2021 GMC Yukon XL: engine failure

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

INCIDENT 1: Internal Engine Failure & Excessive Oil Consumption Component / System Failed: Engine Internal Components (Piston Rings, Valve Guide Seals, Spark Plugs) Failure Description: Excessive oil consumption (1.5 to 2.0 quarts burned every 2,000 miles) leading to heavy oil-fouling on spark plugs #5 and #7. Required complete cylinder head, oil pan, and piston teardown to replace all pistons, rings, connecting rod bearings, lifters, guides, valve guide seals, and spark plugs. Safety Risk: Severe internal engine oil consumption and plug fouling create an immediate risk of engine misfires, unexpected loss of power, or catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds. Dealer / Repair Shop Confirmation: Confirmed by Dealership Service Department via oil consumption tests, spark plug inspection with oil dye, compression tests, cylinder leak-down tests, and physical teardown. Warning Symptoms: Low oil warning lamp illuminated; continuous need to top off oil between routine maintenance services. Inspection Availability: Vehicle and replaced components are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · MD

I own a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine (VIN: [XXX]). At approximately 149,000 miles, the engine developed a significant internal mechanical failure requiring complete replacement. The vehicle was diagnosed by Lexington Park Chevrolet Buick GMC, an authorized GM dealership in [XXX]. The technician identified a misfire in cylinder #5, significant oil contamination of the combustion chamber and spark plug, and broken oil-control rings on piston #5. The technician also documented bottom-end engine noise and determined that replacement of the engine assembly was necessary. The dealership replaced the engine with a GM remanufactured 6.2L L87 engine (part number 19420611), at an estimated cost of $10,950. Although my vehicle was not included in GM Safety Recall 25V‑274 (N252494000), I am concerned that this significant internal engine failure may be relevant to the federal safety agency's ongoing investigation of L87 engine failures, particularly those occurring in vehicles outside the original recall population. I request that the federal safety agency review and document this failure as part of its ongoing evaluation of the L87 engine and the scope of the existing recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · 9,000 miles · TX

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost power in the middle of traffic. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the emissions warning light and the drivetrain warning light were illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to pay half of the cost of the engine repair. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with lifter and rod failures. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the 6.2L engine failures. The failure mileage was 9,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Engine · IN

Engine failure at approximately 72,000 miles. The vehicle had been inspected by GM dealer and passed the pico test at approximately 60,000 miles. GM suggested repair of 0w40 oil with new oil cap and driver's manual insert was completed.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · AZ

On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on Interstate 10 near Litchfield Road in Arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at risk on the highway. This was a serious safety concern because the engine failed unexpectedly during operation. The GMC dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. The replacement engine was installed in October 2026, and I received the vehicle back on October 13, 2026. My concern is that the dealership installed a remanufactured engine, and I have not received sufficient documentation confirming whether the replacement addresses the underlying defect associated with the GM 6.2L engine failures. I am concerned about the possibility of another catastrophic engine failure, particularly while traveling at highway speeds with my family. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this engine failure and determine whether the replacement engine adequately addresses the safety defect. I believe these failures present a serious risk to drivers, passengers, and other motorists.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Transmission · MO

While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Fuel system · NJ

part number 13554821 fuel pump control module has failed 2 times. April 2023 on Interstate 95 near Savannah GA in very busy traffic. Vehicle buckled and seized, just barely made it to the shoulder of the road. Same part failed again 9/18/26 while turning onto Sunrise Hwy in NY another very dangerous situation as we were stranded in the middle of a very busy intersection

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Fuel system · MI

6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · MT

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 taken to an authorized GMC dealership, and the dipstick again showed no oil prior to service. The dealer began the manufacturer's oil consumption test protocol, performing an oil and filter change and other maintenance. Within approximately 74 miles of this service (current mileage 55,903), the engine began making an audible knocking noise. Oil level was checked and confirmed full/normal, ruling out low oil as the cause. The knock has been intermittent — not present at cold idle start, but returning during driving conditions, raising concern about potential engine failure or loss of power while driving. They can not get it back in till XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Engine · KS

The engine failed, shop confirmed and replaced motor. No warning lamps on dash.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Engine · TX

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 traffic. I. There was no illuminated symbols in the dash it just died as the symbols them lit up in the dash. I had it towed by AAA thinking just a battery or starter. I was told by GM dealership the engine seized. Propulsion, metal in the oil and the crankshaft failure. The exact recall problem. My Vin fell just outside of GM internal N252494003 program of 150,000 10 year extended warranty. I have 114, 689. 2021 yukon Denali. THE exact engine failure GM put out. GM is refusing to replace the engine. The engine has been torn down. I received pictures of my claim above. It's still at GM . I've opened a corporate GM case. I'm hitting a brick wall

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Engine · TX

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.