Dealer performed oil change on 10/14/26 @ 11521 miles. We stated at time of oil change that we were experiencing shuttering at 1200-1500 rpm' and was hearing knocking sounds from engine. Advisor stated that they will change oil and test drive vehicle and check for codes. It is noted on diagnostic report that oil was changed, test drove vehicle 5 miles and all ok at this time. Vehicle was released back to us to drive without any further investigation to the symptoms that we noticed. Advisor requested that we make an appointment with the transmission division. Appt. made with transmission group for 10/26/26. On 10/25/26 Engine light came on. At the 10/26/26 appt., code P0016 was noted @ 11862 miles and we were called to say that we needed a new engine. Advisor also stated verbally that there were metal shards in the oil. Dealer offered good will assistance and denied the powertrain warranty based on Owner Neglect. Spoke to GM assistance and they are still denying warranty replacement of said engine. General Manager stated that we should request an engine tear down.
2026 GMC Yukon: check engine light
6 of the 49 complaints about the 2026 GMC Yukon describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
Has 3600 miles and engine suddenly lost power and had back knocking/squealing noise and check engine light started flashing.
On 7/25/26 (a Saturday), we started to hear a noise in my vehicle and shortly thereafter, were sent a service alert through the GMC app and the check engine light came on. We immediately parked the vehicle and took it to the dealership when they opened on 7/27/2026 (Monday). Later that day, we were informed that my Yukon Denali, with 9,226 miles on it, has metal fragments in the oil caused by some sort of failure in the bottom half of the engine and the engine needs to be replaced. The engine was replaced and I picked up my car on 8/17/2026. The check engine light came on again on 8/20/2026 and after three trips to the dealership, my catalytic converter was replaced. Since purchasing my car on December 4, 2025, I have taken it back to the dealership 5 times for non-routine services (and once for a routine oil change). Since purchasing a BRAND NEW 2026 GMC Denali (a car that cost over $100,000) less than 10 months ago, I have been without my car for 33 days for manufacturing related issues that are all under warranty. I still don't think the engine issues are fixed (or I have another bad engine). My vehicle sounds metallic at start up (different than it sounded when I purchased the vehicle and different than other 2024-2026 GMC Yukons with the same engine) and idles rougher than it used to. I am nervous driving my car on road trips now, which is one of the primary reasons we purchased the vehicle. I did my research before purchasing this vehicle and based on information from GM, was under the impression that the engine issues plaguing the 2021-2025 engines had been resolved. This issue is still a MAJOR concern and needs to be investigated and remedied before something more catastrophic happens.
Engine failed . Stalled in the middle of the road . Engine ran bad . Shaking knocking and trebling. No engine lights on .
-Transmission started to slip when shifting above 2000rpms -Engine light came on and took to dealership -Error code confirmed for valve body, valve #3 failure -New valve body installed after order but also failed as I left the dealership -New valve body currently on order
The vehicle experienced repeated failures involving the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System, and Check Engine system. Warning indicators for the ESC, traction control, and check engine illuminated while operating the vehicle. The issue has occurred on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred on May 4, 2026. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection and repair, and the dealership advised that the issue had been corrected. However, the same problem reoccurred on May 7, 2026. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department, and the malfunction was confirmed. The affected components and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The failure created a significant safety concern because the ESC and traction control systems are critical safety features designed to assist with vehicle stability, traction, and driver control, particularly during emergency maneuvers or adverse road conditions. The warning indicators raised concerns that the vehicle could unexpectedly lose stability assistance, traction management, or engine performance while driving. This placed the driver and others at risk because the vehicle’s ability to respond safely during normal or emergency driving conditions could have been compromised. The repeated recurrence of the issue, even after dealership repair attempts, raises concern regarding the reliability and effectiveness of the corrective action performed.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2026 GMC Yukon check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2026 GMC Yukon?
6 of 49 owner complaints about the 2026 GMC Yukon (12%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2021.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2026 GMC Yukon?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2026 GMC Yukon
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2026 GMC Yukon?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history