I had the recall remedy of the v8 completed. They said it only required thicker oil which now lowers fuel economy and costs more for oil changes. After the recall, the engine still makes a knocking sound
2023 GMC Yukon XL: engine knocking or ticking
10 of the 230 complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon XL describe engine knocking or ticking.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Engine knocking or ticking by model year
What owners say
While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.
2023 Yukon Denali XL 6.2l: GM oil change recall performed (October 2025) and GMC dealership noted no issues. Prior to recall oil change, at aprox 5k miles interval (45K total miles), check engine oil light on dash and was over 1 quart low. Next oil change at aprox 50K miles, no check engine light came on, but certified mechanic drained and measure oil level, 1.5 quarts low. Engine often sounds odd at cold start, ticking sound. Now an oil change is $100 more, due to special oil, but not compensated for extra cost. Brake calibers failed. February 2026, engine light on, then off, then hood latch dash light warning now on and off. Huge safety concerns with the 2023 GMC Yukon 6.2L.
We had the L87 engine recall completed at 14,318 miles on Nov 20, 2025 on our 2023 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L engine. Engine passed all tests by dealer and we were sent on our way with 0W-40 and a new oil cap. Fast forward to Jan 21, 2026.... My wife pulled the vehicle out of driveway and noticed a deep pitched, knocking sound. She slowly started to drive down the street a bit and then the vehicle shut off and displayed a warning message on the dash (this was on a cold engine, not due to the absurd auto start/stop feature). She was able to restart and get vehicle back to the garage. We had just rolled 15,000 miles on the odometer the day before. Immediately called our dealer and had an appointment set for the next day. We were able to drive vehicle to dealer with knocking and reduced power during the drive. Dealer confirmed next day that an excessive amount of metal was found in oil and on oil filter element then supplied us with video evidence. A complete teardown has been ordered but no cause has yet been identified as of Jan 29, 2026. Service tech stated as we walked back into the dealer that "you are getting a new engine based on the amount of metal found in the oil sample". I asked about timeline for engine replacement and was told that we are looking at a month if not longer until we will get the vehicle back. We know that we are VERY fortunate to not have had the engine shutdown happen on a highway as my wife would have most certainly panicked in the situation possibly leading to a catastrophic event.
2023 Gmc Yukon XL SLT 5.3 Liter V8 engine As i was crusing on hiway my engine gave up lost of power knocking noise and check engine light appeared on dash it was a very serious matter when you are on hiway and engine fails on you ive gotte the car diagnosed it had known issue like the rest of GM trucks and suv Lifter failure/camshaft/push rods complete engine had to be either replace or professional rebuilt. This vehicle brand new is almost $100k vehicle which shouldnt have had this issue under 2 years of ownership and paying out of my own pocket. I urge the federal safety agency to take this matter in to consideration and have the GM 5.3 liter V8 engine under recall just like they have with the 6.2 liter V8 engine they have the same problem with the lifters, camshaft,pushrod failure. Thank you
While traveling on the interstate my vehicle shuttered and lost power we went to a friend’s neighborhood and the vehicle stalled when we pulled in no lights had come on until then and a knock had started. With no where to pull over I finally got the vehicle started and drove it straight to our friends house and left in on the side of the street. I had to take there vehicle home and called ONSTAR to tow it to the dealership. I have to pay for the over mileage because I was out of town when it happened.
The vehicle has experienced numerous losses of power, it has nearly stalled during normal operation, there is a horrible knocking noise coming from the engine. I have had the vehicle into the dealership who state they are unable to recreate the issue, and since the vehicle has been turned off the recorder shows noting either. They have performed an inspection and changed the oil, but the vehicle still has the issue. It knocks and shudders like it's cold, it comes very close to stalling and then seems to recover, this has happend twice while making left hand turns, it has completly lost power even while depressing the gas, but again they indicate they can't recreate it, so there is nothing they can do. I am scared for my safety, and that of the child I drive daily. There have been several instances in the last few months.
I’ve inserted the question and their answer: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Lifter valve number six failed causing it to shatter and send pieces of it throughout the engine along with other debris into the cylinders. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle had loud engine knock, pulsation of power, had to pull off on main highways due to loss of power over 400 miles away from home. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, engine was serviced by GM dealership in Baldwinsville, NY for over $8,500. Will attach copy of bill. Now is doing same thing, again. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GM as stated above. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check engine light flashed, traction control light came on.
Wife was driving down the interstate (18,000 or so miles on vehicle), and engine suddenly shut down causing loss of power. Had to safely maneuver vehicle off the side of the road to try to restart. After restart, continued driving without issue until noticeable clicking noise and engine thumping noise. Vehicle was diagnosed with lifter issues. After repair, and 2000 miles additional driving (20,000) ticking and thumping noise returned. Taken back for service and notified full engine replacement is necessary.
At approximately 9,000 miles the engine started knocking. I took it to the dealer today and they called to confirm the engine and radiator needed to be replaced as there are metal shavings in the oil. I'm not sure if it is the 6.2L engine lifter issue or if this is something different, nonetheless, engine issues for GMC seem to be systemic based on quick research and seeing posts in forums and social media.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have...
- Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on...
- Condition that could
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2023 GMC Yukon XL knocking
Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL?
10 of 230 owner complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon XL (4%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL?
There is 1 recall and 128 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL
Engine failure 88Loss of power 35Check engine light 29Stalling 17Won't start 13Won't shift 10Jerking 8Oil consumption 8Wipers 7Adaptive cruise 6Brake failure 6Misfire 6Warning lights 5
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