GMC Yukon XL fuel smell problems

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · MA · 6 injuries

POST-RECALL 25V274 ( & EA25007, EA25001) EXHAUST INTRUSION WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD Following the complete engine replacement under GM recall N252494000, my vehicle has developed a severe and persistent exhaust intrusion that allows toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the passenger cabin. CO levels have measured a peak of 83 PPM and consistent reading between 20-37 over multiple tests. PATTERN OF POST-RECALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES Vehicle has been in for service 6 times, over 100 days, as part of the engine replacement plus (metal found in the oil pan). Since recall, the vehicle has had an exhaust smell and noise rattle issue with the following exhaust system components deemed failed and been replaced: 1. Radiator cap (leaking onto exhaust) 2. Exhaust muffler (replaced TWICE - June 2025 and August 2025) 3. Exhaust clamps (leaking) 4. Left exhaust manifold (warped) Critical Finding: Despite replacement of virtually the entire exhaust system, the defect persists. This suggests a fundamental design or installation defect related to the engine replacement procedure, NOT isolated component failures. Documented Carbon Monoxide Levels: Between January 30 and February 3, 2026, I conducted 15+ tests using a professional-grade Klein Tools ET180 Carbon Monoxide Meter. Results: • Peak reading: 83 PPM • Multiple readings: 40-72 PPM sustained for 6+ minutes directly at my [XXX] daughter's car seat position • Testing method: Vehicle started via remote start, CO meter placed in cabin, readings recorded over 10-15 minute periods Health Impacts to Family: • Wife and [XXX] daughter consistently experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea when riding in vehicle • Daughter now refuses to ride in vehicle because it makes her feel sick • Symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning Independent service station verification on January 30th confirmed "vehicle is dangerous to operate with children inside and needs immediate service." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

About 4 weeks ago my vehicle began shaking uncontrollably while driving. The check engine light illuminated and multiple warnings appeared including emissions system, variable valve timing system, engine and transmission failures shown on the GMC app. I contacted the selling dealership and was given an appointment 4 days later. Later that day I drove less than 5 miles to pick up my children from school. During that drive the vehicle filled with a strong gasoline odor and exhaust fumes were overwhelming. I feared the vehicle could catch fire. I contacted the dealership again, stated the vehicle was unsafe, dropped it off at approximately 8:00 PM and was required to obtain my own rental vehicle. After one week I was told the engine required a camshaft and lifter replacement. Inspected & approved by extended warranty, parts were ordered and installed. I retrieved the vehicle on 23 days after the initial failure. The following morning (24th day) while driving approximately 75 mph on a major interstate with my children the vehicle suddenly shifted into neutral and would not re-engage. I was unable to shift into any gear and coasted to a narrow shoulder inches from traffic and guardrail.The dashboard stated the vehicle could not shift into gear and instructed me to push the start button. The engine would not restart. We were stranded approximately two hours in 10-degree weather on a major interstate with heavy semi-truck traffic. Roadside assistance was required. 3 days later the dealership stated the failure was a fuse block. After replacement the vehicle was test driven and stated to be operating normally. A second dealership employee test drove the vehicle, it died again and had to be towed back to the dealership. The battery was replaced after draining while disabled. Repeated mechanical and electrical failures resulted in complete loss of power at highway speeds and placed my children and me in immediate danger. I no longer believe this vehicle is safe to operate.

Filed Oct 12, 2025 · Body · NE

Part number 15816854 and says replaced by 15756444 cab pressure releaf vent rubber degrades and is open allowing exhaust fumes to go into cab of vehicle they are located above taillights of vehicle while driving sucks exhaust fumes into vehicle no parts available to fix vehicle and not normal serviceable part

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine · OK

On Thursday August 14 while driving our traction control light and engine light came on along with the ESC light while traveling out of state. The car felt like we were driving on a rumble strip. We immediately took it to the nearest auto repair shop, only a few minutes away. They reset the battery and dash lights and we took it for a test drive. All the lights came back on after a couple of feet and loud knocking sounds started. Our emissions light then also came on and a strong exhaust smell was emitted. Each time the engine was started the knocking grew louder and the engine was severely struggling and sounded very wrong . The shop put their diagnostic tool to use and identified misfiring on cylinder 5. Upon further inspection they identified camshaft irreparable failure. We had it towed to the Platteville WI GMC Dealership Friday Aug 15. Where they confirmed camshaft failure and informed us our engine needed total replacement. Our safety was at risk since our engine failed while exiting the highway.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Engine · WA

I had a 10 month old 2022 Yukon Denali XL. There was a constant smell of exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Took it into the dealership on multiple occasions and they found a leak in the exhaust system and supposedly fixed it. Less than 24hrs after getting it out of the shop, the engine seized up. Engine was replaced weeks later and within 7 days I started having transmission issue. GMC did absolutely nothing to keep my family of 8 safe.

Filed Nov 19, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · PA

After getting full tune up my engine starts ticking when I start my my car after a while of driving the ticking stops car stalls while driving and check engine blinks on and off . Already changed coils from instructed read still get stalling. Brake booster light is on and I have a fuel smell that comes and goes while driving

Filed Nov 18, 2017 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · MI

Fuel smell inside and outside of vehicle while driving and parked. Extended crank after (overnight) engine off park. Fuel puddle noticed under parked vehicle on garage floor and driveway after overnight parking. Smell and fuel leak seemed worse with a full tank. Also noticed more frequent auto shut off at fuel station during automatic filling. Dealer dropped tank and found a fuel line that was 'rubbed' through to the point of failure. I will document with pictures upon my return to the dealership if needed for future. I find this completely unacceptable that on a ($70k) 3 year old vehicle there is a fuel leak that could have been prevented with a 10 cent piece of insulation to protect the lines from rubbing. Sounds like someone choose to look the other way during validation testing! Total bs.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Fuel system · NJ

I noticed a gasoline odor coming from my fuel tank area, I immediately had a mechanic inspect the issue as I was fearing a possible fire hazard. Upon inspection he found the fuel lines to the fuel pump to have disintegrated and spewing fuel . The fumes and fuel were dangerously close to the exhaust system and I fear that I just narrowly averted disaster. Further inspection by the mechanic determined that the brake lines were also about to rust through and the effect of that would be catastrophic in a highway or any hard braking situation that could initiate enough pressure to cause the lines to burst. I am very upset that gmc hasn't apprised owners of this hazardous and life threatening situation with these vehicles. I have replaced all affected components and feel that this is cause for a recall and reimbursement from gmc before a catastrophic event takes place due to blatant negligence of the manufacturer. My understanding is many people have voiced concern over this and gmc has turned a blind eye.

Filed May 15, 2013 · Engine · 67,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon xl. The contact stated that there was a flapping noise that came from the exhaust. There were exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle as well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where they determined that the manifold bolts were corroded fractured. The failure had also occurred in the past. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The current mileage was 69,000.

Filed May 20, 2005 · Fuel system · MD

Leaking fuel pump and strong smell of gas inside of car