On XXX, at about 2:49 PM Eastern, I was merging onto XXX from [XXX], accelerating hard at about 70 to 75 mph, when the dash displayed "press start again," the tachometer dropped to zero RPM, and the engine shut off. I crossed to the right-side breakdown lane and stopped. The engine then restarted. No crash or injury occurred. The truck has approximately 68,000 miles. I bought it used in XXX. The Recall 25V‑274 inspection was completed at the GMC dealership in [XXX] (I do not know the date). The dealership found nothing wrong and only changed the oil to 0W-40. On XXX, the day after a 65,000-mile service, the battery was completely dead (9.32 volts at rest) after a three-hour drive home the day before. The battery was replaced XXX. The charging system has not been diagnosed. I do not know whether the shutoff is related to that event or to the L87 engine failures. The vehicle lost motive power at highway speed under hard acceleration after the recall work was completed. It is going to the dealer for diagnosis. Please add this report to the file on post-remedy loss of propulsion in GM vehicles with the 6.2L V8. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2023 GMC Yukon: engine failure
112 of the 248 complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 112
- of this car's complaints
- 45%
- typical mileage
- 45,504
- recalls
- 1
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
After the original engine failed the recall inspection, it was replaced as part of GM's recall program at 40k miles. At 50k miles with the new engine (so only 10k miles into the new engine), the engine completely locked up and shut down while my son was driving the car on the interstate. We had to get it towed to the nearest dealership, and two weeks later, we are still waiting on the engine to be replaced again under warranty. I have completely lost faith in this car as I will now be on my third engine in 50k miles, and it is very dangerous if this thing can just shut down again while driving as they clearly have not solved the issue of these failing engines.
On September 20, 2026 around noon while traveling in the left lane on interstate 40W in North Carolina the engine of my 2023 Yukon Denali seized up with no warning. The screens shut off, then turned back on, and as I attempted to avoid hitting anyone or causing an accident on the road, I tried to shift it back into gear and it would not shift back into gear. Unable to use the gas pedal I put my right turn signal on along with my hazards and slowly made my way over to the right breakdown lane carefully to avoid causing an accident. I tried to start the engine again and the screens would turn back on, tell me to push the start/stop button again, then the screens would turn back off and on again and the engine would not start back up. In the breakdown lane I checked the battery connections and a couple other things that I thought might be the issue, but I had a feeling this was the engine issue that caused the safety recall on the 6.2 L GMC engine. My safety, my wife’s safety, and every other vehicle around me was put at risk because of this, and it could’ve ended horribly in injury or possible death. Prior to this, I brought the vehicle in for the safety recall inspection, it passed, and they changed the oil and type of oil filter to “fix the issue“. I used OnStar to set up a tow (which we paid for out of pocket), the estimated wait time was four hours, so we called an Uber (which we also paid for out of pocket) that took over an hour and a half to pick us up due to location on the highway. Vehicle was towed to a dealership and is available for inspection if requested. The next business day, the dealership was unable to get the engine to start and diagnosed with complete engine failure. They began the process of setting up a complete engine replacement. Said it may take 3 to 4 weeks. I am skeptical and think it will take more time. There were zero warning lamps, messages, or noises that could be heard prior to the failure which makes this incident so dangerous.
Engine began to reduce RPMs while driving up an incline and was unable to maintain speed. Warnings came on for battery, oil, transmission failure, engine failure. Power ultimately failed and electric finally shutoff after short period of time. Was able to connect to Onstar and they got a tow truck there in 2 hours. I had to hitchhike 30 miles to our residence to get another vehicle to pickup my wife and our 2 large dogs because tow truck unable to transport them. There is no Uber or Lyft in the rural mountain areas of [XXX], and no cell service. Car was towed into service center about 50 miles away, and I was told that the engine had to be replace. But they don't have the parts available after a week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle was subject to the GM recall involving the 6.2L L87 engine. The dealer completed the required recall inspection, determined that the engine passed, and performed the prescribed remedy for passing vehicles, which included changing to the specified higher-viscosity oil. After the recall inspection and remedy were completed, the engine subsequently failed. While driving on an interstate at approximately 70 mph, the engine failed without any prior warning lamps, messages, or noticeable symptoms. There was an audible warning tone and the instrument cluster displayed a message instructing me to restart the vehicle. I then noticed that the vehicle was in Neutral and the engine showed no RPMs or response when the accelerator was pressed. Pressing the start button did not restart the engine. When I attempted to select Drive, the vehicle displayed a warning indicating that conditions were not sufficient to change gears. The sudden loss of engine power and propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph on an interstate created a significant safety risk to myself, vehicle occupants, and others on the interstate. The vehicle could no longer maintain speed with surrounding highway traffic and had to be navigated to a safe location without engine power. The vehicle was towed to the local GM dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure, stating the engine was seized and the oil filter was full of shredded metal. The vehicle is currently with the GM dealer waiting a replacement engine. I am reporting this incident because the engine failure occurred despite the vehicle passing GM’s recall inspection and receiving the recommended remedy. This raises concern that the recall inspection and/or remedy may not adequately identify or prevent engine failures. The potential inadequacy of the recall remedy is especially concerning from a safety standpoint.
Engine seized up on the highway after recall was performed. I nearly avoided a wrecked getting it off the road. I had to wait over 5 hours for gm to tow me then ended up having it towed myself. Now the car is at the dealership with backordered parts, they agreedto pay for the tow now it seems to be an issue that I paid the to trcuk driver cash, & parts have no ship date. Gm customer servive agents are rude & do not seem to ave any sence of care in the world about anything
Heard a ticking sound whenever I was driving down the street then all of the sudden it got louder & SUV suddenly put itself into neutral. I was barely able to pull onto side of road to try and switch gears when hazard lights went on by themselves. Car wouldn’t turn on or start and whenever I tried again the check engine light appeared. Got the SUV towed to local, nearest GMC dealership who just called and said it was the engine failure and needed to be replaced.
Vehicle passed the recall inspection and service information was updated to reflect new engine oil viscosity requirements. Now just a few months later we experienced an issue and are told the engine needs replaced as part of the L87 recall. All service and oil changes have been completed by the dealership. This fits under the EA26005 investigation into post-recall failures. Vehicle is currently at Freeman GMC awaiting a replacement engine.
On May 8th of 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon with approximately 42,900 miles experienced an complete failure of the 6.2L engine requiring replacement. The engine failure occurred despite the engine having recently undergone inspection and special oil being used related to the federal safety agency 25V274 / GM N252494000 recall. When the engine failed, the vehicle could not be towed or pushed out of the flow of traffic because the computer will not allow the vehicle to be shifted into neutral, only showing "Conditions not correct for shift" in the instrument cluster. This sudden and unexpected loss of engine power combined with the inability to remove the vehicle from the lane of traffic creates a dangerous situation.
I am filing this complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali. I purchased the vehicle on January 30, 2026. Shortly after purchasing it, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failure was severe enough that the engine had to be completely replaced. My vehicle was out of service for approximately 38 days as a result. This was not a minor mechanical issue or routine repair. It was a catastrophic failure of a major component in a relatively new vehicle. I am extremely concerned about the safety implications of an engine failing without warning. An unexpected engine failure can result in a sudden loss of power and the inability to safely accelerate or maneuver, particularly when traveling at highway speeds or in traffic. The fact that the engine required complete replacement raises serious concerns regarding the reliability and safety of this engine and whether other GMC and Chevrolet vehicles equipped with the same or related engine may be experiencing similar failures. I am requesting that the federal safety agency formally document this catastrophic engine failure and investigate whether it is part of a broader pattern of engine failures involving these GM vehicles. I have documentation showing the engine failure, dealership diagnosis, complete engine replacement, repair history, and the approximately 38 days the vehicle was out of service. I can provide these records upon request.
1.Description of the Incident: On 6/28/26, while driving my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali at approximately 70 miles per hour with cruise control engaged, I attempted to take an exit. As I approached the exit, the vehicle’s display indicated that it was not in gear, despite being in motion. This malfunction occurred in heavy traffic, and I narrowly avoided a collision with a semi-truck as I maneuvered towards the shoulder of the road. Once safely on the shoulder, I attempted to shift the vehicle into Drive and Park, but the system reported that the application was not available, rendering the vehicle inoperable. After several unsuccessful attempts to restart the vehicle, I lost all power, leading me to suspect a battery or alternator issue. 2. Component/System Failure: The component that failed is the engine, which was subsequently diagnosed as having failed by the dealership. The failed engine is available for inspection upon request. 3. Safety Risks: This incident posed significant safety risks, including: •Risk of Collision: The sudden loss of power at high speed nearly resulted in a collision with a semi-truck and other vehicles, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. •Stranded in Dangerous Conditions: Being stranded on the side of the road in 100°F weather further exacerbated the situation, creating a potential health hazard. 4. Confirmation of the Problem: The problem was confirmed by the dealership that serviced my vehicle. They conducted a thorough inspection and determined that the engine had failed. Independent verification of the engine failure is available upon request. 5. Inspections by Authorities: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership; however, it has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Documentation from the dealership regarding the inspection and engine replacement is available. 6. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Prior to this, there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem prior.
2023 Yukon Denali, 6.2 Engine. Owner complied with first GM recall and the engine passed inspection. 8/16/26 Engine started making a knocking sound. 8/17/26 Yukon was taken to the dealership and diagnosed as complete engine failure. There were no warnings indicated on the dash. Yukon is currently still at the Dealership with no repair date issued. Today is 9/3/26. I have contacted GM regarding a possible buy-back. GM said they would email in 24-48 hours. I have not heard from GM and it is now 72 hours since my initial phone call.
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 engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2023 GMC Yukon?
112 of 248 owner complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon (45%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2023.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2023 GMC Yukon?
There is 1 recall and 162 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2023 GMC Yukon
Loss of power 31Check engine light 28Knocking 20Stalling 17Won't start 12Won't shift 8Backup camera 5Brake failure 5
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