2026 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported engine problems with the 2026 GMC Yukon XL, 64% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 3,500 mi.

Engine complaints
23
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
3,500 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine23

Engine complaints across GMC Yukon XL years

22005412009132011112013232320162114201837262020156124202215859202417232026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2026 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 1, 2026PAEngine
    Total Engine failure. This is the second time. The vehicle had under 2000 miles when the first engine failure happened and left us sitting on the Turnpike. Very unsafe!! We were assured we received a new "upgraded" engine only to find out GM decided to roll the dice with our lives and the lives of our family (grandchildren) and put another bad engine in our vehicle. I will never feel safe with this vehicle or that they are putting in "new" parts.
    NHTSA complaint #11768288 · source
  2. Filed Sep 26, 2026NJEngine
    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ""6.2L Engine Failed with 4,785 miles"" How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ""Engine Failed in active highway jug handle and required police assistance and vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer."" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ""The dealer has confirmed that the engine failed and needs to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11767078 · source
  3. Filed Sep 18, 20265,000 miINTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. There was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway in the middle lane. The local Police arrived and assisted with directing traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11765285 · source
  4. Filed Sep 14, 20261,800 miUTEngine
    The contact owned a 2026 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly turned off and lost engine power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the engine failure. The failure mileage was 1,800.
    NHTSA complaint #11764137 · source
  5. Filed Aug 27, 2026COEngine
    Filing as a proactive data point for the ongoing NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Engineering Analysis (EA26005) regarding GM 6.2L L87 engine failures. Vehicle is a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the 6.2L V8 and 10-speed transmission. The vehicle currently has approximately 2,800 miles and operates perfectly with no mechanical symptoms, ticking, or loss of propulsion. As an active preventive measure against internal component contamination, early engine oil changes…
    NHTSA complaint #11759989 · source
  6. Filed Aug 24, 2026OKEngine
    Engine blew at 8,762 miles in the middle of the night with 3 small kids in the car. Currently 41 days waiting for a new engine. We were driving and it started making a clapping sound like something was caught underneath. We had to drive a could miles to find a safe place to pull over. If we increased speed, the clapping increased and it slowed when we slowed. Hauled it to the local dealership and they said it was the engine. The dealership it was purchased at says the same…
    NHTSA complaint #11759273 · source
  7. Filed Aug 23, 2026TXEngine
    I purchased my vehicle from GMC on April 13th and had approximately 4,500 miles on it. It was sold as new and drove it for about a week at 4,994 miles on the highway. During this time, it shifted from drive to neutral , but the vehicle was towed back to the dealership. Upon inspection, it was diagnosed with a seized engine.
    NHTSA complaint #11758829 · source
  8. Filed Aug 22, 2026PAEngine
    This is a follow-up to my previous complaint - 11716917. My second engine, which was installed after my first engine failed after approximately 5,000 miles, also failed. It failed after approximately 5,200 miles on it. I picked up the vehicle after the first engine replacement on 2/19/26 and the second engine failed on 5/18/26. It failed as I was driving to work - I was able to exit the highway and pull into a parking lot. From there I had the vehicle towed to a dealership…
    NHTSA complaint #11758688 · source
  9. Filed Aug 21, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngine
    9 months into ownership, with 24,000 miles I had complete engine failure pulling into an intersection. Slamming into park while moving and shutting down. This is a known issue with the GM 6.2 liter engines but I specifically waited to order a 2026 as this was far outside the recall window GM had in place for this known issue and was led to believe the issue was fixed going forward. The car was towed to a GM dealer and sat for 39 days for a complete engine replacement. Now, a…
    NHTSA complaint #11758602 · source
  10. Filed Aug 9, 2026TNEngine
    Unknown brought my car in on July 24, 2026. They reported they do not know what is wrong with the engine, but stated GM is not letting them take it apart and told them to replace the engine. While the car was parked and during acceleration, my car was making a weird noise that got louder during acceleration. A few days prior to this happening, while driving on the highway, my car's emergency lights came on. I had to pull over to turn it off.
    NHTSA complaint #11755802 · source
  11. Filed Jun 2, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical systems powered down and the vehicle would not restart. Shortly thereafter,…
    NHTSA complaint #11741588 · source
  12. Filed May 20, 2026GAEngine
    Car Engine stopped , shut down on I 475 South Macon GA at 70 mph in left lane. Had to coast to right shoulder. Towed to Hutchinson GMC in Macon GA and it was determined the Engine had locked up. 2026 with 4200 miles, Purchased January 2nd 2026.
    NHTSA complaint #11739155 · source

Other 2026 GMC Yukon XL problem areas

  • Electrical System (6)
  • Other / Unknown (5)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (1)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (1)

Back to all 2026 GMC Yukon XL problems →

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