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.
GMC Yukon XL oil consumption problems
38 of the 2,462 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon XL describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 38
- worst model year
- 2021
- typical mileage
- 61,000
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 12Knocking 7Loss of power 5Check engine light 4Misfire 3Stalling 1Slipping 1Jerking 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0303 1
What owners say
Transfer case shutters in AWD and 4WD. Almost locks up in 4WD in reverse in a turn. Shutters in both AWD and 4WD. Dealer claims this is normal so just drive in 2WD. The vehicle did not do this before. I test drove new 2026 exact same vehicle. It did not do what my vehicle does. GM will not entertain a buyback. Offered GM voucher points. The engine has already been replaced. It appears to be consuming oil so the dealer is conducting an oil consumption test now.
My 2024 GMC Yukon XL Denali Ultimate (VIN 1GKS2KKLXRR331476, 6.2L L87) has been consuming engine oil excessively since early ownership. At the 20,219-mile oil change it was already a quart low, and it has needed repeated oil additions between changes since then. The vehicle is now at about 32,400 miles. I reported the problem in writing to the selling dealer on April 30, 2026, and again on October 9, 2026. GM opened case 115829578, but no oil consumption test or repair has been done. Low oil in this engine risks bearing damage and sudden engine failure while driving, the failure mode the federal safety agency is investigating under EA26005 for L87 engines built after Recall 25V‑274's production window, which includes this vehicle.
High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer shutting down. It has been one thing after the next.
This is an ongoing problem from date of purchase, before the normal oil change time the low oil light comes on. When i check the oil dip stick it is in fact low. I have to add at least 2 qts of oil to get it to the right level. Time frame would be at least once every 2 months under normal CA driving conditions. Also does have a rough idle and noise that sounds like the motor is going to come apart on startup. I have takin it to the dealer, they performed consumption test and checked the motor recall. The dealer told us that our motor passed the recall inspection, made the changes, oil, oil cap, etc. Then told us it passed the consumption test. Since then I still have to add oil between oil changes. We were told by the service tech that even if the motor is bad, there is no replacements at this time and the vehicle would just sit at our dealership until we can get a replacement. No one has been hurt at this time. I'm just waiting for the motor to lock up. The vehicle can be inspected upon request. The only warning light that comes on is the low engine oil warning.
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)
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center, the mechanic discovered that the oil level was extremely low and determined that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the engine was inspected and a higher viscosity oil was added to the engine. The failure mileage was 60,100.
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 low-oil, low-oil-pressure, check-engine, or other dashboard warning, despite being severely low on oil and having its alerts enabled. I had no indication that the engine was operating with an unsafe amount of oil. I am concerned that the continued internal oil consumption could cause premature engine damage, engine seizure, or sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning. I regularly use this vehicle to transport my young children. My VIN is not currently included in Recall 25V‑274, although my vehicle has the same model year and 6.2L L87 engine involved in the ongoing the federal safety agency investigation. I am reporting this confirmed internal oil consumption and lack of driver warning so that problems occurring in currently excluded vehicles can be properly documented and investigated.
Update to original claim filed 11760897. Dealership inspected on 9/9/2026 and found engine damage severe enough to warrant a complete replacement. Catastrophic damage. Unspecified what caused the damage, but service advisor made me aware of a deep gash along the cylinder wall after removing the cylinder heads, unspecified cylinder. Likely from cylinder 3 where the code was being displayed- P0303. Vehicle was in the beginning stages of an oil consumption test and had a history of oil loss without any visible leaks. Add oil light came on 650 miles after oil change. Oil was likely being burnt up through combustion due to damaged cylinder wall. Unknown time for new engine to be installed. Estimated backlog 600 engines, could be regionally or nationally. Replacing engine at 29,800 miles, however vehicle has been having these issues much longer- closer to 20,000 miles. I want consumers to be aware this vehicle was not part of the national recall. Vehicle was manufactured in July 2024, two months past the recall date established for these GM engines.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under an oil consumption-related recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
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
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- Risk
- If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 06V289000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Yukon XL oil consumption
Which GMC Yukon XL years have excessive oil consumption problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (16 complaints), 2023 (8 complaints) and 2022 (5 complaints).
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