than losing it through an external leak. The vehicle’s last oil change was performed in May 2026, and it is still more than 1,000 miles away from its next scheduled oil change. The vehicle provided no…

   NHTSA complaint #11763520 · source
7. Filed Sep 10, 2026CAEngine

   My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 has experienced two significant lifter/valvetrain failures. The first occurred at approximately 6,500 miles and was repaired by a GMC dealer. That failure involved cylinder #4, including a collapsed/stuck lifter and bent pushrod. The current failure occurred at approximately 110,269 miles. The vehicle initially operated normally. While traveling about 10 mph and approaching a major thoroughfare, the engine suddenly began…

   NHTSA complaint #11763260 · source
8. Filed Sep 7, 2026TXEngine

   We had to have an engine replaced because of engine failure. The new engine was provided by GMC free of charge. The second engine also failed and was also replaced by GMC.

   NHTSA complaint #11762580 · source
9. Filed Sep 7, 2026TXEngine

   I purchased this vehicle 06/14/2026 The vehicle dash started lighting up like a Christmas tree. It was taken to GM Ed Morse Freedom Chevrolet X 3 separate occasions. The lights in the dash were intermittent. Dealership couldn't duplicate the issue. I was told if they aren't active they can't duplicate. The vehicle continued to illuminate on and off after it was returned July 26th. Then August 23 i was driving and it died right in the highway putting me in a bad spot in…

   NHTSA complaint #11762576 · source
10. Filed Sep 1, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and…

    NHTSA complaint #11761330 · source
11. Filed Sep 1, 2026ILEngine

    Our 2021 YukonXL started running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop the next day and was told there was complete lifter failure and that we need a new engine.

    NHTSA complaint #11761201 · source
12. Filed Aug 31, 2026SDEngine

    the engine started knocking and vehicle shaking while on interstate. vehicle was towed to service center and they determined that one valve was stuck and another one turned 90 degrees and the cam shaft was also ruined. It was required to replace the engine as that was a less costly option than replacing the damaged parts. A dash light came on and was flashing while my daughter was driving it to [XXX]. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot they were at when reaching…

    NHTSA complaint #11761076 · 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