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GMC Yukon check engine light comes on

265 of the 5,032 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon describe check engine light, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
265
worst model year
2021
typical repair cost reported
$3,584
typical mileage
82,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Engine failure 69Loss of power 50Knocking 33Stalling 27Misfire 27Fuel pump 19Won't shift 16Hesitation 14

Trouble codes mentioned

P050D 3P0300 3P0700 2P0307 2U3505 1U3018 1U220F 1U1345 1U0285 1U0101 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Transmission · VA

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.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

During normal acceleration on the interstate entrance ramp, the vehicle stuttered and continued on seemingly without issue. Within a few minutes, I noticed the check engine light flashing and fluctuating oil pressure, and I drove cautiously to the closest mechanic shop a few miles away. The code (P0307) indicated a cylinder 7 misfire, and I was referred to the dealership for further diagnostics. The dealership determined the lifters failed resulting in damage to the camshaft, which they reported is a very common problem with the 5.3 L engine. The repairs were quoted in excess of $11,900. This sudden failure at highway speeds poses a safety risk to the motoring public. Furthermore, the consumer should not foot the bill for GM's manufacturing defects. This information is provided in the hopes that a recall is initiated.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · NC

Has 3600 miles and engine suddenly lost power and had back knocking/squealing noise and check engine light started flashing.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · AR

As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start back up.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

VEHICLE: 2021 GMC Yukon, 5.3L V8 (L84). VIN: [XXX]. Mileage at failure: approximately 88,000. Component: Engine. INCIDENT DATE: XXX While I was driving on a highway, the engine began to misfire and I heard a ticking noise. The check engine light then began flashing, indicating a severe misfire. I pulled off the highway immediately to a rest area. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. The dealer's diagnosis suspected failed valve lifters, and the repair orders call for a misfire diagnosis with the Bank 1 cylinder head removed, and replacement of the camshaft, lifters, and related parts. This failure caused sudden loss of engine performance at highway speed. The engine began smoking. My family and I were in the vehicle, and we were fortunate there was a safe place to stop. I believe this is a known defect. GM Service Bulletin PIP5776, "Misfire Due to Collapsed Lifter," covers 2021 GMC Yukons with the 5.3L L84 engine. It describes a misfire with a bent pushrod leading to a collapsed lifter or a lifter that comes apart, and it attributes the cause to an internal lifter concern. Many other owners of GM V8 trucks and SUVs have reported the same failure, and a class action over the AFM/DFM lifters has been pending against GM in federal court in [XXX] since 2021. I bought this vehicle new and have maintained it. This is the second time this vehicle has left my family stranded on a highway. In 2024, a separate known issue left us, including three children under [XXX], on the side of a major highway about 7 hours from home. GM repaired that issue. For the current failure, GM has not agreed to cover the repair. It has offered $5,951.39 toward an engine replacement, which would leave me responsible for $13,886.59 plus teardown labor. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware of this failure, which can cause sudden loss of power on the highway. GM case number: XXX. Dealer: Fred Beans Buick GMC, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Transmission · 115,280 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a reduced speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the camshaft lobe had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,280.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration. Other error codes (303) also appeared with the check engine light also coming in. Upon checking the code later once home, it indicated there was an issue with the lifters. The car was then towed to the dealership where it was confirmed there are issues with both the lifters and the cam shaft and both need to be replaced.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · 41,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a solenoid failure. The dealer replaced several unknown components before determining that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive; however, the manufacturer declined to provide documentation stating that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact expressed concern that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because engine seizure was a common issue. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

I am filing a complaint about a serious safety issue with my vehicle. While I was driving on a highway with my spouse and children in the vehicle, the engine began downshifting, the check engine light came on, and an “engine oil hot” warning appeared. The engine then suddenly shut down. With traffic behind us, I had to pull off onto a dirt road in a rural, secluded area. This put my family in a frightening and dangerous situation. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership. After inspecting it, the dealer told me it needs an engine replacement. This would be the second engine replacement for a vehicle that is less than four years old. I have owned this vehicle for only two and a half weeks and have already had to take it to the dealership twice for major repairs. It is unacceptable to make payments on a vehicle this new that has proven so unreliable, especially when it can shut down without warning while my family is traveling. I am requesting a prompt resolution to both the safety issue and the repeated engine failure.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WA

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.

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

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust systemReported January 13, 2014 · 325,213 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Risk
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.

Recall number 14V007000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 7, 2007 · 11,974 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Risk
If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 07V521000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Yukon check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the GMC Yukon?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine failure, sudden loss of power and engine knocking or ticking, and the codes they mention most are P050D, P0300 and P0700.

Which GMC Yukon years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (60 complaints), 2023 (28 complaints) and 2007 (22 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the GMC Yukon?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,584 (median of 26 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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