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2023 GMC Yukon: sudden loss of power

31 of the 248 complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints
31
of this car's complaints
13%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 162 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · WA

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.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AL

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.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Engine · MN

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.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine · IL

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.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · 56,600 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission shifted into neutral. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and attempted to shift into drive; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); by the owner of the vehicle, but the remedy failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the dealer to replace the engine. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 56,600.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Transmission · NY

My vehicle previously experienced engine problems severe enough that the engine was replaced. Despite the engine replacement, the vehicle is continuing to experience an engine misfire, and the check-engine light has been flashing. A flashing check-engine light and active misfire are a serious safety concern because the vehicle may experience rough running, reduced power, hesitation, or potential loss of power while driving. The fact that the misfire continues after an engine replacement raises concerns that the underlying problem was not resolved or that another component or system is malfunctioning. The exact cause of the current misfire is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle and/or affected components are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

My 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 with the 6.2L V8 has experienced multiple serious engine-related failures. The original engine previously was making a whining / knocking noise, then seized and required complete engine replacement under a GM recall/campaign involving 6.2L engine failures. The replacement engine later developed a lifter/valvetrain failure and required lifter replacement. The vehicle is now again exhibiting a pronounced rhythmic mechanical knocking/tapping noise, primarily during cold starts after sitting for an extended period. The noise occurs on most cold starts and has been documented in multiple videos. The vehicle is currently at a GMC dealership for inspection. I provided the dealer with several videos clearly demonstrating the noise. The dealer has stated that it has not yet been able to reproduce the condition and is attempting additional cold-start testing. The exact cause is currently UNKNOWN. No consistent warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared with the current knocking condition. My concern is that this vehicle has already experienced a catastrophic engine seizure, followed by internal valvetrain/lifter failure in the replacement engine, and is now again exhibiting abnormal mechanical engine noise. I am concerned this may indicate another developing internal engine failure that could potentially result in engine seizure or sudden loss of power while driving, including at highway speeds or in traffic. The vehicle and engine remain available for inspection, and multiple video recordings of the recurring cold-start knocking are available.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · GA

While driving down [XXX] in [XXX] engine had a major failure causing the loss of power and control of the vehicle going interstate speed. Luckily no accidents and no injuries or fatalities. All the these vehicles using the 6.2L engines made by GM should be bought back by GM at full purchase price. A few months ago my vehicle underwent the recall procedure and passed. So the recall process is incomplete and shows no real problem solving procedures, These vehicles are a ticking time bomb to all the owners and fellow motorists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · MS

Engine knocking vechile had loss of power. Had towed to dealer. Throwing all kinds of codes 6.2 L v8. Truck passed GM crap test in September and here we are at 59,000 with a blown motor. Lucky it did not go out under power and kill me or my small kids and family that was going to vacation with this truck the next day

Filed May 10, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NJ

I am filing this formal complaint to report a series of catastrophic, life-threatening mechanical failures involving my 2023 GMC Yukon. This vehicle has become a weapon on the road, exhibiting erratic behaviors that nearly resulted in a multi-vehicle fatality on a high-speed highway.1. High-Speed Power Loss (Highway Failure while my wife was traveling at 60 MPH in heavy highway traffic, the vehicle’s transmission spontaneously and without warning disengaged and shifted into Neutral. This caused an immediate and total loss of motive power. In a split second, my wife was left piloting a 6,000-pound unpowered projectile in the middle of high-speed traffic. By the grace of God alone, she managed to navigate to the shoulder without being rear-ended. This is a clear "Sudden Loss of Motive Power" defect that poses an immediate threat to life. 2. Unintended Directional Movement (Reverse Shift) Following a total engine replacement—a repair that took over 45 days—the vehicle has now developed a new, terrifying defect. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle spontaneously engaged in Reverse. This unintended movement occurred without driver input, creating a high risk of pedestrian strikes and intersection collisions. 3. Systematic Failure and Dealer Evasion The vehicle previously exhibited "ghost shifts" into Park and Neutral at low speeds. Despite my repeated warnings to the General Motors service department, I was dismissed until the engine ultimately failed. Furthermore, the dealership has been inconsistent and evasive regarding the serial numbers of the replacement components, leading me to believe that unsafe or defective parts are being recycled into these vehicles. General Motors is aware of these powertrain defects, yet they continue to allow these "death traps" to remain on the road. My family will not be the "crash test dummies" for GM’s manufacturing negligence

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · WV

On April 7, 2026, I was driving my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate on the interstate at approximately 70 mph, accelerating to pass a car so I could get off on my exit. Without warning, the dashboard displayed "Engine shut off, press start button" and the engine lost power. I coasted off the interstate to the shoulder safely. I was alone in the vehicle. I thought it was a battery issue and had a coworker attempt a jump. The vehicle would not restart. I called Moses GMC of Huntington, WV, and they dispatched a tow through GMC Roadside Assistance. I waited approximately 2 hours on the shoulder for the tow. After the tow, Pete, the Moses GMC service manager, called and said nothing was wrong with the vehicle, that it only needed an oil change. He said it started right up and he drove it into the bay. Moses performed the oil change. When the technician test drove it afterward, the engine fully shut down on the hill leaving the dealership property. My husband Zach happened to drive past and saw the Yukon stopped with hazard lights on at the top of the exit. Pete called that evening and said, "I think there actually is something wrong with it." On April 10, 2026, Pete confirmed the failure is the GM 6.2L V8 L87 engine defect covered under the federal safety agency Recall 25V‑274 (connecting rod/crankshaft manufacturing defect). Full engine replacement required, estimated 6-7 weeks. This vehicle was previously inspected by Moses GMC under Recall 25V‑274 in August 2025 and cleared at that time, approximately 8 months before the April 7 shutdown. Vehicle had ~38,000 miles, garage kept, full maintenance records, no prior engine issues or warning signs. No crash, no injury, no other vehicles involved in any of the three failure events.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

The 6.2L motor in my GMC Yukon failed due to the camshaft and stalled me in an intersection on a highway. Had to shut the lanes down to get towed. Lost all power and couldn’t do anything but sit in the road. Just did a PICO test and it “passed” but failed 3k miles after the recall was done.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported April 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected
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 loss of power

Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2023 GMC Yukon?

31 of 248 owner complaints about the 2023 GMC Yukon (13%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2021.

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

Engine failure 112Check engine light 28Knocking 20Stalling 17Won't start 12Won't shift 8Backup camera 5Brake failure 5

All model years of the GMC Yukon

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